In June, Union Pacific requested a waiver from the FRA to waive safety regulations to begin testing camera-assisted remote control capabilities for mainline trains. The test program is designed to use camera-assisted RCO control of locomotives for pick-ups and setouts. For the purposes of this test program, they’re requesting to waive regulations that require additional safety precautions before using camera-assisted RCL over those crossings. They’re also asking the FRA to waive “man down” testing.
This request relies on the supposed reliability of current technology to justify suspending safety rules for new automated testing. Submitting your technology report forms provides the evidence our union needs to challenge these claims and protect our safety.