DU a poll: Should Nebraska join Arizona and Wisconsin in requiring two-person crews on freight train

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.omaha.com/money/most-nebraskans-favor-two-person-crews-for-freight-trains-union/article_35dc7b37-3291-5d0d-9cff-f4b0f3ca593e.html

POSTED: SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2015 1:00 AM
By Paul Hammel / World-Herald Bureau

LINCOLN — A union that represents railroaders says its recent survey of Nebraskans shows that more than 80 percent support requiring two-person crews on freight trains.

“Because of the potential catastrophic tragedy that would result from a train accident of any nature, having two sets of eyes is a minimum safety requirement,” said Bob Borgeson, the state legislative director of the Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation (SMART) Union, which commissioned the poll.

The issue of two-person crews on freight trains has heated up in recent years as railroads have pushed for single-staffed trains, saying they are just as safe and would cut costs.

Unions, meanwhile, have pushed back, citing last year’s explosion of a derailed oil train in Canada that killed 47 people. That train was staffed by a single crewman.

FULL story and poll at link.

CURRENT numbers: Yes 86.7%

No 13.3%

Not sure 0%

You voted: Yes

[newfie11]

1. The number of coal trains running through Scottsbluf/Gering

Is horrendous. I can't imagine only 1 person on them.

[panader0]

2. Two? I would think that there should be more than that.

The engineer, with a back-up, just in case. A fireman, and perhaps an EMT. At least four.

[HereSince1628]

3. IIRC Wisconsin Central wanted to go with computer operated trains with no crew

Operation would be from a central big board.

I wasn't aware that WI actually had a 2 person requirement. I thought it had gotten down to a train driver and an 'end-device'.

[TexasMommaWithAHat]

4. Have these people ever heard of heart attacks?

Gee It's scary thinking that one-person crews even exist.