U.S. freight railroads are in agreement with most of the federal lawmakers’ efforts to make the industry safer following the fiery Norfolk Southern train derailment in February. A U.S. Senate panel last week approved rail safety legislation that tightens rules on trains carrying explosive substances.
CSX Corp CEO Joe Hinrichs said the industry is on board with a number of things in the legislation, but there are some disagreements. For example, the industry does not want two-person crews written into the legislation. Hinrichs suggested that the industry could benefit by adopting strategies from automakers who collaborate and share best practices on safety.
Railroad operators are committed to reducing accidents, which will benefit the companies and their employees, as well as customers and communities near tracks. Hinrichs said, “We want safety as much as you do.”