Train Tickets

[Jackflash]

Being an engineer and former conductor I agree
with Ed 100%. jackflash

[edblysard]

If you are going to quote someone, it would behove you to do so correctly, instead of editing and phraphrasing their words. You changed the contend and meaning of what was said, somewhat like missouri rewrites and takes quotes out of context to make them appear as if something else was said.
To wit, what the senator said was "it's not the engineer's responsibility to make sure road crossings are not blocked, it's the conductors and if he says go, I go, if he tells me to slow down, I slow down."
Which is quite true, he is forbidden to move the train without clear, consise orders from me, the conductor, by federaly mandated rules. If he does, the FRA will fine him, somewhere in the range of $2000.00 for the first time.
It is my responsibility to make sure crossings are not blocked, not his. You seemed to indicate that the engineer is some how in charge of the entire opperation. If you worked in T&E service, you know better. The engineer is responsible for the condition of locomotive, and the safe handling of the train. It is the condctors responsibility to make sure the train is in compliance with federal rules and laws, and both share co-responsibility for the safe movement of the consist and train. Only the conductor may decide to move, or not mave a train, it is soley his responsibility, he decides if the train is in the clear, or if it blocks crossings, and he alone decides if you should move, stay put, or if the delay warrants it, cut the crossings.
The engineer may suggest a course of action, but may not take steps to impliment a movement without the consent of the conductor.
You changed his meaning, by misquoting him, and changed the content of the quote, to make it seem as if he didnt care, or he alone made the decision to block the crossings.
Gee, sounds like a typical politican answer, changing what was really said to fit your agenda.
And I have worked with engineers, in T&E service for 6 years plus, and have yet to have one try to run the show.
I would guess you dont and havent worked in T&E service, as all of us who do, know who really is the boss, the conductor.
The engineer runs the train, I run the show.
Ed

[Anonymous]

I have not heard of the newspaper Tribune Chronicle have you? As far as the city of Youngstown, there are several states that have cities called Youngstown. Don't you have a train to watch?
TIM A

[Anonymous]

Something does not sound right here either. You claim to have worked with engineers for 45 years. Doing what? What was your job or career field? Are you and missouri brothers? For your babble sounds about the same as his. If you worked with engineers for 45 years, than you must realize they are protected by FEDERAL mandated rules.
ILLINIOS

[eolafan]

Please read the original thread again and you will see that the source was The Tribune Chronicle and the location was obviously in Ohio (did you see the city name Youngstown?). We all were graded on "Reading Comprehension" in elementary school, guess you missed that one!

[Anonymous]

Something does not sound right. We have laws like that here in Illinios, but they cannot ticket the engineer they can only fine the railroad company.Were did you get this information at? What state did it happen in? You realize an engineer cannot proceed with out a proper signal, a rule that is mandated by FEDERAL law.
ILLINIOS

[Anonymous]

Well Senator Hagen gave the typical engineer and politican response all in one. "Its not my job to know or do something if I know my train is in violation of the law".

I worked 45 years with engineers of his mentality and it always was I am the boss until something was wrong or an accident happened. Than it was I do as I am told.

[Anonymous]

Who gets the ticket?

State senator derailed with police summons

By JUSTIN POST Tribune Chronicle


LORDSTOWN - ''Calling Senator Hagan, what is your location? Someone would like to speak with you.''

Those are the words that state Sen. Robert F. Hagan, D-Youngstown, heard Wed-nesday minutes before a Lordstown officer boarded his locomotive to deliver a summons.
Hagan, who works as a part-time CSX locomotive engineer, was cited for a first-degree misdemeanor of blocking roads. The Youngstown Democrat must appear at 9 a.m. July 10 before Newton Falls Municipal Judge Thomas L. Old.

The senator was cited for obstructing Salt Springs Road and Lyntz Road just north of the General Motors Lordstown Complex almost a week earlier.

The summons already was filled out with Hagan's Social Security number, birth date and other information when the officer boarded the train, a fact that Hagan believes is suspicious.

''I am a little bit perplexed. How did they know it was me?'' Hagan said. ''I don't know if it was a Republican involved or what.''

Hagan had picked up a shipment of 41 vehicles from the GM complex, and his conductor was waiting for clearance from a dispatcher in Jacksonville, Fla., to switch rails.

The move was stalled because of nearby train traffic, however, and an officer apparently timed the train as it blocked traffic, Hagan said.

Lordstown police Chief Brent Milhoan was unavailable for comment Thursday afternoon.

State law stipulates that trains may not be stopped for more than five minutes, according to Hagan. The senator admits that his engine was stopped too long, but says its not his job to watch the clock.

''I am not arguing that, I'm sure it was five minutes,'' he said. ''It's not the engineer's responsibility to make sure the road crossings are not blocked, it's the conductor and if he says go, I go. If he tells me to slow down, I slow down.''

Hagan began working on trains 33 years ago and can't recall a railroad worker ever being cited for blocking a road.

''It was kind of funny, but what are you going to do?'' he said. ''When the police officer hit me with the summons, I was kind of shocked.''

Still, Hagan said he understands the importance of keeping roads open to vehicle traffic.

''The issue is blocking the road crossing in a time of emergency, and of course, we feel the same way,'' he said.

Hagan has reported the matter to the CSX legal division.

''I think the law will show that it isn't the engineer that is responsible,'' he said. ''It is kind of funny, but what are you going to do?''