Some may be interested in this, though it’s a few months old now:
http://www.bnsf.com/media/news/articles/2006/06/2006-06-07a.html
JaRRell
That seems like a great idea – I just wish UP would do the same because I’m nowhere near a BNSF line/
Now if someone could clue in the morons at CSX and NS…
–Randy
I definitely recommend all BNSF railfans to sign up. I have. I printed out the ID card and stick it in a military type wallet/badge holder that I wear around my neck whenever I railfan along the BNSF. It’s not a pass to trespass on BNSF property but I hope it might make BNSF employees less leary if you are nearby.
Couldn’t just anyone get one of these, regardless of their intentions?
Yes, so it seems. I was surprised by the lack of questions, screening, validation, etc. It was entirely too easy to get an id card.
So basically this thing is worthless as any sort of identity verification? It seems nothing more than a card with phone numbers you can call if you see something “suspicious”.
Edit: No offense intended towards OP. New info is always appreciated. It is just that I saw someone with one yesterday an LHS, and you would think they had been made a deputy by the way they were talking about it.
The only thing I would add to this is having read PCarrell’s account of his railfanning arrest recently, I would only railfan on railroad property if given specific permission from the railroad, which given the current state of international and domestic affairs, may not be very likely.
Jim
Can you say Neighborhood Watch? That’s all it amounts to…See the bad guys doing damage? Call the Police…That is all…
BTW…I don’t need to have a id card to do the right thing when there is mischief about.
Yea rrinker, I have to agree. I live near Charleston, WVA and CSX’s line through there is constantly being vandalized, and its near factories and that is a threat of terriorist attacks. Don’t know how much it will help though… -beegle55
I agree with Brakie, it struck me as an effort by the railroad to use the eyes and ears of railfans to report anything suspecious and thats about all. But, as far as me going on private property without permission, that ain’t gonna happen… [:)]
JaRRell
That is pretty much my thought on the issue. One should be informing authorities of suspicious activities anyhow. It is nice to have the right phone numbers handy, though.
Very true, there is not any screening and anyone could apply. But again, the IDs aren’t passes into restricted areas. My hope is that it would show any BNSF employee (who know of the program) that I support the railroad and will respect their jobs and property while I railfan.
That said, I suppose BNSF could always make the program more formal if there is a lot of interest.