Rail Safety Focus of International Conference

WASHINGTON — Demonstrating an international commitment to railroad safety, senior safety professionals and government officials from around the world plan to convene in Denver, CO, October 5 thru 10, at the 18th Annual International Railway Safety Conference to discuss rail safety issues.

The rail safety conference, which was first held in 1990, provides a forum for improving rail safety. Conference delegates will present papers and discuss different aspects of railroad safety, including accident prevention, environmental responsibility and international harmonization of infrastructure.

“Safety is the railroad industry’s number one priority and this conference will help us better appreciate new methods for improving our safety record,” said Edward R. Hamberger, President and CEO of the Association of American Railroads (AAR), the trade association for the major freight railroads in the United States, Canada and Mexico as well as Amtrak. “Railroads have an enviable safety record that is the direct result of commitment to programs and practices aimed to reduce accidents and protect employees.”

“At the same time, the rail industry is always looking to improve its safety methods, and this conference provides a unique opportunity to make that happen.”

In 2007, U.S. railroads recorded their safest year to date, according to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). The train accident and grade crossing collision rates were the lowest since 1980, down 71 and 77 percent.

The conference will be hosted by the AAR, the National Center for Intermodal Transportation, the University of Denver, the International Union of Railways, the Railway Association of Canada, The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association, and the Transportation Technology Center.

Attendees representing more than 20 countries including, Australia, China, Germany and Russia, will participate in three days of plenary sessions, followed by technical visits to the Transportation Technology Center in Pueblo, Colo., and the Union Pacific Historic Steam Shop in Cheyenne, Wyo.

— Special to Railfanning.org News Wire

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2 Comments

  1. To be useful, announcements like this need to be posted at least six to eight weeks in advance of the event – not eight days in advance, as here.

    I hope this comment is helpful.

    George

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