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 [...]
During WWII, tens of thousands of women stepped up to learn and work in industries traditionally occupied by men, including the rail industry. These women had to quickly learn on the job, motivated by the need to support their families while their husbands were serving overse [...]
Former GOP Rep. Steve LaTourette of Ohio died Wednesday at the age of 62 after fighting pancreatic cancer, according to several media reports. LaTourette was a well-known transportation advocate, especially for his northeastern Ohio district, and did stints on the House Trans [...]
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 ̵ [...]
It’s been on the news, and you may have heard about it: the Medicare appeals process is taking longer, specifically, at the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) level. This article explains the five levels of appeals and provides information about the wait times for an ALJ hearing. [...]
