Rail Industry News
NJ Transit line’s new eco-friendly engines will mean fewer delays, agency says
(Source: www.nj.com, January 10, 2020) NEWARK, N.J. — The old, troublesome trains on NJ Transit’s River Line are getting the rail equivalent of a heart transplant. All 20 trains on the 34-mile long River Line -- which runs between Trenton and Camden -- are scheduled...
Sen. Schumer bumps heads with TSA over stalled bomb-tracking tech for NYC transit hubs
(Source: New York Daily News, January 12, 2020) NEW YORK — Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) on Sunday called for the TSA to quickly roll out technology designed to thwart terrorist attacks at transit hubs — and accused the feds of keeping the potentially life-saving...
Sens. Warner, Kaine request federal funds for Amtrak in Virginia
(Source: Television station WFXR, January 11, 2020) WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) wrote a letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) on Friday to request funding to replace aging Amtrak railcars in Virginia. Full...
Teamwork resulted in rescue of BNSF train crew
(Source: Hagadone News Network, January 11, 2020) MOYIE SPRINGS — In a time of crisis, the quick actions of first responders is crucial, but the combined teamwork of multiple agencies can make the difference that results in a positive outcome. Full story: Bonner...
After a half century, Amtrak may finally make money
(Source: Business Traveller, January 13, 2020) LONDON — US passenger railroad company Amtrak is poised to post a profit for the first time in its 50-year history. Fox Business reports that while the firm posted a $29.8 million operating loss in 2019, the quasi-public...
Fewer visual track inspections by BNSF means rail safety “Russian roulette,” union says
(Source: www.inforum.com, January 12, 2020) FARGO, N.D. — A union claims that a test of automated track inspection techniques on BNSF Railway ultimately will mean fewer visual checks of lines in North Dakota and Minnesota, setting up "a game of Russian roulette with...
BNSF in solid position as 25th anniversary nears
(Source: Progressive Railroading January 2020 issue, January 13, 2020) On the day summer turns to fall later this year, BNSF Railway Co. will mark its 25th anniversary. The Burlington Northern Railroad Co. (BN) and Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway Co. (SF) merged...
FRA delays implementation of training for safety-related railroad workers
(Source: Safety and Health Magazine, January 10, 2020) WASHINGTON, D.C. — In response to a petition for rulemaking, the Federal Railroad Administration is delaying by 16 months the implementation dates of its Training, Qualification, and Oversight for Safety-Related...
Court rules FELA claims don’t preempt FRSA claims in engineer’s lawsuit against Norfolk Southern
(Source: Legal Newsline, January 10, 2020) ATLANTA — On Dec. 23, the Supreme Court of Georgia ruled that Federal Railroad Safety Act claims don’t cancel out the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) in a lawsuit against Norfolk Southern Railway. Full story: Legal...
Amtrak crosses new Genesee arch bridge at Letchworth for first time
(Source: Rochester First, January 10, 2020) CASTILE, N.Y. — It was history at the Letchworth State Park on January 9 as an Amtrak engine crossed over the new Genesee arch bridge for the first time ever. The locomotive was heading to Hornell’s Alstom plant. It’s at...
Work on Kootenai River derailment shifts from containment to clean up
(Source: Bonners Ferry Herald, January 9, 2020) MOYIE SPRINGS — A multi-agency response has been in full effect with regard to containment and clean up of hazardous materials as a result of the Jan. 1 BNSF Railway train derailment due to a rockslide. Full story:...
N.J. Gov. Murphy signs legislation requiring removal of obstructive vegetation near railroad crossings
(Source: Insider NJ, January 9, 2020) TRENTON, N.J. — Governor Phil Murphy today signed legislation that will require railroad operators to remove obstructive vegetation near railroad crossings. The bill (S3425) aims to increase safety for passenger trains and...
Canadian National secures contract for hauling sulfuric acid
(Source: Canadian National Railway press release, January 9, 2020) MONTREAL — CN and NorFalco Sales, a division of Glencore Canada Corporation, announced they have signed a new multi-year agreement that will provide freight transportation of sulfuric acid from...
