LINCOLN, Neb. -- Years ago, when lanterns were used as signals in railyards, five-man crews manned the trains, reports the Omaha World-Herald.

Now a typical train crew is two people. Someday it could be one.

The idea that a lone crew member might one day operate a train across Nebraska is at the center of a debate in the Legislature.

State Sen. Donald Pederson of North Platte would require a minimum of two people.

Trains haul some dangerous cargo, Pederson said, including mercury and formaldehyde, that requires a two-person crew.

"Do you really want this cargo traveling across our state with less than two people?" he asked.

The railroads have been given permission by the Federal Railroad Administration to conduct pilot tests on a remote-control device that could allow one person to operate a train.

If the technology pans out, a law requiring two-member crews would greatly affect its use, said Joe Bateman, senior assistant vice president for Union Pacific Railroad. Simply put, it wouldn't be economical.

Legislative Bill 185 would apply only to the two major railroads: Union Pacific and Burlington Northern Santa Fe. The state's 12 smaller railroads would be exempt.