Industry group seeks repeal, relaxation of safety standards

Whenever one president leaves the White House and another comes in, a lot of things can change – particularly when they’re of different political parties and have very different priorities. That’s certainly been the case this year. 

Let’s look at one example that will affect railroads and those who work in the industry. It’s a change that the Association of American Railroads (AAR) is advocating for the Trump administration to make.

Repealing the two-person crew rule

In the last year of the Biden administration, a federal rule was implemented that requires freight trains to have two-person crews. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) finalized the rule in April 2024.

The AAR, which represents six Class I railroads located in the U.S. and Canada, is seeking a repeal of the rule and resumption of single-person crews. This is part of the AAR’s goal of limiting regulations that inhibit innovation and have no effect on safety. 

The AAR cites a study that found that returning to a requirement of just a one-person crew, as many smaller railroads already have, would save almost $265 million over the first decade, even with a gradual change. According to the AAR, the requested change would still require two-person crews on trains transporting some hazardous materials. It also claims the FRA has no safety data supporting the mandate for a two-person crew.

Fewer brake inspections

This isn’t the only safety measure the group wants relaxed or eliminated by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). This includes fewer brake inspections. According to the AAR, “Collectively, these changes would reduce unnecessary regulatory burden while continuing to meet USDOT’s responsibility to ensure the safety of the nation’s transportation system.”

Regardless of what any data may or may not show, relaxation in safety standards for railroads can potentially result in more injuries and an increase in the severity of injuries for workers. It’s more crucial than ever for workers to know their rights when it comes to getting fair compensation for their injuries. Having experienced legal guidance can help protect those rights.