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Here are a couple of facts from the world of railroad reality. From a friend who manages a short line (and to whom I act as a "shoulder"): 1. Liability insurance costs have increased by over 30% annually since 9-11 2. Liability Self Insured Retentions (like a deductible) have more than doubled. $25,000 used to be standard for many short line policies, now it is $50,000 or more minimum depending upon the insurance company and the railroad's claims history. 3. Thefts and other security and casualty related costs have increased over 50% in the past 5 years. Remember all those horn thefts and the "Conrail Boyz" ring? It all adds up. 4. Liability waivers rarely completely bar recovery in court in most comparative negligence states. So, although they may help in the event of an injury, they are not a complete solution. 5. Railroads are in the business of moving freight (or in a few cases passengers) and the RR does not realize any revenue from giving tours of facilities. While there may be reasons to participate in events or grant tours for public relations, they are not high priority, especially where they result in additional costs for already very busy supervisors to lead tours (they aren't in any collective bargaining agreement) and of course you may open up the liability issues mentioned above. 6. Support tort reform, OLI, tougher grade crossing laws and whatever other methods you may have of limiting railroad liability and let your representatives know in writing that these are important issues. LC
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