Blumenthal Statement on FRA's Two-Person Crew Proposal

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today released the following statement in response to the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) proposed rule requiring most railroads to maintain two-person crews.

“I am pleased FRA today heeded my call, moving toward a policy that ensures two-person crews on trains – just as there are on planes. The cost of adding a second, skilled crewmember pales in comparison to the costs of avoidable crashes and collisions. Whether it’s a passenger train carrying hundreds of people or a massive, mile-long train full of critical cargo – safe operation requires more than just one person. I urge the FRA to finish this rulemaking swiftly. Too many railroads continue to delay and drag their feet in implementing Positive Train Control, so any steps available to improve the safety of our rails must be taken immediately."

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