DOT unveils updated guidance for automated vehicles
(Source: Progressive Railroading, January 9, 2020) U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao yesterday announced updated federal guidelines for the development of automated vehicles (AV). Chao unveiled the guidelines, titled "Ensuring American Leadership in Automated...
State audit questions how LIRR measures ridership, breakdowns
(Source: CBS New York, January 8, 2020) NEW YORK — A state report is claiming the Long Island Rail Road has been misleading its riders. The audit found “deficiencies and inconsistencies” in how the railroad measures its ridership and train breakdowns. Full story: CBS...
New bill introduced in U.S. House of Representatives would address vapor pressure standards for crude shipped by rail
(Source: Times Herald Online, January 9, 2020) WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. John Garamendi, D-Solano, introduced legislation Wednesday to ensure safer standards for the transport of crude oil and other hazardous materials by train. House Resolution 5553, also known as the...
Is PRB coal headed for gradual decline or sheer cliff?
(Source: WyoFile, January 7, 2020) GILLETTE, Wyo. — Despite the continuing downturn in U.S. coal and a bruising series of bankruptcies, there’ve been no recent permanent mine closures in the Powder River Basin. It’s a surprising outcome for a region that’s lost nearly...
Crew van transportation company to lay off 91 employees in Longview
(Source: Longview News-Journal, January 9, 2020) LONGVIEW, Texas — An Indiana-based transportation company has notified the Texas Workforce Commission about plans to lay off 91 employees in Longview because its operations are closing. Professional Transportation Inc....
U.S. rail traffic slump continues to start off the New Year
(Source: Freight Waves, January 9, 2020) CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — U.S. rail volumes kicked off the new year by continuing a months-long slump, with traffic down 5.1% compared with the same period a year ago. U.S. rail volumes totaled 414,014 carloads and intermodal units...
AAR: Rail traffic down for week ending January 4, 2020
(Source: Association of American Railroads press release, January 8, 2020) WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Association of American Railroads (AAR) today reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending January 4, 2020. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 414,014...
BLET News
Statement by BLET President Don Hahs on Veterans Day 2005
The following is a statement by BLET National President Don M. Hahs on Veterans Day.
BLET Job Bank: Amtrak
Amtrak, the National Railroad Passenger Corp., is recruiting Locomotive Engineers to work in the following areas: Jacksonville, Fla.; Raleigh, N.C.; Lorton, Va. (Auto Train); Miami, Fla.; Charlotte, N.C.; and Florence, S.C.
Statement of James P. Hoffa on November 8 elections
Working families across the nation, from New Jersey and Virginia to California, have sent a strong message to Congress and the White House; it’s time to stand up for the American middle class.
Election results represent a win for working families
The election results in California, New Jersey and Virginia are a win for working families. In California, voters have soundly defeated the anti-worker policies of Governor Schwarzenegger and his big business backers, rejecting their attempts to silence workers’ voices. In New Jersey and Virginia, voters have chosen as their next Governors leaders who are committed to standing up for the right of workers to join a union.
LM-30 advisory: ‘De minimis exemption’ increased
The Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS), issued an advisory regarding Form LM-30 on November 7. An interim rule has been established by the DOL that increases the amount of the “de minimis exemption” from $25 to $250.
FRA publishes questions and answers concerning Emergency Order No. 24
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) on Friday published 29 questions and answers concerning Emergency Order No. 24 (EO 24), which will take effect on November 22. You can view or download the questions and answers from the link below.
Amtrak amendment passes in Senate
An amendment giving long term funding to Amtrak has passed in the U.S. Senate. Amendment 2360 to S. 1932, Deficit Reduction Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 2005, passed by a margin of 93-6 today. S. 1932 is still being considered by the Senate.
Corrected BLET Directory now available online
A corrected version of the BLET Online Directory is now available. The correction was due to an error in the Designated Legal Counsel section.
BLET members must call Senators today to support Amtrak!
BLET members are urged to contact their U.S. Senators today and ask them to support the Lott-Lautenberg amendment (#2360) to the Budget Reconciliation being considered tomorrow.
November 14 deadline set for Katrina relief
The Teamsters Disaster Relief Fund has established a deadline of November 14 for requests for funds from victims of Hurricane Katrina.
