Thank You for Standing Up Against CSX’s “Zero-to-Zero” Push

To my brothers and sisters of SMART-TD, 

I am writing today with immense gratitude and appreciation for your efforts in standing up against CSX’s recent attempt to undermine the skills of railroad workers by stripping operational control of a train from the crew and entrusting it to an overly-fallible technology.  

One month ago, CSX had petitioned the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for the installation of a new and advanced Trip Optimizer software in their locomotives. We reached out to you for help in determining the reality of so-called energy management systems and their effects in the cab of the locomotive.  

Read our Call for Help Fighting CSX’s Zero-to-Zero Request ► 

Dubbed Trip Optimizer Air Brake Control (TO ABC), this software was designed to control both the train’s speed, the air brakes and independent brakes, effectively taking over the job of train operation from start to finish. It would make us nothing more than screen monitors and train babysitters, with our vital skills left to atrophy. When the technology inevitably runs into a situation it can’t fix, it will just throw control back into our lap when it’s already too late.  

We know that we cannot trust the railroads to be honest or transparent with their data, so we asked you, our brothers and sisters, to share your real-world experiences with TO. We needed your stories to speak truth to the dangers and inconsistencies of this technology, and, in doing so, you helped us craft a compelling objection with filing SMART-TD’s formal objection to the FRA.  

We weren’t sure what kind of response we would get, but once again you came through for us in a big way. 

In the days that followed our request, I was flooded with emails and messages. You shared detailed, thoughtful accounts of how the current Trip Optimizer has failed to properly manage your trains, outlining the flaws that not only jeopardize your safety but also the efficiency of America’s supply chain. You spoke passionately, making it clear that this technology is not a solution, but rather a major setback. 

After reading through your feedback, I realized the best way to ensure your concerns were heard was to gather your input systematically. We created a survey that was distributed to all freight rail members on March 5 and asked you to respond by March 9. We know this was a tough ask. With only 10 hours between calls to work, you are balancing the job, sleep, family, and personal time, making it difficult to take time out of your busy schedules to fill out a survey. Yet, once again, you answered the call. Thousands of you from every freight carrier stepped up and provided your feedback. 

Your response was remarkable. You made it crystal clear to CSX, Wabtec, and the FRA that the Zero-to-Zero concept is unacceptable. You highlighted dangerous flaws that compromise safety and efficiency in a misguided attempt to save a few dollars in fuel costs. Thanks to you, the fantasy that CSX painted about what they hoped to achieve with TO ABC was exposed. 

SMART-TD cannot promise that the FRA will accept our concerns or that this fight is over, but we can promise that your voices were heard. FRA, CSX, and Wabtec felt the weight of the stories you shared, and they saw the unity of the workers in this fight. Together we sent a powerful message: “The bot has control” is not something we want to hear in an industry that depends on skilled human judgment. 

To everyone who took the time to share their experiences with us and to those who completed the survey, I thank you. Your commitment to preserving the integrity of our profession and securing a future for generations of railroaders is something I will never forget. You made sure the real story was told as we continue to fight for the future of our industry. 

I encourage all members to take a moment to read the public comment that SMART-TD submitted to the Federal Railroad Administration, officially objecting to the idea of Trip Optimizer taking full control of our trains. 

Read SMART-TD’s Public Comment to the FRA ► 

Once again, thank you. Your voice, commitment, and efforts make SMART-TD strong. 

In solidarity, 
Jared Cassity
Deputy National Safety and Legislative Director, SMART-TD