The Trump administration has announced a proposal to strengthen English language requirements for Mexican train crews operating in the US. The move aims to ensure that crews can understand key safety information and communicate effectively with dispatchers and emergency responders.

Background

The proposal comes after inspections at two Texas railyards near the border found instances of train crews struggling to understand English. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) sent letters to the affected railroads, CPKC and Union Pacific, urging them to reexamine their practices and ensure that Mexican crews can speak English and operate safely within the US.

The proposed rule would also strengthen certification standards for train crews, including a provision that would prohibit the use of automated systems during certification tests. This change is intended to ensure that crews can operate trains safely and respond to emergencies effectively.

Reaction

Rail unions have praised the proposal, citing concerns about safety and job security. Mark Wallace, national president of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen union, has been raising concerns about the use of Mexican train crews for several years. The union has argued that the practice poses a risk to safety and US jobs.

The Transportation Department has also been working to ensure that truck drivers can understand English, as part of a broader effort to improve road safety. The department has withheld millions of dollars in highway funding from states that have not taken adequate steps to ensure that commercial driver’s licenses are valid.

Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.