Freight rail industry outlines next moves to improve safety

Actions represent ‘initial set of steps’ to get to zero incidents and injuries, AAR says

The Association of American Railroads has outlined what steps the rail industry could take next to boost rail safety. (Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves)

The freight rail industry has outlined what steps it will take next to boost rail safety, including installing approximately 1,000 new wayside detectors and improving communications with first responders.

These actions come as the rail industry responds to recent safety advisories from the National Transportation Safety Board calling for it to bolster rail safety even as it awaits the agency’s findings on the factors that caused the Feb. 3 derailment of a Norfolk Southern train in East Palestine, Ohio.

“[The actions are] an initial set of steps it is taking in its drive toward a future with zero incidents and zero injuries — one where what happened in East Palestine never happens again,” the Association of American Railroads (AAR) said in a news release Wednesday. “The industry believes that the Feb. 3 derailment and its aftermath require railroads and freight shippers alike to lead with actions that restore trust, and that will make a difference in the march toward zero.” 

AAR is a trade group that counts the Class I railroads as among its members.

The rail industry expects to address the following issues, per the AAR release:

To continue reading this article...

Already have an account? Sign In

Create a Free Account

No payment required

By signing up with your email, you will receive newsletters, special offers, and occasional third-party promotions from FreightWaves.com and its family of brands.

    Need Help? Contact Us

    Joanna Marsh

    Joanna is a Washington, DC-based writer covering the freight railroad industry. She has worked for Argus Media as a contributing reporter for Argus Rail Business and as a market reporter for Argus Coal Daily.