By May 14, 2015 Read More →

Rail Safety: CP Rail officials take aim at US braking system regs

Rail safety regulations announced by Canadian, US transportation officials

rail safety

Rail safety regulation changes called for after recent fiery crashes involving trains hauling crude oil.

Top executives at Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd. are objecting to new US rail safety rules that would require a new braking system meant to stop derailments.

Chief operating officer Keith Creel says the push for electronically controlled pneumatic brakes isn’t based on valid science and there are better ways to spend that money.

The changes were announced earlier this month at a news conference with Canadian Transport Minister Lisa Raitt and U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx.

The announcement also set out a phase-out plan for the model of tank cars involved in the fiery crash in Lac Megantic, Que., nearly two years ago that killed 47 people.

Creel had more positive things to say about what’s being done to address that issue, saying requirements for stronger tank cars can’t come soon enough.

CEO Hunter Harrison says layering on more regulations won’t accomplish anything if they’re not followed, as human behaviour is at the root of the issue.

“Writing another reg doesn’t do any good,” Harrison said. “If people don’t live up to reg one, two and three, why are they going to do four?”

The Associated Press

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