National Railroad Safety Campaign Launches in Chicago

Authorities from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) launched a national railroad safety campaign in Chicago Union Station on Monday. This effort focuses on enhancing railworkers’ safety.

NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy stated, “There’s no better place to launch this campaign than Chicago, the nation’s rail capital.” Homendy highlighted that the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) must assist in executing the guidelines for enhanced safety.

Homendy shared that 95 safety recommendations from the NTSB remain unimplemented by the FRA. “Forty percent of those were designated by the board unanimously as unacceptable actions,” she commented. “The FRA and the railroads have implemented numerous NTSB recommendations since 1967, which have made rail transportation safer. But there’s more we can do, must do, to save lives.”

The FRA responded to an inquiry, explaining that 44 recommendations were returned to the NTSB with comments, and a response is pending. Plans are underway to send the rest shortly.

Jennifer Homendy, NTSB Chairwoman, emphasized safety concerns during a press conference at Chicago’s Union Station on September 21, 2026. Other board members, Joe Gordon and Tom Chapman, supported her.

Since 2020, the NTSB reports 54 railworker fatalities and nearly 19,000 injuries. Homendy detailed recurring safety patterns in investigations, calling them warnings that need immediate action.

Chicago was chosen as the campaign launch site due to its significant position in the US rail network. Homendy mentioned, “It is a major hub where the East meets the West in the US.” Two ongoing investigations by the NTSB are located in Illinois.

The first incident involved a July 2025 derailment in Browns, causing injuries and hazardous material spills. The second, in October 2025 in Elgin, involved a deadly collision with a landscaping vehicle.

The NTSB specifically emphasized worker safety during train shoving movements, where a locomotive pushes rail cars. NTSB board member Tom Chapman advocated against workers riding the lead rail car due to the risk of falls or injuries.

Chapman noted that since October 2020, there have been 18 accidents involving workers during shoving movements, resulting in 14 deaths and four serious injuries. “Nowhere else in transportation would this be accepted,” Chapman stated.

The NTSB planned further engagement with Amtrak officials and observations at The Belt Railway Company of Chicago. Across the country, the NTSB aims to highlight rail safety lessons learned from their investigations.

“This is only the beginning,” Homendy declared.