Minnesota passes two-person train crew law

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz this week signed legislation that will require a minimum of two-person crews on trains.

The measure is part of H.F. 2887, the state transportation omnibus bill, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen officials said in a press release. The bill addresses other rail-safety issues, including the addition of two new state rail safety inspectors.

The train-crew legislation was introduced earlier this year by state Reps. Jeff Brand and Jen McEwen.

Additionally, the bill provides funding for the Northern Lights Express, which will expand passenger-rail service between Minneapolis and Duluth, and an extension of the North Star commuter service to St. Cloud.