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Railway Accountability Act
3/12/2024, 7:27 PM
Summary of Bill S 1044
One of the key provisions of the Railway Accountability Act is the requirement for railway companies to implement stricter safety measures, such as regular inspections of tracks and equipment, as well as mandatory training for employees. This is aimed at reducing the number of accidents and ensuring that railways are operating in a safe and efficient manner.
Additionally, the bill also includes provisions for increased transparency and accountability within the railway industry. This includes requirements for companies to report any accidents or incidents promptly, as well as providing more information to the public about their operations and safety record. Overall, the Railway Accountability Act seeks to improve the safety and accountability of railway companies in the United States. By implementing stricter safety measures and increasing transparency, this bill aims to protect both passengers and employees and ensure that railways are operating in a responsible and efficient manner.
Congressional Summary of S 1044
Railway Accountability Act
This bill addresses safety requirements for rail carriers.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) must review existing regulations relating to the practices regarding the establishment of a train consist (i.e., the contents and location of each rail car in a train). The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) must issue regulations requiring each railroad to submit an updated Risk Reduction Program Plan that (1) documents the railroad's standards for train consist and safety protocol for trains in the switchyard, and (2) strives to balance derailment risk and rail yard employee safety.
DOT must issue a regulation that prohibits conducting train brake inspections while a train is in motion and requires the mechanical inspector assigned to inspect a locomotive or rail car to be the official who signs off on the inspection.
The FRA must amend regulations to require (1) more frequent communication checks between a head-of-train device and an end-of-train device, and (2) repetition of the emergency brake signal transmission until it is received by the end-of-train device.
Class I railroads must join the Confidential Close Call Reporting System if they have been ordered to pay the maximum civil penalty for specific rail safety regulation violations.
Further, the FRA must (1) study and submit a report to Congress on broken rim derailments and proposed regulations to reduce the frequency; and (2) post on the FRA public website a list of specific active Class I railroad safety waivers, including those relating to brake procedures and brake inspection requirements.
