Nevada Rail Safety Alliance

10/25/2023

Reflecting the Railroad’s Heartbeat in Its Oversight

The railroad industry has long stood as a cornerstone of America’s economic and transportation framework, propelling growth and connectivity across the nation. Like any robust sector, it demands stringent oversight to uphold safety, efficiency, and fairness—a responsibility shouldered by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and corresponding state entities. Yet, a closer personal examination, through my experiences on the ground, unveils a potential regulatory void.

The tradition of engaging regulators from within the industry rests on the valid premise that firsthand experience fosters a deep understanding of operational intricacies. However, a dive into the railroad regulatory landscape exposes a notable trend: a significant portion of regulators hail from managerial ranks within rail corporations. While this managerial expertise offers valuable insights into corporate functionalities, it may also harbor an inherent bias. Notably missing from this regulatory tapestry are the voices of labor—the very individuals whose sweat fuels the daily operations on the tracks. This underrepresentation sparks critical inquiries: Are labor-centric issues being overshadowed? Is the regulatory perspective unduly influenced by a managerial viewpoint? In my opinion, the current setup does echo such concerns.

Predominantly, the railroad sector operates on a self-regulation model. This approach, while rich in industry expertise for guideline formulation, concurrently births risks. The dominance of inspectors with a managerial lineage, paired with the self-regulation framework, may obscure or marginalize the challenges labor faces daily.

This dilemma is further exacerbated by the expansive reach of the U.S. rail network, contrasted starkly against a modest contingent of inspectors. Despite being among the most extensive globally, stretching across thousands of miles, our inspectorate is strikingly limited. This paucity suggests that numerous potential grievances, especially those voiced by labor, might escape notice or redress.

To genuinely accommodate the myriad stakeholders within the railroad arena—encompassing corporations, workers, and the public—a recalibration is imperative. Enhancing the oversight body, especially with individuals harboring a labor-centric background, would foster a more holistic oversight paradigm. As the railroad sector charts its evolutionary course, its regulatory framework should similarly evolve, ensuring broad representation and heeding the voices echoing from the tracks, thus nurturing a safer and more equitable railroad environment.

—Jason Doering

10/17/2023

10/11/2023

Politics certainly does make strange bedfellows. On Sept. 26 and 27, the two 2024 presidential frontrunners visited locations connected to the United Autoworkers (UAW) strike in Michigan to show support and solidarity in their campaign for a 36 percent pay hike, 40 hours of pay for 32 hours of work....

10/09/2023

ICYMI: The dismissal of Nevada by Governor Lombardo, amidst railway lobby influences, lays bare the clash between political maneuvering, financial gains, and . Discover more via Las Vegas Sun: https://lasvegassun.com/news/2023/oct/08/nevadas-rail-safety-at-stake-politics-profit-and-t/

The rhythmic sound of steel wheels on rail tracks echoes across Nevada, a testament to the vital role trains play in our nation’s economy.

09/09/2023

“It seems some Nevada lawmakers are on the wrong track, favoring the influential railroad lobby over protecting the safety of their constituents.”

https://thenevadaindependent.com/article/lawmakers-should-stand-up-to-railroad-lobby-in-name-of-safety

09/08/2023

In today's world of technological marvels, there's an overarching narrative that automation is inevitably the way forward for all industries. It promises efficiency, cuts costs, and often, a reduction in human error. But it's high time we pause and ponder: Is automation always the right choice? And at what cost?

The railroad industry stands at this very crossroads. The allure of automated trains is real, but we must ask – are we sacrificing the very essence of train operations and safety for mere technological progression?

•Humans: The Safety Net Automation Can't Replace

One cannot stress the value of redundancy in safety. With two sets of eyes and ears, a train crew can monitor, discern, and act upon a myriad of situations. While one handles the controls, the other is free to keep an uninterrupted vigil on the tracks ahead, the conditions around, and the numerous systems on board.

Consider the importance of collective decision-making. In the face of unexpected challenges, two human minds can collaborate, debate, and decide the best course of action. A machine, no matter how sophisticated, is bound by its programming, often ill-equipped to tackle unpredictabilities inherent on most trips.

Moreover, there's an innate human instinct, cultivated over years of hands-on experience, that technology can't replicate. It’s this instinct that often foresees an issue well before it morphs into a challenge. It's this gut feeling that has, time and again, averted crises on the tracks.

•The Pitfalls of Over-automation

Machines malfunction, sensors misread, and algorithms falter – just ask Norfolk Southern. While tech enthusiasts might advocate that automated systems reduce human error, they often conveniently omit that these systems introduce a whole new range of technological errors.

•Navigating Complex Terrains and Situations

Railroading extends beyond mere logistical operations. It's about navigating through diverse landscapes, assessing real-time track conditions, and ensuring safe passings at numerous crossings. Human crews bring invaluable expertise in interpreting and reacting to ground-level scenarios, which could be easily overlooked by automation. From sudden obstructions like mudslides and washed-out track post-storm, to unscheduled maintenance activities – the nuanced judgment of a two-person crew remains indispensable.

•The Way Forward

In no way should we halt technological progress in the railroad industry. There are countless areas where automation can and does enhance safety and efficiency. But when it comes to the core of train operations, replacing the invaluable human touch with machines is a gamble we should think twice about.

As we stand at the precipice of this change, it's crucial to remember that technology should augment human roles, not eradicate them. The railroad industry has thrived on the combined might of man and machine, and in this age of automation, two-person crews remain its beating heart.

—Jason Doering

09/04/2023

Celebrate Labor Day in style at Idlewild Park, 10am-4pm! Connect with the heart of our community: your dedicated local rail workers. See you there!

08/28/2023

These trains park at stations but stretch so far that they can block crucial crossings for towns.

06/27/2023

Two rail union officials — Jason Doering and Matt Parker — who have both lobbied for legislation in Nevada for years said it’s important for states to act because they’re not optimistic that Congress will pass meaningful reforms over the strong lobbying of the railroads in a polarized political climate. Plus, they said “the federal government’s approach to rail safety has historically been more reactionary than proactive.”

Spurred on by train derailments, some states crisscrossed by busy freight railroads aren’t waiting for federal action to improve safety

06/08/2023

“With political points being of great value in his war with the Nevada Legislature, the calculation is apparently that if another rail disaster happens in Nevada that no one will connect the dots to June 2, 2023, when he decided he would trade your safety for his career prospects.”

Gov. Joe Lombardo vetoed Nevada rail safety bill AB 456, siding with corporate greed and bottomless lobbying budgets over safety and protecting his constituents from having their towns become the next East Palestine, Ohio.

06/05/2023

“The ongoing legislative efforts in these states show that the concern about train lengths is shared broadly, and it indicates a trend towards more stringent safety measures in the rail industry,” Doering said. “This context reinforces our argument for the need for AB456 and underscores that Nevada is part of a larger national conversation on rail safety.”

Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo has vetoed a bill that would have restricted freight train lengths to 7,500 feet. State union representatives said they will continue to press legislators on the issue.