Union Pacific (UP), one of the largest railroads in the United States, has recently announced its decision to abandon one-person crews on its freight trains. This move comes as a response to growing concerns over safety and the need for more efficient operations.
One-person crews have been a common practice in the railroad industry for many years. This means that a single operator is responsible for controlling and operating the train, including its speed, direction, and braking. However, this practice has come under scrutiny in recent years due to safety concerns.
The issue of one-person crews gained national attention in 2013 when a runaway train carrying crude oil derailed and exploded in Lac-Mégantic, Quebec, killing 47 people. The train was operated by a single crew member who had left the train unattended for the night. This incident highlighted the dangers of one-person crews and sparked a debate about the need for more safety measures in the railroad industry.
Since then, several railroads have taken steps to eliminate one-person crews. In 2016, BNSF Railway became the first major U.S. railroad to require two-person crews on all of its trains. Other railroads, including Norfolk Southern and Canadian Pacific, have also implemented similar policies.
Now, Union Pacific has joined the ranks of railroads abandoning one-person crews. The company announced in May 2021 that it would begin transitioning to two-person crews on its freight trains. The move is expected to be completed by 2023.
According to Union Pacific, the decision to switch to two-person crews was based on several factors, including safety concerns and the need for more efficient operations. The company stated that having two crew members on each train would provide an extra layer of safety and help prevent accidents.
In addition, Union Pacific believes that two-person crews will improve efficiency by allowing crew members to share responsibilities and work together more effectively. This could lead to faster turnaround times and increased productivity.
The move to two-person crews has been welcomed by many in the railroad industry, including the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET). The BLET has been advocating for two-person crews for many years and believes that it is a necessary step to ensure the safety of both crew members and the public.
However, not everyone is in favor of the switch to two-person crews. Some argue that it will increase costs for railroads and could lead to job losses for crew members. Others believe that one-person crews can be safe if proper safety protocols are followed.
Despite these concerns, the trend towards two-person crews seems to be gaining momentum in the railroad industry. As more railroads make the switch, it is likely that others will follow suit. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure the safety of both crew members and the public while maintaining efficient operations.
