You could not imagine how absolutely burdensome FRA compliance is. With every issue of the Federal Register, there is some new “Final Rule” published... cramming stuff up the railroad’s ass... The regulation, actually interferes with interstate commerce. Original intent, be damned.
You know, not every railroad in this country is a big Class 1 with shiny new 4400HP GE locomotives... there are hundreds and hundreds of shortline roads that are just trying to serve their local customer base and remain profitable... it’s often very difficult in the face of some looming Regulatory Watchdog like the FRA.
Once upon a time, railroad best practice was based on what worked and was profitable and safe. Safety was a continuous improvement process... this safety culture has existed was before it was regulated into being...
Now, railroads see the burden of compliance and say, “OK... well if THAT is the law, we will follow the law and NO MORE. We have been commanded to do so, and this way, there shall be zero deviation from 100% compliance and ZERO civil penalties”.