(The following article by Merilee Reinke was posted on the Superior Daily Telegram’s website on June 19.)
SUPERIOR, Wisc. — Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Co.’s planned use of remote controlled locomotives in Superior will not create safety hazards, according to railroad officials.
Railway officials spoke to the Superior City Council Tuesday during a presentation to give the group more information on remote-controlled operations.
“There will be a 40 percent reduction in accidents versus conventional operations,” said Fred Rutt, superintendent of operations for BNSF.
Rutt added the United Transportation Union supports the utilization of the remote units and the Federal Railroad Administration has approved the units for use. Railway employees are being trained now, said Rutt, and remote-controlled locomotives will be used soon.
Remote-controlled trains are manned by two people, one at each end of the train. The remote unit is attached on the employee’s vest and only one person can command the train at a time, although the train can be stopped by either employee.
Councilor Ed Anderson questioned the technology would cost jobs, something Superior cannot afford, especially with the closing of Fleming Foods. Rutt said jobs would not be eliminated.
The council directed City Attorney Frog Prell to giving an opinion of the city’s rights to remote-controlled locomotives in the city.