Remote control locomotives (RCL) have been in use in this country for a number of years. The term refers to a locomotive that, through use of a radio transmitter and receiver system, can be operated by a person not physically located at the controls within the confines of the locomotive cab.  The systems are designed to be fail-safe; that is, if communication is lost, the locomotive is brought to a stop automatically.

In the U.S., this technology has been confined largely to in-plant rail operations.  Recently, however, each of the largest railroads in the country has begun implementing RCL operations on a wider scale, as have several regional railroads.   Therefore, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is assessing the operations, with the first priority to ensure that they pose no threat to railroad workers or to the public.

Because this technology is not widely used in U.S. railroad operations, FRA has limited data on which to base an objective safety analysis and must, therefore, proceed prudently.  FRA does recognize that these operations have existed in Canada for several years and appear to have a credible safety record.   However, it is clear that the potential for serious injury exists, as it does in all aspects of railroad operations.  As these operations expand, some of the traditional ways of conducting rail movements will be significantly modified.  Under such circumstances, safety risk factors may change. It is FRA’s task to ensure that this transition takes place safely.

Because information currently available to FRA does not lead to the conclusion that RCL operations should be prohibited on safety grounds, FRA has elected to proceed cautiously.  The range of views and safety concerns expressed during various public meetings on this subject underscores the need to proceed with the implementation of this new technology in a sound and consistent manner.  Therefore, FRA issued a Notice of Safety Advisory , which was published in the Federal Register on February 14, 2001.  The advisory is a nonregulatory approach in delivering guidance to the rail industry on how, in FRA’s view, these operations should be conducted.

In general, railroads appear to be proceeding consistent with the Safety Advisory.  The advisory reminds the railroads that employees using RCL control units are subject to the regulations for Qualification and Certification of Locomotive Engineers (49 CFR Part 240 ).   Remote control devices are “appurtenances” of locomotives subject to daily and periodic test and inspection under existing rule (49 CFR Part 229).    FRA is monitoring compliance with this requirement.

Looking ahead, FRA has taken the initiative to conduct a risk assessment of RCL operations and a root-cause analysis of RCL incidents.  This research will be extremely helpful in identifying and focusing on any perceived safety concerns related to this technology.  FRA has also taken steps to ensure that any accidents/incidents associated with RCL operations are identified and reported to under the provisions of FRA’s accident/incident reporting regulation   (49 CFR Part 225).   We will use this data to monitor the future safety of these operations.

The current Safety Advisory was developed for yard-switching operations only.  With recent labor contract negotiations and rulings, however, RCL operations may expand from yard-switching to main-track “train” operations. If this occurs, FRA will re-evaluate its policy on these operations.  As with all aspects of railroad operations, FRA will monitor RCL operations closely and, if need be, will take whatever actions are necessary to ensure safety. 

Final Report:  Safety of Remote Control Locomotive Operations

Contact:  John Conklin
202-493-6318