GOP takes another whack at FRA's train-crew rule

U.S. Rep. Eric Burlison (R-Mo.) last week introduced legislation that would nullify a Federal Railroad Administration rule requiring freight trains to operate with at least two crew members.

The proposed Train Crew Choice Act would repeal the FRA rule, which was finalized during resident Biden's administration. The bill would allow freight railroads to determine when two crew members are needed to operate a train.  In a press release, Burlison noted that in 2019, during President Trump's first term, the FRA concluded that accident/incident data did not support a train-crew staffing regulation.

"Freight rail is one of the safest ways to move goods in America,” Burlison said. “We should be encouraging innovation, not imposing unnecessary regulations that benefit special interests.”

Burlison introduced similar legislation last year, after the FRA adopted its final rule. The bill didn't pass in that session of Congress, however. 

Representing the freight-rail industry, the Association of American Railroads has long opposed regulations that mandate a minimum train-crew size. Unions representing railroaders have long supported rules requiring freight-train crews of at least two people.