Port Rail Operator
The Los Angeles Harbor Department is currently negotiating with a contract rail operator to take over operations in the port. For over 60 years the Harbor Belt Line railroad has served the Los Angeles Harbor. The Harbor Belt railroad operated as a joint facility and used Class I crews provided by Union Pacific, Southern Pacific and to some extent Burlington Northern-Santa Fe.
When the Harbor Department completes a deal with an independent railroad contractor known as a “shortline” this will end. This contractor will be responsible for the movement of highly toxic and flammable materials through densely populated areas, with Class III crews. The best-trained railroad crews available anywhere will no longer be holding these responsible positions.
Once more the people become the losers, should this shortline deal go through.
MARTIN L. LeFEVER
Los Angeles
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
