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By using locomotive remote controls (LRCs), CSX Transportation has increased yard safety, according to data the Class I compiled through its first year of LRC implementation and released Feb. 28.


Yards that include LRC operations showed significant reductions in
train accidents per million train miles (as calculated by Federal Railroad Administration's train-accident index) compared with conventional yards.


FRA-reportable train accidents were reduced 60 percent and human factor-caused accidents, 30 percent, in yards using LRCs, CSXT said in a prepared statement.


"This trend reinforces the safety benefits of remote-control technology documented by Canadian railroads, and emphasizes that implementation by CSXT and all major North American railroads was the right decision," said Alan Crown, who was named executive vice president and chief operating officer Feb. 27. "Our goal is zero accidents, and remote-control technology is an important part of our safety process."


CSXT also determined there were 34 percent fewer train accidents in yards using LRCs and conventional operations when locomotives were remote controlled.


Since the railroad began implementing LRCs in early 2002, more than 1,300 employees have been trained and certified as remote-control operators, and CSXT has rolled out the technology to more than 60 locations.