FRA to enforce English proficiency for Mexican train crews in U.S.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) recently announced the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is enforcing English language proficiency for train crews operating across the U.S.-Mexico border.

The agency said it is cracking down on cross-border train operators who lack basic English language proficiency to make railroad operations safer in the U.S.

In conducting routine regulatory oversight of cross-border operations this past fall on the Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) and Union Pacific railroads (UP), FRA inspectors discovered instances in which inbound crew members appeared to have difficulty interpreting General Track Bulletins and communicating safety requirements in English with inspectors.

“Train crew operators who can’t speak English pose a significant safety risk that should not be ignored,” said David Fink, FRA administrator. “Dispatchers and first responders need to know that they can communicate with train crews, especially during times of emergency.”

Under 49 CFR §240, Qualification and Certification of Locomotive Engineers, and §242, Qualification and Certification of Conductors, railroads may only certify locomotive engineers and conductors who possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to operate safely.

Due to important train documents and radio communications being issued in English, the DOT said these potential language barriers that FRA observed raised severe safety concerns.

Clarification of engineer & conductor certifications

FRA issued letters to CPKC and UP informing the railroads of its concerning findings from the focused inspection and that FRA is clarifying its approval of the railroads’ locomotive engineer and conductor certification programs.

Specifically, crews from Mexico may not operate more than 10 miles into the U.S. from their point of entry. FRA also explained that uncertified (and therefore potentially untrained) crews must stop at the customs inspection point and that any interpreters must be certified under safety regulations.

“Whether you're operating an 80,000-pound big rig or a massive freight train, you need to be proficient in our national language - English. If you aren’t, you create an unacceptable safety risk,” said Sean P. Duffy, Transportation secretary. “These commonsense steps will ensure every train crew operator can communicate with inspectors and understand basic operational bulletins.”

The DOT said any occurrences of crews operating in the U.S. without a sufficient understanding of the English language to perform their duties safely could result in the Trump Administration taking enforcement action.