Amtrack Train Derailment

Neither the track or train had the Positive Train Control system. The track was recently upgraded for this new route. I've been watching the work for the past two years as I drive that stretch almost every week.

 

Also noted this morning, the guy running the train was a "trainee" the actual conductor was back in the passenger compartment.
The lawsuits should start shortly, my first question to Amtrack would be ..........
So how many times did you run this route with an "empty" train at 80 mph to insure the safety of the train (passengers) and the new upgraded tracks
I seriously doubt an empty train could make that corner at 80 mph.

 

I think you may be confusing the various jobs/positions. The news stories claim there was an "engineer" that was driving the train. The "conductor" manages loading/unloading of passengers, etc. The engineer had a new conductor "trainee" in the cab at the time of the accident. Beyond that, would be speculation.

 

You are right, I am confused
But watching TV you have to sift thru their “facts” to some time get the real ones.
But as the Mayor of Lakewood said TWO weeks before the crash ...........
“ I guess we will have to wait until a tragic event occurs and then see if it was worth it”

 

Why does the DOT (or whoever is in charge of the manpower at the scene) always send out more people than necessary, leaving the remainder to idly stand about in groups doing nothing at all? You see it at every construction/repair site. If they aren't helping out, send them home, or put a broom in their hands.

 

The quote was ominous, and Positive Train Control (PTC) will not solve the mayor's warning. There are numerous crossings that is of concern for residents. While this rail spur has existed for about 100 years, it was primarily used to support Joint Base Lewis McChord (North Fort) with freight and during WW2 a Naval Supply Depot. In the intervening years, that use has decreased significantly. Now, much higher (and hugely faster) volumes of rail traffic are expected...it truly does invite disaster. There has been a large public information campaign with print, radio and TV ads going on to educate the public about the new rail service and to heed the gate crossings and not try to go around them. It remains a very significant concern.