Private railroad corporations are failing their workers, their clients and the public in general. Their drive for profits means fewer workers, longer hours and neglecting basic safety protocols, unpredictable schedules for freight customers, which is devastating for farmers, and delays for passengers as well as deterioration of railway infrastructure. Clearing the FOG speaks with Maddock Thomas, the author of a new white paper, “Putting America Back on Track: The Case for a 21st Century Public Rail System,” who explains the problems with the current system and how a public, electrified rail system would cost less, have a lower carbon footprint, and benefit workers and customers. Thomas is part of a new campaign, Public Rail Now.
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Maddock Thomas is a member of the class of ’26 hoping to concentrate in Critical Theory and Political Economy alongside Urban Studies. As a Stone Fellow, he is continuing his research on public ownership of the railroads. The project is being carried out in association with Railroad Workers United. This research will culminate in a White Paper (and potentially a book) that traces the history of public rail ownership in the US, outlines the structural issues with our rail system today, compares foreign rail systems, and suggests an optimal public rail model for the US in the 21st century. After college, Maddock hopes to either pursue a PhD or work in public transportation to help revive American passenger rail service.