The Federal Railroad Administration has recently taken firm action against Norfolk Southern, citing Section 22410 of the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act (IIJA), for their inconsistent conduct regarding certifying freight train conductors. In response, the railroad has made several positive strides in how training is conducted and monitored, adhering to mandates set out in various regulations.
On July 12, 2023, William C. Vantuono achieved remarkable excellence and dedication in his chosen field. His hard work and dedication were rewarded with a meaningful accomplishment that will stand as an example for years.
FRA’s Letter to Norfolk Southern Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer Nabanita Nag
The Federal Railroad Administration sent a letter on June 14 to Norfolk Southern Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer Nabanita Nag, noting the railroad’s grave deficiencies in its conductor certification training program, as seen in incidents from 2021. Citing Section 22410 of the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act (IIJA), Pub. L. 117-58, 135 Stat. 432, FRA demanded mandatory immediate action with three corrective measures provided for each finding. With this letter, FRA has firmly held Norfolk Southern accountable for their neglectful development of an adequate conductor certification program.
NS has made impressive strides in conductor training, increasing the duration of its program to ensure that trainees gain adequate knowledge, experience, and skills. The railroad has also implemented objective standards, tracked measurable progress, and provided proper training for those overseeing OJT field training. Additionally, NS has followed the strict regulations outlined in 49 CFR 242.7 in selecting qualified instructors, ensuring joint selection by a railroad officer and a designated employee representative.
NS is proud of its efforts to set the standard for safety in the railroad industry. It looks forward to collaborating with its unions and craft railroaders to improve its safety culture further.
Its response to FRA includes an extensive training program for new hires conducted over three weeks at the NS Training Center in McDonough, Georgia. During this time, trainees receive classroom and hands-on instruction in the most common tasks a conductor is expected to perform. To complete their training successfully, they must demonstrate proficiency in physical tasks such as mounting and dismounting equipment, lining switches and derails, protecting shove moves, leaving equipment in the clear, and securing equipment. They must also pass tests covering operating rules knowledge, signal aspect, indication proficiency, power brake law compliance, and hazardous material handling. Only after these stringent requirements are met will the trainee move on to the next phase of training – On-the-Job Training (OJT).
The OJT program is designed to provide the trainee with sufficient knowledge and experience to be promoted as a certified conductor. This rigorous schedule is carefully coordinated between Training Coordinators, Technical Training staff, Transportation supervisors, and craft mentors to ensure the trainee covers all the necessary territorial work.
To further emphasize the importance of this transition, a Field Orientation Checklist has been issued to standardize the process across the network. This checklist will ensure that each trainee leaves the NS Training Center with an understanding of expectations. The list is distributed electronically and used with the Qualification Book to create consistency and clarity for the trainees, craft mentors, and Transportation supervisors.
In addition, a recurrent training course is being developed to provide specific guidance regarding the On-the-Job Training (OJT) program for all conductors with or nearing 12 months of conductor service, Transportation supervisors, and Training Coordinators. This will ensure that all employees overseeing conductor training have access to the same materials and remain up-to-date on the latest advancements in their field.
Safety-Focused Initiatives
Norfolk Southern has taken several steps to prioritize safety for its personnel and operations. Their six-point plan devoted to safety hosted their first safety-focused town hall, and Alan Shaw, NS’s CEO, reiterated their commitment to excellence during his visit to the National Association of Railroad Superintendents (NARS). The Federal Rail Administration has also conducted a supplemental safety assessment of NS operations. These initiatives demonstrate the company’s commitment to safety and long-term value.
Norfolk Southern is making strides to ensure the safety of its operations and personnel. Recently, they released a six-point plan devoted to safety, hosted their first safety-focused town hall, and Alan Shaw, NS’s CEO, reiterated their commitment to excellence during his visit to the National Association of Railroad Superintendents (NARS). He further stated that, with teamwork, there are no limits to what can be achieved. The Federal Rail Administration has also conducted a supplemental safety assessment of NS operations. All these efforts demonstrate the company’s dedication to safety and long-term value.
William C. Vantuono’s dedication, hard work, and accountability for enforcement of the IIJA have paid off in terms of a significant move by the FRA regarding remedying any deficiencies found in the NS conductor certification program. With solid efforts from self-assessment to implementation of proper training, William and the team have brought about a noteworthy accomplishment that will stand as an example for years to come. This issue serves not only as proof of action taken but a blueprint of how the industry should continue to strive forward, considering all essential regulations regarding safety.
