Tama, Iowa — Unions that represent rail workers are lobbying for a state law that would limit the length of trains.
Chris Smith is state legislative director for the Transporation Division of the Sheet Metal, Air, Rail & Transportation — or SMART — Union, which represents transportation workers.
A federal report found the length of trains increased 25 percent between 2008 and 2017. There is currently no limit in state or federal law on how long a train can be.
A bill to set 85-hundred feet — or one-point-six miles — as the maximum train length cleared initial review in the 2022 Iowa Legislature. Smith says he and others will be back at the statehouse next year, lobbying for action.
Smith, is an Iowan and has worked as a Union Pacific conductor and engineer for nearly 18 years. A spokesman for one of the country’s largest railroads says trains of all lengths have been safely operated for years and longer trains maximize resources and reduce fuel and labor costs. According to the Iowa DOT, 18 different private railroad companies ship freight through the state.
And railroad traffic through Iowa may increase soon with the merger of Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern. Some officials and residents in cities along the route have expressed concern about the increase in the NUMBER of trains as well as the increase in the LENGTH of trains.
