Petitions for Action: Pete Buttigieg and Preventing Future Train Derailments

Since taking office, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has been praised for his efforts to address the challenges facing the U.S. rail system. However, the tragic derailment in East Palestine has reignited discussions about the need for stricter safety measures. In this article, we will explore the key steps that could be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future and assess the current state of rail safety regulations.

The Current Context: Rail Safety Under Scrutiny

The East Palestine incident has put a spotlight on the safety of the U.S. rail system. Critics argue that the blame primarily rests with former President Donald Trump and the railroad companies for allowing safety rules to be weakened. The cancellation of certain safety rules on braking systems has been a contentious issue, leading to calls for stricter oversight and regulation.

While it is important to hold those responsible accountable, it is equally crucial to focus on potential immediate improvements and proactive measures that can be implemented to enhance train safety. This includes examining the existing infrastructure, addressing technical issues, and implementing new technologies that can help prevent derailments.

Immediate Safety Enhancement Approaches

One approach suggested is the reduction in the distance between detector locations. This could involve adding sound and optional camera systems to existing detectors. For routes with higher speed or density, a distance of 15 miles could be considered as a starting point. In routes with critical train sections, detectors could be placed more frequently, perhaps at every block of the signal control system.

Long-term, the focus should be on onboard monitoring of important characteristics. However, it would be unreasonable to mandate this prematurely with a laundry list of additional political requirements. This is particularly relevant in light of previous efforts to implement Positive Train Control (PTC), which faced numerous challenges despite being mandated in 2008.

Technical Challenges and Solutions

Technical challenges in determining catastrophic bearing failure, such as heavy spalling on rollers, remain significant. While it is possible to test for bearing integrity using robotic-assisted ultrasound detection during the yarding and block-switching of trains, the low failure rate of M-942 lubricated AP bearings might make this approach non-cost-effective in many cases. In the case of East Palestine, where the bearing that failed may or may not have been interchanged by Union Pacific, the effectiveness of such tests is further complicated.

Bringing the bearing under load and testing it for catastrophic failure is a more reliable method but is not always feasible. The rail industry acknowledges the need for better monitoring technologies and is exploring options that can provide real-time data to operators. This could include continuous monitoring of bearing health and alerts for potential issues before they become critical.

Conclusion: A Collective Responsibility

While there are indeed technical and regulatory challenges to overcome, the responsibility to ensure train safety cannot be solely placed on the railroad companies or on a single individual. Secretary Buttigieg’s role is to lead the efforts in addressing these challenges and working with all stakeholders to improve the system.

A dedicated focus on preventive measures, enhanced infrastructure, and innovative technologies is essential to prevent future derailments. It is a complex issue that requires a comprehensive approach, with continuous evaluation and improvement based on new data and emerging technologies. By taking a proactive and coordinated approach, we can work towards a safer rail system for all.