With rail safety bill's passage, two-person crews could be required for Virginia freight trains

GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2024
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With rail safety bill’stt passage, two-person crews could be required for Virginia freight trains

BY: NATHANIEL CLINE - MARCH 4, 2024 5:45 AM

CSX’s Acca Yard in Richmond is a major freight rail depot. (AiRVA Photography)

As the federal government considers requiring two crewmembers on all trains, similar legislation to increase rail safety statewide passed both chambers of the Virginia General Assembly.

Last year‘s Norfolk Southern Railway Company train derailment in Ohio – which caused some cars to catch fire and spill dangerous materials, with some infiltrating local waterways – sparked the state legislation and a greater focus on railway safety standards.

Del. Shelly Simonds, D-Newport News, and Sen. Jennifer Carroll Foy, D-Prince William, carried the measure successfully, which is now headed to the governor for his signature. With the governor’s signature, Virginia would join states such as Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, New York, and Ohio to reform rail safety efforts.

Under the legislation, no railroad company will be able to operate a train, locomotive or light engine by moving freight without at least two qualified individuals aboard. The bill carries a civil penalty of up to $2,000 for the first violation and $5,000 for three or more. … The legislation was amended, cutting regulations on the train length. The legislation would not apply to using a train, locomotive, or light engine for moving locomotives or for utility services.

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