SMART-TD Urges FAA to Ban Drones Over Amtrak Rail Yards
11.10.2025
SMART-TD, which speaks for thousands of Amtrak workers, wants the FAA to prohibit drone flights near rail yards and main lines due to the safety threats, invasion of privacy, and loss of confidence among workers.
This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.
SMART-TD Pushes FAA to Regulate Drone Use Near Amtrak Facilities
International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers–Transportation Division (SMART-TD) has escalated its advocacy for FAA to make a clear stance towards drone regulation. The union himself shows concern that drones that are flying near Amtrak and freight rail facilities represent “a direct threat to safety, focus, and human judgment.”
Don’t miss…Indian Railways Launches Two New Vande Bharat Trains for Festive Travel
SMART-TD encompasses over 125,000 transportation workers in the U.S. and Canada, including Amtrak yardmasters, engineers, and conductors. As the biggest North American rail labour union, it sets out for safer working environments, equitable labour standards, and clear-sighted administrative behaviours. SMART-TD has been a strong advocate of nationwide debate on train safety and labour safety for decades.
In a piece dated October 8, “SMART-TD to FAA: Keep Drones Out of Our Rail Yards,” the union called for a blanket prohibition against drone activity by rail authorities or contractors along functioning train corridors. In announcing that drone activity during “operational testing” has violated “every line of safety, respect, and common sense,” the statement set out to convey a strong sense of outrage and outrage.
Jared Cassity, SMART-TD’s National Safety and Legislative Director, noted:
“Our rail yards aren’t surveillance areas or testing grounds. Those are our workplaces — areas where men and women are subjected to actual dangers daily. If a drone comes in, it’s not annoyance but distraction in arguably the most hazardous workplace in America.”
Cassity added that Amtrak employees must remain fully alert when operating trains or inspecting equipment.
“If something goes south, it won’t be the manager sitting behind the joystick that gets damaged,” he cautioned. “It’ll be a member of ours out there.”
SMART-TD Highlights Safety, Oversight, and Worker Protection at Amtrak
Due to these dangers, SMART-TD advocates for the FAA to provide strict licensing, coaching, and prior notification standards for any permitted drone activity in the vicinity of rail infrastructure. It further encourages the FAA to perform a risk analysis to quantify how drone activity impacts accidents, performance, and mental concentration.
Cassity explained that constant drone monitoring destroys trust among Amtrak employees.
“When employees think they’re being watched, they stop reporting issues. Safety depends on honesty and teamwork, not fear or intimidation.”
The union believes that new federal rules would hold persons accountable and guard against compromising Amtrak’s safety reputation. It would also provide a straightforward FAA template that would make employees secure in the fact that their workplace does not include unauthorized surveillance.
Worldwide, there are already analogous prohibitions. Drones are prohibited in national parks in the United States, Canada, and Europe due to commotion, environmental contamination, and wildlife interference. SMART-TD thinks that Amtrak infrastructure is worthy of equivalent protection, pointing out that “a malfunctioning drone near a moving train can have disastrous impacts.”
The company also asked its federal and business partners to cooperate on improved drone reporting systems. SMART-TD indicated that Preventive steps may avoid accidents prior to occurrence and make it easier to coordinate between FAA, Amtrak, and railroad unions.
Source: www.thetravel.com
News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed:
What is SMART-TD asking the FAA to do regarding Amtrak?
SMART-TD wants the FAA to ban drones over Amtrak rail yards and main lines to protect workers from distractions, privacy breaches, and potential accidents.
Who does SMART-TD represent within Amtrak?
SMART-TD represents Amtrak conductors, engineers, and yardmasters, advocating for safer working conditions and stronger federal oversight.
Why does SMART-TD believe drones are a serious risk?
Because drones can distract rail employees, create safety hazards, and record workers without consent, undermining trust and concentration.
What solutions does SMART-TD propose?
The union recommends strict FAA licensing, training, mandatory notifications, and risk assessments for all drone activities near Amtrak rail infrastructure.
Place your ads on webportal and in Railway Supply magazine. Detailed information is in Railway Supply media kit
