Miles-Long Freight Trains Cause Problems for Communities Near Railroad Crossing
Ask Students: When did the issue of miles-long freight trains causing problems for communities near railroad crossings start to arise?
Freight trains are getting longer in the U.S. with some stretching for two or three miles. Longer trains allow for more goods to move more efficiently, lowering fuel costs for the railroads. But these trains, especially when they stall, are cutting some communities in half. That’s the focus of a new report from Investigate TV and ProPublica. William Brangham discussed the impact with Joce Sterman.
For a transcript of this story, click here.
Discussion Questions
- When did the issue of miles-long freight trains causing problems for communities near railroad crossings start to arise?
- Where are some of the communities located that are most impacted by the problems?
- Who are the people responsible for these trains?
- What is the perspective of the train companies?
- How can communities solve this problem in the short-term?
Focus Questions
What are some of the specific challenges and concerns that communities near railroad crossings face due to the presence of miles-long freight trains?
Media Literacy: How does this story illustrate the economic, safety and environmental concerns associated with the transportation of goods by rail?
Extension Discussion
Discuss as a class — what do you think are possible long-term solutions for this problem of trains stalling or stopping on railroad crossings?
Republished with permission from PBS NewsHour Classroom.
PBS NewsHour Classroom helps teachers and students identify the who, what, where and why-it-matters of the major national and international news stories.
