Key takeaways:
- The rail industry has implemented a cost-cutting strategy known as Precision Scheduled Railroading, which has led to a decrease in the number of workers.
- Critics of the strategy argue that it is putting the safety of passengers and workers at risk.
- The Biden administration has promised to review the safety regulations of the railroads and to take action to prevent future derailments.
A train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, earlier this month has brought to light a cost-cutting strategy in the rail industry. The derailment contaminated at least 15,000 pounds of soil and 1.1 million gallons of water. The strategy, known as Precision Scheduled Railroading, seeks to streamline rail operations by lengthening trains while cutting the workforce.
Former President Donald Trump is set to visit the disaster-stricken village of 4,000 on Wednesday, and a wave of Republican criticism of the Biden administration’s handling of the incident has followed. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg commented on the situation, saying “A lot of the folks who seem to find political opportunity there are among those who sided with the industry time and time again.”
The number of workers at the railroads has decreased significantly between 2011 and 2021. This has raised concerns about the safety of the railroads and the potential for more derailments. Critics of the cost-cutting strategy argue that it is putting the safety of passengers and workers at risk.
The Biden administration has promised to review the safety regulations of the railroads and to take action to prevent future derailments. However, it remains to be seen whether the criticism of the rail industry will lead to any real changes. In the meantime, the residents of East Palestine are still dealing with the aftermath of the derailment and hoping for a resolution.
Be First to Comment