OIG Urges Amtrak to Improve Train Strike Risk Efforts

A new report from the OIG reveals that Amtrak must take stronger action to reduce train strike incidents and improve overall safety management across its rail network. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

OIG Raises Concerns Over Train Strike Response

Amtrak experienced nearly 800 train strike incidents between fiscal years 2020 and 2023. These events caused 594 fatalities and 279 injuries, highlighting serious gaps in safety procedures.

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According to the OIG, about one in five passenger engineers may have been involved in a strike incident in FY23. These situations can cause long-term psychological strain and operational disruptions.

Train strikes are often triggered by factors Amtrak cannot control — including suicide attempts, trespassing by homeless individuals, and drivers ignoring warning signals. Still, Amtrak must adapt its safety practices to minimize such risks.

Amtrak operates over a wide-reaching network, yet it owns only a limited portion of the track. This makes implementing safety measures more challenging and calls for improved coordination with other infrastructure owners.

OIG Pushes for Better Risk Management and Reporting

While Amtrak has introduced several safety initiatives, the OIG determined that the company needs a more proactive approach to identifying and managing risks. The current strategy lacks consistency and broader industry alignment.

The audit also found issues in the accuracy of train strike data reported to the Federal Railroad Administration. Incomplete or inaccurate data limits Amtrak’s ability to make informed decisions and address vulnerabilities.

To fix these problems, the OIG recommended creating a structured process for identifying risks, expanding key safety practices, and verifying all reported strike data.

Amtrak agreed with these findings and committed to implementing necessary changes. The company plans to improve data systems and adopt broader risk mitigation strategies to protect both passengers and staff.

OIG Report Signals Urgent Need for Action

The OIG emphasized that Amtrak’s response must be swift and sustained. Only through precise reporting and expanded preventive efforts can the company reduce train strike risks across its nationwide service.

By taking these steps, Amtrak can better safeguard its operations, restore public trust, and support employee well-being on its extensive rail network.

Source: www.progressiverailroading.com

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