Sample Letter

Sender's Name, Address, Phone Number

Addressee, Title, Mailing Address

Re: Limbo Time

Dear (or Honorable) _______________:

This letter is to provide information pertaining to the issue of fatigue on the railroad, as it relates to safety. "Limbo time," is the time crews spend on a train following the expiration of the hours of service, where no work is performed, and it is considered neither time on duty, nor time off duty, while waiting for transportation to the point of final release. Limbo time affects not only my (husband/wife/brother/sister), but also my family and my community.

Fatigue has been a problem on the railroad for decades, and because of the Supreme Court ruling in 1996, creating limbo time, crews are spending increasingly long hours "babysitting" trains while waiting for relief crews or transportation to their final release point. Some tours of duty have been as long as 32 hours, but the average is 15 hours. This additional time prevents train crews from being able to get properly rested before their next tour of duty, which could be 8 to 10 hours from time of release. They then must do it all over again. It also unnecessarily keeps them away from their families for longer periods of time.

Performing service in this manner, day in and day out, increases the possibility of fatigue related incidents that could involve hazardous materials. Because of manpower shortages crews are often not allowed to "mark off" to obtain proper rest. The Railroad Carriers abuse of the Supreme Court decision is now at record levels. The only way to stop this abuse is to eliminate limbo time, and require that crews be released within the 12 hour maximum allowed under the Hours of Service law.

I respectfully request that you support any rail safety legislation which contains provisions for the elimination of limbo time. If you have any questions or would like additional information, I am available to help in any way I can. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

(Your name)