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Last Week Tonight with John Oliver: Freight Railroads

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Last Week Tonight with John Oliver: Freight Railroads
Posted by SD70Dude on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 1:13 AM

Youtube link probably only works in the U.S. for now. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJ2keSJzYyY

The criticisms of Hunter Harrison, PSR and modern North American railroading are spot on, though in less than 30 minutes it's difficult to delve into everything and they were barely able to begin getting into what train crews endure. 

The end bit is the best Thomas the Tank Engine parody I've ever seen, it was obviously written and made by people who know the original show well.

Also, excessively punishing a crew (leaving Henry in the tunnel) and then cancelling the discipline as soon as you need them again is straight out of the Class I playbook.  Probably on the first page.

Greetings from Alberta

-an Articulate Malcontent

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Posted by oltmannd on Thursday, December 14, 2023 4:46 PM

I watched.  What a great piece!  Hysterical in his usual manner.

I think he missed something though... crew fatigue from violating circadian rhythm.  

-Don (Random stuff, mostly about trains - what else? http://blerfblog.blogspot.com/

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Posted by CSSHEGEWISCH on Friday, December 15, 2023 9:58 AM

oltmannd

I watched.  What a great piece!  Hysterical in his usual manner.

I think he missed something though... crew fatigue from violating circadian rhythm.  

 
I would assume that he never worked a swing shift in a steel mill so the issue wouldn't occur to him.
The daily commute is part of everyday life but I get two rides a day out of it. Paul

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