Norfolk Southern is charting A Better Way Forward in partnership with our labor leaders at the local level by listening to their ideas on how we can better deliver safe, reliable, and resilient service. NS engages in discussions year-round with railroaders from all classifications throughout our 22-state network so that we can continue to improve.

As part of this commitment, NS and the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen (BRS) announced a one-year pilot program called Signal Safety Collaboration in October. The partnership’s goal is to identify opportunities to enhance signal safety for our railroaders as well as the communities in which we operate. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) assisted with the development of the program and serves as a technical advisor to support the successful implementation. 

An important part of the pilot program includes regular joint field visits by NS management, BRS officers, and FRA representatives. Recently, an initial round of field visits was held to engage our signal workforce directly and listen to their ideas on safety, service, and productivity. Visits were held at in Asheville, North Carolina in November and Elkhart, Indiana in December.

“Our collaboration with the BRS is another way Norfolk Southern is working to become the gold standard for safety in the rail industry,” said Jared Hopewell, AVP Communications and Signals. “Listening to the input of our railroaders is foundational to our success. We all share a common interest in rail safety and our efforts will go a long way toward this important goal.”

Over the next year, NS, FRA, and BRS will work together to enhance this joint safety initiative.  Monthly site visits will occur throughout 2024. An action plan will be developed using the findings to drive long-term signal systems safety.