The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) issued the final rule for the Public Transportation Safety Program that establishes procedural rules for FTA to administer a comprehensive safety program to improve the safety of federally-funded public transportation systems. The fina [...]
Federal Agency Charged Railroad Company Refused to Hire Qualified Machinist Due to Epilepsy SEATTLE — The Washington, D.C.-based National Passenger Railroad Corporation, better known as Amtrak, will pay $112,000 and provide other relief to settle a federal disability di [...]
Railway Age reported that the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) released a request for proposals (RFP) for the upcoming purchase of 940 subway cars worth an estimated $3.2 billion. The MTA’s inclusion of the U.S. Employment Plan in this latest purchas [...]
We are pleased to announce that SMART TD members on New Jersey Transit have ratified a new collective bargaining agreement. Steve Burkert, SMART TD general chairperson; and Doyle Turner, SMART TD vice president; led the fight for a fair and equitable agreement while withstand [...]
The Surface Transportation Board released two decisions related to its oversight of Amtrak’s operations under the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 (PRIIA). First, the Board decided that it would consider on-time arrival and departure at all stations along [...]
On April 15, employees of Denver Transit Operators (DTO) voted to join SMART TD Local 202 at Denver. This vote adds 51 engineers to the local, with growth to a possible 75. Local 202 Secretary Jeff Maxfield said, “We are proud to represent the operators at DTO and look forwar [...]
The Columbus Dispatch reported that the issue of crew consist has railroads at odds with federal regulators. This comes after the Federal Railroad Administration announced a proposed rule earlier this year requiring two-person crews on trains. Standing with the FRA, and this [...]
In a heroic show of foresight and bravery, SMART Transportation Division Vice Local Chairperson Rob Forrest (Local 202 at Denver) saved the life of a pedestrian Wednesday, July 20. Forrest, who – according to SMART TD Colorado State Legislative Director Carl Smith ̵ [...]
HEAT ILLNESS CAN BE DEADLY The body normally cools itself by sweating. During hot weather, especially with high humidity, sweating isn’t enough. Body temperature can rise to dangerous levels if you don’t drink enough water and rest in the shade. You can suffer fro [...]
The Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) administers the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act, which provides two kinds of benefits for qualified railroaders: unemployment benefits for those who become unemployed but are ready, willing and able to work; and sickness benefits for th [...]