(The following article by Carly Kennelly was posted KVEW’s website on November 8.)
HERMISTON, Ore. — The Union Pacific Railroad may start using a remote controlled train to haul loads to industrial businesses in Hermiston and Umatilla. But, Hermiston’s mayor is trying to stop the train from coming through town. He wrote letters expressing his concern about remote controlled trains to both Union Pacific and the Federal Railroad Administration. He’s asking they send only trains with conductors through Hermiston.
A spokesman for Union Pacific says people don’t need to worry. He says when compared to a regular train, remote controlled ones derail less and are safer for railroad employees. The operator with a remote control can stand on the train, along side it or further away from it. But, mayor Bob Severson is concerned about public safety.
“If they’re riding it that’s one thing, but if they’re along side of it or down a distance how do you see what’s happening?” said Severson.
Severson points out a derailment near Hermiston back in April. A remote controlled train sideswiped another train. Union Pacific says the accident would have happened regardless whether one train was remote controlled. But, Severson isn’t satisfied.
“To do it we need to be assured we’re going to have safe passage through our community,” said Severson.
Union Pacific is studying whether a remote controlled train is feasible for the area. Then the Federal Railroad Administration will have to give go ahead to send the train through town. If Union Pacific is allowed to use the remote controlled train, the locomotive will operate on weekdays only. It’s route will be 15 miles, leaving from a rail yard in Hinkle and making stops in Hermiston and Umatilla.
So far Severson hasn’t heard back from Union Pacific or the Federal Railroad Administration about his concerns.