Union Pacific Railroad and BNSF Railway have begun deploying Automated Track Inspection (ATI) systems while reducing human inspections under federal waiver.

Union Pacific has already cut inspections across more than 1,300 miles of track, and BNSF is expanding ATI use across more than 23,000 miles in two phases.

We can push back against this dangerous shift by staying vigilant, speaking with elected officials and community leaders, and supporting BMWED-backed legislation like the Secure Tracks Act.

Reducing track inspectors eliminates the intuition and expertise rail customers and the public rely on to keep trains moving and safely on track.

Additionally, it shrinks available manpower and reduces opportunities for our members to ascend the ranks of their professional craft. In short, it makes the railroad dangerous and less inviting to young men and women seeking a dedicated and rewarding career. 

We strongly encourage our members and family members to sign the online petitions (linked below) in support of the bipartisan Secure Tracks Act, which would prevent carriers from reducing visual track inspections. The bill numbers are S. 3987 and H.R. 7784.

Senate Link - Action Network

House Link - Action Network

We will continue to provide updates as they develop across social media and at our ATI information hub: www.bmwe.org/trackinspection.