Transportation News

Visit the digital archive of the SMART-TD News (PDFs)

SMART endorses President Joe Biden for second term

On May 23, 2023, the SMART General Executive Council (GEC) voted to endorse United States President Joe Biden for a second term. The GEC is elected by members of SMART local unions. SMART workers will join fellow union members in Philadelphia on June 17 for an endorsemen [...]

Kansas secures two-person crews as the law of the land

Making two-person crews the rule of the land in the state of Kansas took an atypical route to the finish line but got there just the same. It has been the goal of SMART Transportation Division Kansas State Legislative Director Ty Dragoo for years and it was finally achieved. [...]

SMART-TD reaches tentative agreement with White Pass Yukon Route

SKAGWAY, Alaska (July 25, 2023) — White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad (WP&YR) and the SMART Transportation Division (SMART-TD) are pleased to announce that a tentative agreement has been reached between the railroad and the union for WP&YR’s train and engine workers [...]

DIPP trustees announce benefit improvements

The trustees of the SMART Discipline Income Protection Program (DIPP) are pleased to announce additional improvements to the program in addition to the reduction of assessments that take effect Aug. 1. Due to the strong health of the program and positive claims experiences re [...]

House budget votes place Amtrak in the crosshairs

While Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) dollars are being allocated by the U.S. Department of Transportation to distribute to commuter and passenger rail projects as well as to transit agencies recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. House Appropriations T [...]

UP exec’s description of new position lacked precision

A confusing scenario has played out in the Midwest this week involving the Union Pacific Railroad and its intention to create a new position in Kansas and Nebraska. The truth of the matter is that UP is creating new positions; however, the positions being created are in addit [...]

RRB places pre-retirement seminar presentation online

Railroad Retirement Board Labor Member John Bragg released the following statement on July 18: The Office of the Labor Member is pleased to announce that our 2023 Pre-Retirement Seminar presentation is now available to view online. This program is a modification of our Inform [...]