Surprised this has not been posted else where, but BNSF, a major Class I RR and it's conductors union, SMART (former UTU) have proposed to allow 1 man train operations on road trains equipped with Positive Train Control, PTC. Conductors will still be required on certain yard jobs, locals. and road jobs without PTC. Road jobs that need to make a cut of cars or a make a push move will be assigned a "utility conductor" apparently.
I think this is insane. BNSF does not have the best safety record and they want to get rid of essential trainmen. One day it will be computers running everything and 60 MPH crude oil trains will be unmanned. These so called utility conductors will be called out to specific location to perform the duties required of them, and leave. They will not be assigned to a single train. After the accident up in Quebec, I think it is obvious that conductors are needed.
Please help us sign this petition to congress to stop 1 man trains in the US.
http://t.co/X2eEa69lAD" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I think this is insane. BNSF does not have the best safety record and they want to get rid of essential trainmen. One day it will be computers running everything and 60 MPH crude oil trains will be unmanned. These so called utility conductors will be called out to specific location to perform the duties required of them, and leave. They will not be assigned to a single train. After the accident up in Quebec, I think it is obvious that conductors are needed.
Please help us sign this petition to congress to stop 1 man trains in the US.
http://t.co/X2eEa69lAD" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
"Clear back three cars to the Admiral"