Railroader Blog

Remote Control Is a Failure for Railroads

I'm sorry, I had something else on my mind when I typed that. The figures are around $250-300k per unit (not including the cost for the satellite, site surveys, zoning, pucks, etc...) Sorry about that. I'm not a union employee, but I have seen both sides. It's argument isn't about the preference of remotes, it's about the raw data and performance. I'm sure the people who run the remotes are very good at what they do, but could they do better under different circumstances? I think so.

Remote Control Is a Failure for Railroads

The stimulus package will be a benefit to the railroads; however, companies like the UP have vowed to stop capital spending if a re-regulation bill passes Congress. Re-regulation protects the smaller shipper, and ultimately the smaller railroads. But, if the larger RR's put a freeze on capital spending, the you can kiss any hope of a recession recovery goodbye. The thought that a CEO of a RR could hold the country because of re-regulation is insane. We are working on a report that would compare the advantages and disadvantages of re-regulation. As of now, we are neutral on the subject until we fully investigate both sides. But, to answer your question, the Obama plan has merits, but it's up to the major carriers to make it work.

Remote Control Is a Failure for Railroads

It takes approximately $6-8 million dollars per unit after it is retro-fitted. Each unit has a life span of 6-8 years, not including the constant maintenance. It would be hard to estimate the amount of time that is actually lost due to comm. losses, other trains entering protected zones, yard sweeps, equipment failure, and a multitude of other problems that were created with the implementation of remote controls. There could be volumes written on why this doesn't work, but who would listen? The real loser here is the customer, because they haven't been sufficiently serviced for decades. By the way, the connection between lower volumes and remote controls would be obvious if you could see them in action. I've seen manned crews, as well as remote crews. You can figure up to a 30-40% decrease in productivity when the equipment is working. Most of the time it isn't. There is your connection.

Will Railroads' Good Times Be Derailed?

This was posted on railroaderblog.com today:

The Evolution of the Railroad Manager

Think of the technology the railroads have today: Remote Control Locomotives, Distributed Power and Hybrid Locomotives to name a few. Some of the most advanced systems created to date; however, the advancement of the railroad screeches to a halt due to the stagnation of the railroad management. Everyone knows the reputation of Norfolk Southern’s hardcore management philosophy. Their corporate headquarters are situated on the Military Highway in Norfolk, VA, which is really appropriate due to their “drill sergeant” management mentality. CSX doesn’t have a stellar reputation either. Their Manage With Intimidation style causes resentment and lower productivity.

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The Union Pacific Railroad does take the trophy with their management style. When they started hiring managers off the street and expected them to understand how trains move, that’s when the trouble ensued. I’ve heard instances of managers who would write-up a conductor because he was using a four-point stance on a boxcar. The manager’s excuse was: “The rule book said to use a three point stance”. How humiliating is it for a conductor to be chastised because after throwing a switch he didn’t point hard enough at the switch point? So, the UP’s Manage with Ignorance wins the award for Railroad Excellence.

My point is: You can have all the advancements in technology, but unless the management practices evolve into the twenty-first century the railroads will still be considered less than adequate. Railroads are re-living the 1800’s mentality when it comes to their employees. Again, the equipment has evolved, but the managers may as well ride a stagecoach to work.

The evolution of the railroad manager starts at the top. When the CEO’s of the railroads decide that they want to release their grip on the past, then things will change. I would like to see the entire management structure scrapped and replaced with a more competent style. I’m not saying all managers are bad, but when it comes to business practice the railroads must do better.