Rail Company Shares Freight Info with Authorities

A pilot project trialling the sharing of information between rail company CSX Transportation and law enforcement officials has been launched in the US state of Kentucky.

The scheme, which is also in operation in New York and New Jersey, aims to streamline information to the right people during an emergency, such as the derailment of a train carrying hazardous goods.

Law enforcement agencies such as the FBI, state police and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, have access to CSXT's Network Operations Workstation (NOW) System.

NOW displays a map showing the location of CSXT's rail cars, what cargo it is carrying and its intended route.

Access to such information is vital during an emergency situation and for identifying potential terror threats.

Reported by staff writer