Trains to Need at Least Two Crew Members Under Proposed Rule (1)

The Transportation Department is advancing a proposal to mandate at least two crew members on trains, a move that railroads argue would hurt the industry and should be reconsidered.

The proposed rule, set to publish in the Federal Register Thursday, would allow for some exceptions and includes a process for railroads to petition the Federal Railroad Administration to continue existing or new one-person crews. The controversial action comes after Republicans and industry representatives argued that a crew-size mandate isn’t needed, while labor unions supported the efforts, saying reducing operators would jeopardize safety.

“This proposed rule will improve safety for ...