Schumer warns of dangers from chemicals on trains

[Anonymous]

If it is true that derailments caused by switching problems have all been with manual switches, then I see nothing wrong with addressing the problem. If total computer control of the switches is not advisable, certainly a computer back-up warning system could only help. If safer tank cars are the answer than I see nothing wrong with requiring them.

I see nothing wrong with making the railroad industry safer for both employees and citizens. Political biased statements offers little to explain what is wrong with his ideas. Any constructive criticism?


Wayne

[retsignalmtr]

having to make all switches controlled from a distant tower (ctc) probably would cost plenty. there would have to be several signals also to protect the switch. but if the dispatcher could tell the position of the hand throw switch it might have prevented the derailment last month that killed eight people. trucks carrying hazardous materials are less safe than trains but are necessary to get the product from train to user. over the last several years there have been a few serious accidents with fatalities from trucks carrying gasolene and propane gas here than there has been with trains.

[darkstar974]

okay heres my 2 cents what about the thousands of trucks carrying hazardous waste. Are they all safe and as far as i am concerned i think having switches controlled by computer is a very bad thing it removes the human element from the equation. Just another political bag of wind blowing his govermental trumpet.

[jsoderq]

just another politician running his mouth

[retsignalmtr]

chuck schumer is like those prairie dogs. he pops up out of his hole everytime a camera or microphone is nearby. i didn't vote for him or hillary ramrod clinton either. something has to be done for safety. there is not a day where there is not one or two derailments somewhere in the US. there is some merit in having the hand throw switches tied into the ctc control if only to let the controller know what position they are in. the railroads getting more business and should have to service all of the cars including private owners cars. if you've ever stood trackside and listened to the noise from the wheels. flat spots, squeeling and other noises could be indications of problems.

[cwclark]

another ploy by the government to lay off more workers...one day there won't be anymore switchmen... just a computer geek in a control tower taking the place of 5 workers.....

[railman]

Yes, computers are good, but they can also be hacked in to...do we want every switch on a system like that if it's in the interest of "security"? I don't know.

[Virginian]

Hmmmm. Anything Schumer is for, I'm against, and vice-versa. Sorry.

[JPowell]

Here's a story in this mornings local paper in Syracuse NY......

http://www.syracuse.com/news/poststandard/index.ssf?/base/news-2/1107250782277302.xml

Happy Readings!

JP