Congress weighs two-person crew mandate for freight trains

Following the 2023 Norfolk Southern derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, Congress began developing new rail safety measures. One element under discussion would require two-person crews on Class I freight trains. The train involved in the East Palestine incident operated with three crew members.

Lawmakers are preparing a Surface Transportation Reauthorization bill that could include the crew-size provision.

Current proposal and safety record The measure would apply only to freight operations. Passenger systems such as Washington Metro and certain Amtrak and commuter services use different staffing models while meeting federal safety standards. Supporters argue that additional crew members improve safety. The source material notes that the East Palestine derailment occurred under a three-person crew.

Alternative safety measures The article recommends focusing on technology upgrades, infrastructure modernization, inspection improvements, and equipment investment instead of a fixed crew mandate. It states that past policies that reduced operational flexibility led to service cuts, slower investment, and job losses.

Railroad families and communities that depend on rail service would be affected by any changes to operating rules or costs.