BLE supports SEPTA in getting rid of conductors on new Reading commuter line

PHILADELPHIA (June 27) – The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLE) supports a plan by SEPTA to get rid of all conductors on a proposed new commuter rail line between Reading and Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported last week.

The Inquirer reported that a BLE representative said last week at a public meeting that his union supported the project that would allow one-man operations of a high-speed train that could carry up to 50,000 passengers a day.

"Once again the BLE is working to destroy the craft of conductor," said UTU International President Charles L. Little. "This time they are in the pocket of SEPTA and its general manager, John Leary, who believes that conductors are not necessary to the operation of a train. And, once again, the BLE has shown its true colors in colluding to get rid of conductors just as they did on VIA Rail in Canada."

Last week the SEPTA board approved the $1.4 billion project. It now can proceed with engineering studies and public hearings for the 62-mile Schuylkill Valley Metrorail. It also can apply for Federal Transit Administration funding, a highly competitive process in which it will ultimately vie with projects in more than 40 other cities. SEPTA is looking to the federal government to fund 80 percent of the project, with the rest of the money coming from the state.

Construction is expected to begin in 2003, with the system up and running in 2007.

"If SEPTA is intent to put the craft of conductor out of work," said Little, "we will fight them every step of the way as they seek federal funds. We believe conductors are essential for the safe and efficient operation of passenger trains like the ones SEPTA runs."

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