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Court Upholds Two-Person Train Crew Rule
12 Aug
Summary
- Six railroads and two industry groups lost their appeal.
- The rule mandates a minimum of two crew members on many trains.
- The ruling follows a 2026 derailment involving hazardous chemicals.
A U.S. Court of Appeals has upheld a Federal Railroad Administration rule mandating that many trains must operate with a minimum of two crew members. Six U.S. railroads and two industry groups had appealed this requirement, but their challenge was rejected in a ruling filed on Tuesday.
The railroads, including prominent names like Union Pacific and BNSF, argued that the rule exceeded the FRA's authority and that the agency failed to properly consider the significant costs associated with shifting from potential one-person crews.
This regulatory decision comes in the wake of heightened scrutiny on railroad safety, particularly following a 2026 derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. That incident involved the spillage and ignition of cars carrying toxic vinyl chloride and other hazardous chemicals, underscoring concerns about operational safety and crew levels.
