WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last month, Channel 2 Action News began telling you about neighbors being trapped in their neighborhoods for days on end by stalled trains.
On Wednesday, The Railway Safety Act of 2023, which is being backed by Senator Raphael Warnock, passed through the Senate Commerce Committee.
The bill passed with bipartisan support in a 16-11 vote.
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Sen. Warnock included provisions in the bill that would update the Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program to help eliminate railroad crossings along school bus routes and within a mile of a school. It also decreases the amount of spending required by local governments for these programs.
The bill also gives community members the ability to report railroad crossings being blocked by trains directly to rail carriers.
“Reports of stalled trains trapping Georgians in their neighborhoods for hours or even days is unacceptable,” said Sen. Warnock. “I was proud to join my colleagues today in leading the Senate to take a much-needed first step to address this problem by working to address rail crossings that block our children from getting to school. While I keep pushing to get this bill to the Senate floor, I will continue to demand rail companies respect the communities they travel through.”
It's shameful when people are trapped on their streets, or kids are forced to climb through stalled railcars to get to school, because trains are blocking their route.
— Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (@SenatorWarnock) May 10, 2023
I'm offering several proposals at today's@CommerceDems rail safety hearing to fix this. We can do better.
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- Atlanta neighbors say stalled trains keep them trapped for hours almost every week
- Atlanta City Council member: CSX continues to ‘bully and disrespect’ residents with stalled trains
Neighbors sent Channel 2′s Courtney Francisco videos of people being forced to cross over or under the train in Atlanta’s Hunter Hills neighborhood to get to the bus stop on the other side to make it to work.
A CSX spokesperson sent the following statement to Channel 2 Action News:
“We are aware of the challenges that exist in Hunter Hills and understand our responsibility to be good stewards of the communities through which we operate. CSX is committed to working with Rep. Mainor and we will continue to explore ways to keep lengthy crossing blockages from occurring while maintaining safe and efficient operations.”
State Representative Mesha Mainor and Atlanta City Councilman Bryan Amos compiled a list of dates and times that trains blocked intersections. They told Channel 2 Action News the length of time the trains were parked ranged from 45 minutes to 30 hours.
“As a good neighbor, I think they should be willing to work with the city,” said Amos. If they don’t produce noticeable results he said, “At that time is when the city calls on our state and federal partners to force them to the table.”
The bill will now go to a full vote on the Senate floor. Spokespeople with Sen. Warnock’s office do not have a timeline on when that vote may occur.
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