Category: Transportation
Local 60 legislative rep is New Jersey Transit board nominee
David Rasmussen, legislative representative for SMART Transportation Division Local 60 (Newark, N.J.), has been nominated as the rail labor representative on the New Jersey Transit (NJT) board by Gov. Phil Murphy. “A strong NJ TRANSIT Board is critical to ensuring a leadershi [...]
Your Track to Health lists assistance for flooding victims
The disastrous flooding in the Midwest has affected thousands of people, including SMART Transportation Division members. To help assist those who have had their lives affected by the floods, Your Track to Health has compiled a list of services and information for behavioral [...]
Supreme Court: Part of lost wages award is taxable under Railroad Retirement Act
A decision by the U.S. Supreme Court found that the portion of a damages award attributable to lost wages for a workplace injury is considered to be taxable compensation under the Railroad Retirement Tax Act (RRTA). The decision in BNSF Railway Co. v. Loos (No. 17-1042) was r [...]
Two large U.S. rail unions announce national two-person crew legislation
WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 22, 2019) – Two large railroad unions in the United States have pledged their joint support for the Safe Freight Act legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. Don Young (R – Alaska). The Safe Freight Act (H.R. 1748) requires that two certified crew mem [...]
Former UTU communications director passes away
Born in 1930, Art Hanford began his railroad career as a darkroom technician for the Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Railway in 1953. While with the C&O, he earned a reputation as a quality photographer and writer. He was a trusted employee of Cyrus Eaton, the C&O Boa [...]
Two-person crew made law in Colorado
On March 21, 2019, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis signed legislation into law that requires that all freight trains in the state are operated by a crew of at least two individuals. The signing of H.B. 1034 caps a massive effort by SMART Transportation Division members that spanned [...]
FRA declares emergency because of Midwest flooding
Pursuant to Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) § 211.45, Federal Railroad Administration Administrator Ronald L. Batory has determined that the extreme flooding currently occurring throughout the Midwest United States constitutes an “emergency event” as related [...]
Railroad Technology Event Report form available online
To better understand and evaluate the use of certain technologies implemented by carriers, SMART Transportation Division is seeking information regarding the operation of the technologies such as Positive Train Control, Trip Optimizer/Leader and others. In order for our organ [...]