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Just listened to an eye-opening interview on NPR’s Fresh Air with ProPublica reporter Topher Sanders, discussing the surprisingly lax regulation of America’s freight rail network. A year after the catastrophic derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, it’s clear our aging freight systems are dangerously underregulated.
Sanders’ investigation reveals startling gaps in oversight, such as the complete lack of regulation for wayside detectors—crucial for identifying train issues. The Federal Railroad Administration monitors less than 1% of rail activities, and the exact lengths of freight trains, some stretching up to two miles, remain unreported.
The impact on communities, especially those with less power, is profound. In Hammond, Indiana, blocked railroad crossings have had dire consequences, even preventing emergency services from reaching those in need. The move towards longer trains and ‘precision scheduled railroading’ practices has raised significant safety concerns among rail workers, who often fear retaliation for speaking out.
The stalled Railway Safety Act in the Senate highlights the urgent need for reform. As Sanders points out, knowing what’s on these trains could be crucial in emergency situations. Click on the link below if you’re concerned about the safety of our communities and workers.
ProPublica reporter Topher Sanders has spent the last two years investigating America's aging freight train system. He says the FRA monitors "less than 1% of what's happening on the rails."
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Sanders’ investigation reveals startling gaps in oversight, such as the complete lack of regulation for wayside detectors—crucial for identifying train issues. The Federal Railroad Administration monitors less than 1% of rail activities, and the exact lengths of freight trains, some stretching up to two miles, remain unreported.
The impact on communities, especially those with less power, is profound. In Hammond, Indiana, blocked railroad crossings have had dire consequences, even preventing emergency services from reaching those in need. The move towards longer trains and ‘precision scheduled railroading’ practices has raised significant safety concerns among rail workers, who often fear retaliation for speaking out.
The stalled Railway Safety Act in the Senate highlights the urgent need for reform. As Sanders points out, knowing what’s on these trains could be crucial in emergency situations. Click on the link below if you’re concerned about the safety of our communities and workers.
ProPublica reporter Topher Sanders has spent the last two years investigating America's aging freight train system. He says the FRA monitors "less than 1% of what's happening on the rails."
More...