Transportation News

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

Minn. SLB joins with NARP to protest Amtrak budget cuts

A few dozen members of SMART TD and the National Association of Railroad Passengers (NARP) joined together Friday, July 23 at St. Paul, Minnesota’s Union Depot to protest President Trump’s proposed budget cuts to all long-distance rail service currently provided b [...]

Retired General Chairperson Norman Lucas dies

Local 1570 member and former General Chairperson Norman J. Lucas, 67, died suddenly June 19, 2017. A lifelong resident of Sacramento, Calif.,  he leaves behind his loving wife of 35 years, Sheila Lucas as well as two children, two grandchildren and extended family. Lucas hire [...]

Previsich, Risch speak at San Antonio Regional Meeting

Q&A with SMART TD President Previsich at San Antonio Regional Meeting, June 14, 2017 SMART TD President John Previsich answers members’ questions during the closing session.     SMART TD President Previsich honors retiree Ken Menges at San Antonio Regional [...]

RRB issues Certificate of Service Months and Compensation form

Each year, the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) prepares a Certificate of Service Months and Compensation (Form BA-6) for every railroad employee who had creditable railroad compensation in the previous calendar year. The RRB will mail the forms to employees during the fi [...]

Member hit and killed by train

Local 29 member Michael Gregory Ollek, 51, was tragically killed by an oncoming LIRR train while doing track work for the railroad, June 10. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the accident. Ollek served in the Marine Corps as a staff sergeant stationed [...]

Fund Set Up to Assist Family of Long Island Member

Michael Gregory Olleck, a long time SMART TD member  lost his life on June 10th, 2017 while at work.   Mike enlisted in the United States Marine Corps soon after high school. He then worked for the LIRR for 17 years first as a trackman and then as a track foreman.  He lost hi [...]

Nev. governor vetoes two-person crews

Although both the Nevada Senate and House approved S.B. 427 – the state’s two-person crew bill – Republican Governor Brian Sandoval vetoed the measure June 8. Click here to read Sandoval’s veto letter.

GP Sellers: Addressing SMART TD member questions and concerns

General President Joseph Sellers Jr. recently met with SMART TD general chairpersons at the SMART TD Western General Chairperson’s Conference in San Antonio, Texas. Click here to watch a video of GP Sellers addressing the issues SMART TD members face.

N.D. draft rail plan to increase freight traffic

BISMARCK, N.D. — The Planning and Rail Section of the North Dakota DOT (NDDOT) has a draft rail plan that they believe will grow freight rail in the state. The plan focuses on crossing safety, safe transportation of HazMat, passenger rail service and improvements to inf [...]