Category: Transportation
Department of Labor announces investigation
On March 7, 2013, the organization was advised by the U.S. Department of Labor that they are instituting an investigation concerning the Voluntary Short-Term Disability policy we have through Anthem. While the Department of Labor did not provide the full nature of its investi [...]GE, CAT to develop natural gas-powered locos
General Electric Co. (GE) and Caterpillar Inc. (CAT), the world’s largest locomotive makers, are rushing to develop natural gas-powered models in a potential shift from diesel’s six decades as the fuel of choice for railroads. Three of the biggest U.S. rail carriers — B [...]Rule adds non-controlled substances to drug list
The Federal Railroad Administration has published a final rule, effective May 6, 2013, adding certain non-controlled substances with potentially impairing side effects to its standard post-accident testing panel. This rule will enact the addition of over-the-counter, legal d [...]
RRB answers questions about retirement benefits
Employers and employees covered by the Railroad Retirement Act pay higher retirement taxes than those covered by the Social Security Act, so that railroad retirement benefits remain higher than social security benefits, especially for career employees. The following questions [...]Stem testifies before House railroad subcommittee
SMART Transportation Division National Legislative Director James Stem and others testified yesterday before the U.S. House of Representatives’ Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure’s Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials regarding the importan [...]Sequestration cuts unemployment, sickness benefits
As a result of recently implemented budget cuts, the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) must reduce railroad unemployment and sickness insurance benefits by 9.2 percent. These reductions stem from a sequestration order which President Obama filed on March 1, 2013, in accord [...]
Effective peer-to-peer ‘in-cab communication’ is key
In-cab communication is an essential element in overall railroad safety. Too many fatal accidents and injuries have been attributed to a lack of or insufficient “in-cab communications.” Peer-to-peer interaction is the key component to effective in-cab communications, accordin [...]
Amtrak carried record passenger traffic in 2012
Perhaps sparked by highway congestion or the hassle of air travel, Amtrak’s passenger rail service has been the nation’s fastest growing mode of transportation, according to a new report that urges Congress to push forward with a coordinated national rail plan. The government [...]