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SR 410

Federal Railroad Administration; deny CSX's request to become the first railroad to use Trip Optimizer's Zero-to-Zero feature; urge

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tonya Anderson and 11 co-sponsors

Senate Resolution 410 urges the Federal Railroad Administration to deny CSX's automated train feature, prioritizing safety and human oversight for train operations.

Senate Read and Referred
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Bill Summary · SR 410

Summary of Senate Resolution 410 (SR 410)

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: SR 410
  • Title: Urging the Federal Railroad Administration to deny CSX's request to become the first railroad to use Trip Optimizer's Zero-to-Zero feature
  • Status: Senate Read and Referred
  • Introduced: March 18, 2025
  • Classification: Resolution

Purpose and Intent

Senate Resolution 410 aims to express the Georgia State Senate's position regarding the safety implications of the Trip Optimizer's Zero-to-Zero feature proposed by CSX, a major freight railroad. The resolution urges the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to deny CSX's request to implement this technology, citing concerns over safety and the potential risks associated with automated train operations.

Key Provisions

  • Safety Concerns: The resolution emphasizes that the safety of Georgians is a primary responsibility of the government and highlights the recent history of train accidents that have resulted in significant loss of life and property.
  • Technology vs. Human Skill: It argues that reliance on a computer system for critical operations, such as braking, undermines the essential skills and judgment of trained engineers and conductors.
  • Crew Regulations: The resolution references a 2024 FRA rule mandating two-person crews for most trains, reinforcing the belief that human oversight is crucial in train operations.
  • Testing Limitations: It points out that the Zero-to-Zero feature has only been tested on about 25% of CSX's territory, raising concerns about its readiness for widespread implementation.
  • Impact on Engineer Training: The resolution notes that the use of the Trip Optimizer could hinder the development of new engineers' skills and diminish the operational expertise of experienced engineers, particularly as trains become longer and heavier.
  • Operational Failures: It mentions that the Trip Optimizer system has a history of malfunctions, which can lead to dangerous situations such as train separation and delays for emergency response vehicles.

Affected Parties

  • CSX Transportation: The railroad company seeking to implement the Zero-to-Zero feature.
  • Train Engineers and Conductors: Their roles and skills may be undermined by increased reliance on automated systems.
  • Communities: Residents near rail lines who could be impacted by potential accidents or operational failures resulting from the use of the Zero-to-Zero feature.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Actions:
    • March 18, 2025: The resolution was introduced and placed in the Senate hopper.
    • March 20, 2025: The resolution was read in the Senate and referred to the appropriate committee for further consideration.

Conclusion

Senate Resolution 410 serves as a formal request from the Georgia State Senate to the Federal Railroad Administration to reconsider the safety implications of CSX's proposed use of the Trip Optimizer's Zero-to-Zero feature. The resolution underscores the importance of human oversight in train operations and calls for a cautious approach to the adoption of automated technologies in the railroad industry.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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