FreedomWorks Statement in Response to the Department of Transportation’s Withdrawal of Crew Size Regulation

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In response to the Department of Transportation (DOT) withdrawing its 2016 notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on freight rail crew sizes, FreedomWorks Federal Affairs Manager, Daniel Savickas, commented:

“We applaud the DOT for finally formally abandoning this foolish regulatory proposal from the Obama era. This proposed rule would have mandated that all freight rail operations maintain a crew size of at least two people. This was a brilliant illustration of the government thinking it knows best, when the experts say otherwise.

“Often, one-man operations are more suitable for certain types of trips. There is also the possibility that technological developments will pave the way for autonomous trains. This relic of the Obama administration would drive up costs for the freight rail industry and stifle innovation. It is refreshing to see the Trump administration finally put this proposed rule out of its misery.”