Report: Rail safety guidelines in Maine adequate

October 10, 2013

PORTLAND, Maine – A rail safety review ordered by Maine Gov. Paul LePage following a fiery train derailment that claimed 47 lives north of the border in Quebec has determined that existing practices are adequate, but it didn’t address the issue of single-person crews for trains hauling oil and other hazardous materials.

Maine Transportation Commissioner David Bernhardt said it’s rare for railroads to use one crew member for freight trains in Maine, but he acknowledged there’s no federal rule to prevent the practice. He also said he’s not prepared to advocate for mandating the crew size.

Read the complete story at the Connecticut Post.