102nd Legislature, Week 12: Hands-Free Driving, Grade Separation Discussion
Hands-Free Driving
On Tuesday, April 11th, testimony on a bill package that would ban holding a mobile device while driving was heard in the House Committee on Transportation, Mobility, and Infrastructure . WYXZ provided additional coverage .
Grade Separation Discussion
On Tuesday, April 11th, testimony on Senate Bills 124 and 125 was heard in the Senate Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure . Per those speaking in support, at-grade rail crossings are a critical issue in Downriver communities with freight traffic often walling off residential areas and hospitals. Four years ago, similar bills passed in the House but not the Senate.
Two-Person Crews
Also on the agenda in Senate Transpo/Infra were Senate Bills 100 and 139, which would mandate two-person crews for freight operations and prohibit freight consists longer than 7,500 feet, respectively. Representatives from railroads opposed the bills, while representatives from multiple unions expressed support.
Jared Cassity of the SMART Union (Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers) shared a powerful example of why more than one crew member on a freight train is necessary.