By this time, you have inevitably heard about the AAR’s attempt to deregulate the rail industry, specifically the space surrounding signal inspections.  For those not familiar with the AAR, this is a Carrier organization comprised of all the class 1 railroads where they pool their resources to, among other things, lobby government for changes in the regulatory environment. 

It appears all that money they have poured into their agenda may be on the verge of paying off for the Carriers.  While it is not yet public knowledge, we have it on good authority from the FRA that a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) will likely come out in or around February of 2026.  As we understand it, most of the Carriers’ wishes will be granted in that NPRM.  The net effect of the NPRM is too vast to cover in one small article.  Suffice to say that, if the proposed deregulations take effect, we will see a dramatic reduction in the frequency of our inspections, primarily at crossings and power switch locations.  In the coming months, the BRS and other affected rail labor organizations will be exploring all possible options to prevent this NPRM from being enacted. 

While we are uncertain as to the impact this would have on our craft’s future, we fear the impact on public safety would be catastrophic.  It is simply reprehensible that the Carriers, and their cronies in Washington and the FRA, unabashedly put corporate profits and shareholder enrichment above public safety.  It is undeniable that crossings and other signal apparatus are integral to public safety.  Dramatically reducing the frequency of our comprehensive safety inspections of those devices is a treacherous endeavor for sure.  One that will inevitably lead to greater loss of life.  We will have to band together to do everything in our power to prevent this – and “we” includes all of us.