Federal Waiver Lets Railroads Slash Track Inspections—Is Safety Being Jeopardized for Tech Convenience?
The Biden administration has approved railroads’ push to reduce critical human track inspections in favor of automated technology—but unions warn this move could compromise safety by missing vital defects that machines can’t detect. Who really benefits when federal oversight bends under industry pressure?
The federal government recently granted freight railroads a controversial waiver allowing them to cut physical track inspections from twice weekly to just once a week, relying heavily on automated technology instead. At first glance, this sounds like a win for modernization, but beneath the surface lies a disturbing risk to American rail safety and national infrastructure integrity.Is Trusting Machines Over Skilled Inspectors Putting Our Railways in Danger?Since 1971, federal regulations have mandated frequent in-person track inspections—a critical safeguard ensuring the thousands of miles of rails across the country remain safe for commerce and travel. Now, decades-old rules yield to corporate...
This is Exclusive Content for Subscribers
Join our community of patriots to read the full story and get access to all our exclusive analysis.
View Subscription Plans