WASHINGTON, D.C. – July 29, 2022 – AAR President and CEO Ian Jefferies released the following statement on Rep. Troy Balderson’s new legislation — the Rail Employee Training Modernization Act — which would allow railroads to utilize virtual instruction modules expediting the process of moving new hires through training into the field.

“Typically, it can take up to 6 months for a newly hired conductor or engineer to complete the classroom, simulator and on the job training before they can begin work in the field. Rep. Balderson’s commonsense legislation will help accelerate the process by allowing the classroom sessions to go virtual. At a time when railroads are doing everything possible to get new railroaders safely into the field, this smart solution would go a long way to helping the industry reach that goal without compromising safety.”

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For more information, contact: AAR Media Relations at media@aar.org or 202-639-2345.

About AAR: The Association of American Railroads (AAR) is the world’s leading railroad policy, research and technology organization focusing on the safety and productivity of rail carriers. AAR members include the major freight railroads of the U.S., Canada and Mexico, as well as Amtrak. Learn more at www.aar.org.

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