New Rhode Island Law Requiring Crew Of At Least 2 On Freight Trains Signed

PROVIDENCE, RI — A new law requiring at least two crew members on every freight train operated in Rhode Island was ceremonially signed.

Legislation was sponsored by state Sen. Lammis J. Vargas, D-Cranston and Providence, and state Rep. Matthew S. Dawson, D-East Providence.

“This is common-sense public safety legislation. Just like commercial airliners are required to have two licensed pilots on every plane, freight trains, which can consist of dozens or even hundreds of cars carrying heavy and sometimes hazardous loads, shouldn’t be entirely reliant on a single individual,” Dawson said in a media release.

“Most, but not all, freight railroad companies abide by the standard in our bill," Vargas said in the release.

"However, as technology has evolved, they have been able to whittle staff on each train significantly, and trains in other parts of the country have been operated by a crew of just one," Vargas said. "This bill ensures that doesn’t happen in Rhode Island, particularly since we have freight trains running through some of our most heavily populated communities.”

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