An ad hoc study committee will conduct a study of freight trains that are longer than 7,500 feet. The study will examine potential safety risks from the operation of these trains relative to the operation of shorter trains. Consideration will be given to whether there is a changed potential for: a) loss of communications between the end of train device and the locomotive cab when taking into account differing terrains and conditions; (b) loss of radio communications between crew members when a crew member alights from the train, including communications over differing terrains and conditions; (c) derailments, including incidents that may be associated with in-train compressive forces and slack action or other operational factors in differing terrains and conditions; (d) adverse impacts from the deployment of multiple distributed power units; and (e) adverse impacts on braking, locomotive performance, and track wear.
As part of its review, the committee will consider the role of locomotive electronics, signal systems, train length and trailing tonnage with regard to how railroads build longer trains (including the number and placement of loaded and empty freight cars and distributed power locomotives). The committee will review how engineers and conductors are trained and how their service readiness is established to operate longer trains. If warranted from its findings, the committee may examine needed safety margins and the role of human factors and make recommendations on whether additional engineer and conductor training is required for safely operating longer trains. The committee will also assess the potential impacts of operating longer trains relative to shorter trains on greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental concerns, the scheduling and efficiency of passenger and freight train operations, and the frequency and amount of time that highway-rail grade crossings are occupied by trains.
The committee may also make other recommendations, including to Congress and the US Department of Transportation, on steps needed to better understand and reduce any adverse impacts of longer trains.