Dear Member, On March 15th, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) issued a long overdue proposed regulation requiring that most trains in America have a minimum of two crewmembers. The proposed rule is a step in the right direction but as written it falls short of what SMART TD believes is necessary to ensure the safe operation of all of our nation’s trains. The proposed regulation is currently in the comment period and the deadline to submit comments to the FRA on why it is absolutely necessary to have at least two crew members on every train, is May 16.

From working with officials at the FRA, to meeting with federal and state legislative leaders, SMART TD’s long campaign to bring about this critical rail safety reform continues, and can only be successful with your voice! The railroads are doing everything in their power to weaken the rule, but your comments are more powerful than the rail industry and will make an impact!

As a railroad worker, you have firsthand knowledge of the importance of two-person crews and the dangers of single-person operations. That is why the FRA needs to hear your voice on this critical safety issue.

Please click on the following link to submit your own comments on the rule, citing your personal experiences and expertise in operating trains:

https://www.regulations.gov/#!submitComment;D=FRA-2014-0033-0001

No one can make a stronger case for two-person crews than those who work — or have worked — on the front lines operating trains every day.

Again, the deadline for comments is May 16, 2016 so please submit your comments now!

Thank you for your help with this critically important issue.

Sincerely,

John Previsich President, SMART Transportation Division