PROGRESSIVE RAILROADING: FRA unveils final rules for certifying dispatchers, signal employees

The Federal Railroad Administration today announced two final rules that will require railroads to develop certification and training programs for train dispatchers and signal employees.

Under the final rules, railroads must submit certification programs for FRA approval that will evaluate the knowledge, skills and prior safety records of the dispatchers who allocate and assign track use and route trains and the signal employees who install, repair and maintain signal systems that direct train movements.

In addition, these certification programs will help ensure that dispatchers and signal employees periodically receive training on railroad safety and operating rules and practices, as well as on new systems and technology, FRA officials said in a press release.
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