Railroads Reduce Inspections, Rely on Tech

Federal Government Approves Waiver for Freight Railroads to Reduce In-Person Track Inspections, Relying More on TechnologyThe federal government has granted a waiver to freight railroads, allowing them to decrease in-person track inspections and rely more on advanced automated systems. The Association of American Railroads requested relief from inspection requirements, arguing that modern technology can effectively detect problems early. The Federal Railroad Administration approved a reduction to once a week, less than the railroads initially requested. However, the union representing track inspectors, the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division, expresses concerns that reducing human inspections could increase the risk of train derailments. The railroads argue that automated systems will detect symptoms of issues, and freeing up inspectors will allow them to focus on other critical equipment. This shift marks a significant change in track safety management, balancing technological advancements with traditional human oversight. The Daily News Now! — Every city. Every story. AI-powered. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.