ATDA takes part in Metro-North Railroad C3RS Symposium
March 13 2025
New York, New York – On March 12-13, 2025, representatives of the American Train Dispatchers Association (ATDA) participated in a Confidential Close Call Reporting System (C3RS) Symposium hosted by the Metro-North Railroad at Grand Central Station in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. Representatives of several labor organizations, railroads, and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) came together for the event, which focused on the current impact of C3RS and its potential to prevent future railroad accidents. Since FRA designed the program to gather root cause analysis of close call railroad events while shielding involved employees from the threat of discipline, this event marks another important and collaborative step toward improving rail safety.
ATDA’s attending representatives at the event were Vice President Brandon Denucci (who presented to the symposium), Vice President Kevin Porter, Amtrak System Committee Vice General Chairman Mike DePue, and BNSF System Committee Vice General Chairman Jessica Stone. Reflecting on the importance of making ATDA’s voice heard at the event, Denucci stated, “The opportunity for railroads and labor to share their successes and perspectives within their respective C3RS programs was both enlightening and encouraging.” He added, “Presenting ATDA’s C3RS experience to attendees was a valuable opportunity to showcase how the Organization has leveraged the program to enhance safety and address longstanding, often overlooked issues.”
ATDA Vice President Kevin Porter agreed, saying, “Hearing the success stories of C3RS and about the insight it is providing was encouraging. C3RS is about continuously making the railroads safer, and the opportunity for all sides to share its specific impact is an important way to reinforce its purpose”.
