HR661: HR661 Federal Railroad Administration; deny CSX's request to become the first railroad to use Trip Optimizer's Zero-to-Zero feature; urge

CSX has asked the Federal Railroad Administration for permission to become the first railroad allowed to use a feature called Zero-to-Zero, part of a cruise-control system known as Trip Optimizer with Air Brake Control. This feature would let a train's computer system automatically start and stop the train on its own, including braking, without a human engineer directly controlling those functions between zero and nine miles per hour. This resolution does not change any Georgia law. It states the Georgia House of Representatives' position that the Federal Railroad Administration should deny CSX's request. It cites concerns that the technology has only been tested on about a quarter of CSX's rail network, that it could reduce engineers' hands-on skills, and that it malfunctions daily in ways that can cause train separation, blocked crossings, and derailments. The resolution directs the Clerk of the House to distribute copies to the public and press.

• Formally urges the Federal Railroad Administration, a federal agency, to deny CSX's request to use Trip Optimizer's Zero-to-Zero feature.
• States the House's position that the feature, which automates train starting and stopping between zero and nine miles per hour, poses safety risks.
• Notes that Zero-to-Zero has only been tested on about 25 percent of CSX's rail territory, not systemwide.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare copies of the resolution for distribution to the public and press.
• Does not create, amend, or repeal any Georgia statute, since it is a resolution expressing the House's opinion rather than a bill.

CSX and its train engineers and conductors, communities near CSX rail lines across Georgia and the country, and the Federal Railroad Administration, which is the federal agency being urged to deny the request. Georgia residents living near rail crossings could also be affected by any safety outcomes.

If the Federal Railroad Administration follows the resolution's urging, CSX could be blocked from rolling out an automated braking and speed-control feature that the resolution says has not been fully tested and could reduce engineers' hands-on skills, potentially affecting train safety near Georgia communities.

• The preamble explains that CSX applied to the Federal Railroad Administration to become the first railroad allowed to use Trip Optimizer's Zero-to-Zero feature.
• The preamble notes the Federal Railroad Administration's 2024 rule requiring two-person crews and barring engineer-only operation on most trains.
• The preamble states Zero-to-Zero has been tested on only about 25 percent of CSX's territory and raises concerns about skill development for both new and experienced engineers.
• The resolving clause formally urges the Federal Railroad Administration to deny CSX's request to use the Zero-to-Zero feature.
• The final clause directs the Clerk of the House to make copies of the resolution available to the public and press.

1. 2025-03-25House Second Readers (House)
2. 2025-03-21House First Readers (House)
3. 2025-03-20House Hopper (House)

• Dewey McClain (D, HD-109)Primary sponsor
• Debbie Buckner (D, HD-137)
• Kimberly Alexander (D, HD-066)
• Rhonda Taylor (D, HD-092)
• Long Tran (D, HD-080)
• Arlene Beckles (D, HD-096)

• railroad safety
• train automation
• CSX
• federal railroad regulation