Your help is requested to support BLET’s case for two-person crew requirements in Kansas and New Jersey.
In Kansas, State Legislative Board Chairman Brandon Nunnenkamp reports that the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has proposed a two-person crew regulation (K.A.R. 36-43-1), and is seeking public comments on the matter. BLET members, family, friends, BLET Auxiliary members, and neighbors are asked to write in and voice their support. Emails should be sent to: Emily.brown@ks.gov. The first public comment period closed earlier this month with overwhelming support for two-person crews: over 200 in support and less than 10 opposed. “The railroads were not happy and asked for comments to be extended for an additional seven days. Let’s not take our foot off the pedal,” Brother Nunnenkamp said. Again, please send comments in support of two-person train crews to Emily.brown@ks.gov. The deadline is August 2.
In New Jersey, State Legislative Board Chairman Ray Vigil is asking members and their families to call their elected officials and ask them to support the Safe Rail Bill (Assembly Bill A5605 and Senate Bill S4049. The proposed legislation would protect communities by requiring a two-person crew inside locomotive cabs. Backers of the legislation note that having a two-person crew enhances response time when there is a derailment. Two-person crews can also respond more promptly when road crossings are blocked to give access to first responders in the event of an emergency. Contact information for the New Jersey Legislature can be found at: https://www.njleg.state.nj.us .