Railroad carriers' toxic brew
Numerous security and safety breaches on the nation's railways in October,
including a man who allegedly hijacked a train with a bow and arrow, reinforce
the findings of the Teamsters Rail Conference report, "High Alert:
Workers Warn of Security Gaps on Nation's Railroads."
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Senate focuses on rail security
The U.S. Senate is currently considering a bill that seeks to improve
the security of America's freight and passenger rail transportation system.
The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation held a
hearing on October 20, regarding S. 1052, the Transportation Security Improvement
Act. The hearing also examined public and private sector actions taken to
enhance the security of passenger and freight rail transportation in light
of September 11, 2001, and various attacks on rail systems overseas.
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Latest FRA emergency ordeer off
the mark
In a bold step, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has set a November
22 deadline for an emergency order mandating that Union Pacific, Burlington
Northern Santa Fe, Norfolk Southern, CSX and all other railroads take specific
and immediate steps to fix a growing safety problem which has lead to an
increasing number of train accidents, resulting in nine serious train crashes,
ten fatalities and injuries to more than 600 people since January of 2005.
Under the Emergency Order, any railroad company, supervisor or employee
who violates the procedures mandated in the order may be liable for a civil
penalty of up to $27,000.
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FRA publishes Q&A on Emergency
Order No. 24
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) published 29 questions and
answers concerning Emergency Order No. 24 (EO 24), which will take effect
on November 22. You can view or download the questions and answers from
the BLET website.
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