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Railroad Workers United is excited to announce the publication of “Putting America Back on Track: The Case for a 21st Century Public Rail System,” a comprehensive research paper on the broken US rail system, the issues railroaders face, the history of public rail in America and solutions to the problems we face.
Maddock Thomas, Brown University Scholar and North American Rail Shippers Association scholarship recipient, presents a compelling argument for transitioning the United States' rail system to public ownership. Drawing on historical precedent and economic analysis, this report makes a compelling case for overseeing our rail infrastructure in the same manner as our interstate highways, inland waterways, and airports.
This report arrives at a crucial juncture following a damning report on the cause of the East Palestine derailment, and railroaders will soon face impending contract renewals and grapple with systemic challenges plaguing the industry.
Highlighted in the report are alarming trends such as inadequate staffing, the detrimental impact of Precision Scheduled Railroading (PSR), excessive fatigue and the consequences of relentless consolidation. Shockingly, between 2013 and 2023, accidents increased by 28%, while maintenance equipment workers saw a 40% reduction from 2011 to 2021. Meanwhile, despite soaring profits, Class 1 railroads have neglected essential investments in infrastructure and workforce, exacerbating service deficiencies. Shippers testified during an STB hearing “rail service is the worst it has ever been.”
The urgency of transitioning to public ownership is underscored by projections of an 88% increase in freight demand by 2035, with a significant portion of our rail networks already operating at or above capacity. Yet, instead of prioritizing necessary investments, Class 1s have prioritized stock buybacks and dividends, leaving our nation’s critical infrastructure underfunded.
This report not only examines historical successes of publicly owned rail systems but also emphasizes the environmental imperative of rail transport. By shifting freight from trucks to rail, we can substantially reduce carbon emissions and enhance air quality, all while bolstering economic opportunities for the working class.
Moreover, the report proposes practical solutions, including the adoption of Tier 4 and electric locomotives powered by overhead catenary systems, thus minimizing reliance on finite resources and mitigating safety concerns associated with alternative technologies.
We are thrilled to share a link to the report on the public rail ownership campaign page. If you're interested in hosting an event to support our campaign or wish to get involved in this initiative, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at 314-884-8233 or send an email to publicrailnow@gmail.com.
A public webinar to contextualize the report and highlight key findings is scheduled for Wednesday, July 17 at 7pm CT. Please register here to attend. If you would like to schedule a presentation for your organization, please reach out to Adam Barrington, the Public Rail Ownership campaign organizer at 330-635-9478.
RWU and The Public Rail Ownership Committee
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