Members of Congress Urge Secretary Buttigieg to Update Federal Standards for Rail Safety

Strategic Insights -

Members of Congress have written to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg to express their concern over the safety of rail workers and communities, citing recent derailments and the need for stronger rail safety standards. The letter, led by Representatives Melanie Stansbury, Jesús "Chuy'' García, and Hank Johnson, urges the Department of Transportation to mandate the use and maintenance of wayside defect detectors, which are crucial rail safety tools that monitor performance and can predict future failures. The lawmakers also call for the implementation of hot bearing detectors, a faster process for approving safer tank cars, and higher maximum fines for non-compliance with safety regulations.

Key Takeaways:

  • The letter, signed by 17 members of Congress, urges the Department of Transportation to mandate the use and maintenance of wayside defect detectors, which can predict future failures and prevent derailments.
  • The lack of federal regulations on the use of wayside defect detectors is "extremely concerning" and should be corrected, according to the letter.
  • The Department of Transportation's own data shows that the rate of accidents and incidents per million train miles has worsened for several Class I railroads since the implementation of Precision Scheduled Railroading.
  • The lawmakers call for the implementation of hot bearing detectors, which can identify overheating bearings and prevent axle failure and resulting derailments.
  • The letter also recommends a faster process for approving safer tank cars for transporting hazardous materials and higher maximum fines for non-compliance with safety regulations.
  • Comprehensive regulation of wayside detectors should include mandating minimum inspection periods, maintenance and testing standards, and repair requirements.

Statistics:

  • The rate of accidents and incidents per million train miles for Union Pacific increased from 10.457 in 2013 to 14.042 in 2021.
  • The rate of accidents and incidents per million train miles for CSX increased from 9.771 in 2013 to 14.046 in 2021.
  • The rate of accidents and incidents per million train miles for NS increased from 11.396 in 2013 to 14.428 in 2021.
  • The rate of yard accidents and incidents for Union Pacific increased from 12.656 in 2013 to 19.568 in 2021.
  • The rate of yard accidents and incidents for CSX increased from 8.871 in 2013 to 15.985 in 2021.
  • The rate of yard accidents and incidents for NS increased from 8.459 in 2013 to 23.596 in 2021.

Sources:

  • Letter to Secretary Pete Buttigieg from 17 members of Congress, dated March 2023.
  • Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) 2023-01 Safety Advisory.
  • Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970.
  • Title 49 USC.
  • Data from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) on rail safety statistics.