In response to the Federal Railroad Administration's request for information on rail industry automation, Norfolk Southern submitted comments outlining its views on this "important and imminent issue." Norfolk Southern also submitted comments responding to a similar request for information by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. In an opening letter to FRA, Executive Vice President Law and Administration John Scheib observes that "the development of technology-assisted rail operations is moving rapidly," and when it comes to industry automation, "the technology is already here or very close and is inevitable." He further notes that "the application of many technologies for transportation operations is easier for rail than other modes." While applauding FRA for initiating a discussion around railroad automation, Norfolk Southern underscores that the greatest obstacle to strategic deployment of technology-assisted rail operations is the lack of regulatory clarity, as well as current regulations that impede their implementation. Scheib notes, however, that the RFI is "a valuable first step" towards FRA "partner[ing] with railroads to pursue this important, safety-enhancing technology."
