From left: Andrew Arias and Ray Vigil testified in favor of a rail safety bill in the New Jersey General Assembly on June 15.
The BLET is working hard to secure passage of an important rail safety bill in the state of New Jersey. On June 15, New Jersey State Legislative Board Chairman Ray Vigil testified before the General Assembly’s Transportation Committee in support of Bill A5605, the Safe Rail Bill. Also testifying was Brother Andrew Arias, Secretary-Treasurer of the New Jersey SLB.
The Safe Rail Bill would mandate two-person train crews on all hazmat trains, would establish a maximum train length of 8,500 feet, and would establish minimum standards for wayside detectors.
Following the expert testimony of Brother Vigil and Brother Arias — both full time working locomotive engineers — the Transportation Committee voted 8-0 to approve the measure. The bill now advances to the floor for consideration by the full General Assembly.
Brother Vigil thanked the bill’s primary cosponsors, Transportation Committee Chairman Daniel R. Benson and Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez. He also thanked Assemblyman William W. Spearman, a Transportation Committee member, who voted in favor of the bill.
“This bill is all about safety, and we will continue to educate legislators on both sides of the aisle as this important legislation advances through the legislative process,” Brother Vigil said.
More information and a copy of the bill can be found on the New Jersey General Assembly website: www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2022/A5605.