The drivers' union, Aslef, said the move would allow time for fresh negotiations to try to resolve the long-running dispute over driver-only operation of trains.
The additional cost of operation of trains complying with the Train Limit Law in Arizona amounts, for the two railroads traversing that state, to about $1,000,000 a year.
to designate qualified bridge inspectors or maintenance personnel to authorize the operation of trains on bridges following repairs, damage, or indications of potential structural problems.
The dispute has become focused on a move to driver-only operation of trains, which unions say has safety risks and could downgrade the number or quality of jobs in rail.
Sources close to the talks described them as positive but with no concrete progress, and no concessions offered by either sides in terms of calling off the strike or halting the driver-only operation of trains.
The MPs suggested the department "chose not to see the perfect storm of an ambitious upgrade programme coupled with plans to increase driver-controlled operation of trains", leading to passengers "suffering an appalling level of delays and cancellations".
Also, where operation of trains so equipped is intensive, there is a risk that eddy-current braking might heat rails to a degree that could cause them to deform.
The public-private partnership (PPP) the government proposes would transfer track, signals and stations to three privately owned consortia on 30-year contracts, while leaving the operation of trains to the publicly owned London Underground.
Mr. Oversier said the two employees inspecting the track had "simple approval," meaning they could work in a restricted area as long as they did not interfere with the normal operation of trains or equipment.
High winds have a number of different effects on the design and operation of trains, the most important being the need to design trains that will not blow over in high winds.
