Thanks for posting.
I used to work for CSX. Was caught up in the mass “firings/layoffs”. Still have some friends still there.
As one put it the other day...He’s a hedge fund asset. Nothing more.
As for the info about the trains and operations, all 100% true and verifiable. The numbers of derailments went through the roof under the new “business model”. And Norfolk Southern decided to copy it, so they could make more money.
And let me toss one more thing in there, for everyone. The Feds, FRA, DOT were(I don’t know if it was ever implemented) pushing “Positive Train Control”. The activation of the switches from one track to another, usually near industries and the spurs. For years the train had to be stopped and someone had to get out and manipulate the switch. Train passes by, switch gets put back and then that guy has to walk up to the locomotive to get back on.
Enter the push for ‘positive train control’. Being able to manipulate the switches remotely. Most folks have no idea what is being transported by those trains. Very, very very very deadly stuff, that can only be transported by train.
And the railroads were on board with it because it was one less person they had to hire, pay and give benefits to.
Now, implement a system where someone can manipulate a switch remotely. Think things like what happened in Ohio, or Lac Megantic in Canada that took out most of a town, or something like Bhopal, India when a couple of chlorine cars are breached.
Sure, that system can’t be hacked. I promise..../sarc