NJT Unions continue to negotiate as strike date looms

February 3, 2016 – Talks between the eleven unions in the NJT Rail Labor Coalition and negotiators from New Jersey Transit continued today, but no agreement was reached. Both sides pledged to continue negotiating. Today’s talks were the first since Presidential Emergency Board 249 selected the unions’ final offer as the “most reasonable”. Under Section…


February 4th 2016
FRA investigates Ohio train derailment and fire

CantonRep.com reported that Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) inspectors are now analyzing evidence to determine what led to the derailment of eight rail cars in the Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway yard in Brewster, Ohio, on Monday, Feb. 1, 2016. Cargo included flammable liquid that ignited upon impact, forcing the evacuation of hundreds of nearby residents….


Anaheim Coach USA to vote on SMART representation

The Orange County Register reported that Orange County ticket agents, mechanics and bus drivers for Coach USA will vote later this week on whether to unionize with SMART TD. The vote comes in the wake of conflicts over wages, safety standards, scheduling and job security.  According to SMART International Organizer Bonnie Morr, the Anaheim, Calif.,…


February 3rd 2016
2016 rail traffic down

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that as a consequence of a warm winter, lower demand for energy products and low oil and gas prices, the nation’s rails are experiencing sharp declines in shipments.  Read the complete story here.


Registration available for both 2016 regional meetings

Credit: © Choose Chicago Members planning to attend one or both of the SMART Transportation Division regional meetings this summer can now make reservations for either city.  Click here to register online for the San Francisco regional meeting. Click here to register online for the Chicago regional meeting. Click here for the mail-in registration form. Regional meeting registration is available online…


February 2nd 2016