One-Person Trains: FRA Considers Solo Crews on Georgia Tracks
Published Date: 4/14/2026
Notice
Summary
Georgia Central Railway wants to run trains with just one crew member instead of two on two routes in Georgia. The Federal Railroad Administration is reviewing their safety petition and asking the public to share thoughts by May 14, 2026. If approved, this could change how trains operate and might save money, but only if it’s as safe or safer than having two crew members.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
One-Person Train Crew Petition in Georgia
Georgia Central Railway filed a petition dated November 7, 2025 asking the Federal Railroad Administration to allow one-person train crews on the Macon Subdivision and the Savannah Subdivision. FRA says GC cannot start one-person operations until FRA approves that the change is "as safe or safer than a two-person minimum train crew," and FRA is accepting public comments through May 14, 2026 (Docket FRA-2026-0563).
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