Or a track failure, which would have been picked up by routine testing absent a cost-benefit analysis....that’s what happens when a company lays-off folks to save money, boost stock price and builds longer and heavier trains to move on tracks that aren’t designed for that and you don’t have the necessary track inspectors rolling around on their hi-rails. I’m seeing replacing tracks and ties on a more frequent basis.
The ‘for hours’ part would more likely be a crew timing out rather than mechanical. If it was mechanical, again lack of proactive maintenance due to cost would be likely...timing out happens when the crew is sitting in a location due to a mechanical failure or underpowered train because the company doesn’t have enough equipment due to maintenance/repairs, they’ve sold off or they don’t have enough crews to replace crews.
The companies have done this cost cutting crap, ordered by railroad guys that take orders from hedge funds and boards that doesn’t the difference between a locomotive and a moped.
When CSX was taken over, the company had already began a time when they expected a 35% reduction in personnel due to retirements. They didn’t have to fire anyone. They could have let the reductions happen organically or may have tossed an incentive or two to help folks leave a little earlier. Sometimes working with the unions and pension board to make some accommodations. NAH!!!!! Lets just blow it to all hell.
Shareholders should have sued the board for the Hunter Harrison fiasco.