American Association of Private Railroad Car Owners President Tony Marchiando tells News Wire that AAPRCO and leadership from the Railroad Passenger Car Alliance worked with Amtrak in 2018 on a draft for the railroad’s private car safety manual where the subject of platform riding was discussed.
“The subject of platform riding was of concern to all, and a sensible, safe procedure was agreed upon: no platform riding on the Northeast Corridor, everyone seated, everyone wearing eye protection, no drinks of any kind,” Marchiando says.
In addition to restrictions on the Northeast Corridor, the policy also included no occupancy at speeds greater than 69 mph and being seated while traveling at speeds greater than 45 mph.
Now, that private car safety manual has been published and while AAPRCO says it is largely unchanged from 2018’s cooperative effort, there has been new verbiage issued that bans platform riding on moving trains.
“We immediately asked for reconsideration of the ban, but we’re told it came from safety – and no change,” Marchiando says.
The official notice from Amtrak says it is no longer permissible for private car owners and guests to be on the observation deck or operate with an open dutch door on any private car attached to an Amtrak revenue train or chartered train – while the train is in motion.
Owners and guests may only access to these areas when the train is stationary. When stopped, Amtrak is requiring protective eye wear, sufficient hand holds and railings for all occupants, and prohibits leaning beyond the sides or rear planes of any private car. Liquids are also prohibited in these areas when a train is stationary.
Amtrak says those who fail to adhere to the safety rule could be suspended or revoked from operation on any Amtrak train.
