Ryanair CEO questions the need for the co-pilot - wants to replace them with flight attendants {Gadling}

Sep 7th 2010 2:02PM I'm not sure where you've gotten your information about the major class 1 railroads. There are still 2 crewmembers in the controlling locomotive. One is a licensed class 1 Engineer and the other is a Qualified Conductor (currently there is not a Conductor certification inplace. Maybe 2011/12). Not all engineers have a Conductors qualification either. There maybe instances where both crewmembers are class 1 Engineers, but there are no allowences for "part-time" responsibilities.
While only 10% of the nations hazardous chemicals are transported by rail, that accounts for 80% of the total volume. Do you seriously want a "Robo" controller hundreds of miles away making realtime situational decisions? Think about that when you entertain the cost reduction motivation of the rail carriers.....Safety is NOT their primary concern....