The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) released a long-awaited study on Sept. 17 to examine issues related to the increasing length of freight trains.
Jared Cassity, SMART-TD’s national legislative director, summarizes their findings: “The fact that we’re seeing a high rate of derailment despite fewer trains highlights the serious risks associated with longer trains. . This puts not only our members at risk but the community as well.”
This is understandable, but that no one is ready to take action is a worrying trend.
Fewer trains, same amount of dirt
SMART Transportation Division, the largest railroad organization in the United States, has also noted that long trains cause serious accidents. We regret that the study does not recommend specific measures to address the problem they identified. The safety issues posed by lengthening trains do not require further study. Strong action is needed.
This study confirms what we have been saying for a long time: The longer trains take, the more accidents, and these accidents are not effectively reduced.
Railroads return data for long trains
Unfortunately, the comprehensiveness of the NAS report was limited by a notable lack of data from rail carriers and the Association of American Railroads (AAR). This data collection gap is unfortunate, preventable and entirely predictable.
“It’s very frustrating to see the rail companies and their representatives willfully withhold important information that would have led to a full and effective report,” Cassity said. “Failure to provide full information is a clear attempt by these companies to avoid accountability and continue their unregulated practices.”
Meanwhile, it’s the same story from the railways, as their mouthpiece repeats the same facts they usually publish.
“Safety is at the heart of every rail decision, and rail length is no different,” AAR President and CEO Ian Jeffery said. “As operations continue to change, railways are drawing on three key pillars – technology, training and equipment – to improve safety and reliability.”
SMART-TD emphasizes new rules and regulations for train length
We hoped that NAS research would bridge the gap between information collection and actionable solutions. Instead, no decisions about what the maximum length of the train should be were made in the research.
Meanwhile, the AAR has flagged the 7,500-foot length — about a mile and a half — used by the study as a measuring point as “contradictory” when defining what is meant by a “long” train.
They said: “The investigation followed a boundary defined by congress without a common consensus on its appropriateness.”
As experts on the ground, our members can provide insight. Longer trains help train operators by increasing their efficiency and profitability. This comes at the cost of rail workers’ lives, increased risks for the public and reduced service for companies waiting for their shipments. Longer trains contribute to greater congestion, increased response time for first responders at closed intersections, and greater administrative challenges in general.
SMART-TD calls for immediate and decisive action to solve the problems associated with long trains. We consult with policymakers and regulatory agencies charged with the responsibility of maintaining railroads. They have a responsibility to deal with these risks, as we have an obligation to protect the welfare of railway workers and the public affected by the trains we run every day.
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