ASLRRA: Short-line industry achieves fatality-free year

U.S. short lines operated a full year without experiencing a fatality, the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) announced yesterday.

The achievement is a milestone for the industry and its 603 short lines, which focus on making every day a safe one, said ASLRRA President Linda Bauer Darr.

"ASLRRA is proud to partner with short lines, supporting a safety focus through compliance audits, training opportunities, the Jake Award program, and committees that advance safety initiatives and technology that drives safety," said Darr said in a press release. "All of us working in partnership can take pride in today's industry achievement."

Short lines operate 47,500 rail miles in 49 states, or 29 percent of freight rail. One in five rail cars are handled by short lines, providing the first or last mile of a journey, according to ASLRRA.

Darr acknowledged the impact of the Short Line Safety Institute on the industry. The institute focuses on helping short lines implement a work culture of safety.

"Focusing on safety culture, the behaviors surrounding and supporting safe practices, will continually raise the bar in our industry on successful, sustainable, and safe operations," said Tom Murta, the institute's executive director.