chasetwisters t1_j9dqs5s wrote on February 21, 2023 at 4:15 AM

Reply to comment by UnfilteredFacts in When do trains pass over the trestle trail? Is there a schedule? I took this on film, and would like to repeat with a train passing. TY! by UnfilteredFacts

I don't think freight schedules are publicized due to potential security issues

UnfilteredFacts OP t1_j9hter6 wrote on February 22, 2023 at 1:53 AM

I've read that theory, but the amtrak schedules are obviously public knowledge, so how is that safe?

Perhaps industrial trains have unique security concerns, such as hobos (and transient murderers) riding the rails? I can't imagine someone foolish enough to attempt a real modern train robbery for raw coal or grain. Frankly, I don't see how knowing a trains schedule could significantly improve your odds of a successful robbery. The logistics of that operation are inconceivable. Any cargo worth that effort either wouldn't be traveling via rail in the first place, or would be seriously guarded (like Kim Jong Une's train).

Sorry - what are the specific security concerns to which you were referring?

chasetwisters t1_j9hwypx wrote on February 22, 2023 at 2:20 AM

Freight trains carry more than coal and grain, and robbery is probably one of their lowest concerns. As we just saw in Ohio, they carry hazardous materials. They ship nuclear waste via rail. A targeted attack on a train like that at a sensitive location could have huge implications.

Bottom line, there really isn't a reason for freight train operators to publish their train locations. Amtrak does it because people ride their trains or are picking people up from train stations so its advantageous to know. Theres just no real reason the general public needs to know where freight trains are.

UnfilteredFacts OP t1_j9i6amc wrote on February 22, 2023 at 3:30 AM

I suppose. But it sounds more like a movie script - a domestic terrorist attack on a train transporting hazardous wastes?

Admittedly, I've seen youtube videos of train derailments with disastrous consequences - such as the total loss of a few homes in close proximity to the line. ...and that's the best case outcome for the hypothetical terrorist in this scenario. It just sounds like a very technical plan with a lot of variables and low expected yield. Probably easier to highjack an airplane, or (ironically) target a commuter train.

The public could benefit from knowing industrial train schedules. Suppose a commuter would prefer to take an alternate route to avoid being delayed by the passing of a long train at a RR crossing? Maybe a farmer could move his grazing cattle to another field father away from the tracks. Maybe my dad wouldn't have picked a camp site near lines with trains passing at 2am, blaring their air horns. Hell, I bet the timing of passing trains could significantly influence property values - I would want that info before buying a house. Etc.