International Railroad Discussion > Mexican RR's to increase speeds to reduce stowaways

http://www.krgv.com/news/mexican-railway-company-seeks-to-reduce-number-of-stowaways/


WESLACO - The Mexican train used by countless Central Americans to reach the United States-Mexico border will increase its speed to reduce the number of stowaways.

The cargo train, called La Bestia (the beast), typically travels at 6 miles per hour in areas where the Central Americans climb aboard. The company that operates the train plans to increase that speed to about 18 miles per hour.

Central Americans run alongside the train to climb aboard the rail cars. The practice is dangerous. A fall may land a migrant under the train wheels.

The increased speeds may result in more injuries or deaths. The rail company did not address that issue in a news release.

Good.

The best teacher is experience.
RB

Imagine the outcry if you did this in the US. The first person to attempt an 18 mph boarding and fall on the rail....well, you know how that would play in the press.

How about putting armed guards on the train. I would think that would solve the problem rather quickly. These people are trespassing. Of course given the fact this train derailed just a few weeks ago who knows what will happen at higher speeds! Another way to stop the migration!

Does anybody really know where the 'Beast' originates and terminates? In a previous post I point out there is no direct railroad from near Hondouras to the Tex-Mex border where most of these recent folks are entering the USA. The rails climb 7000 feet or more to get to Mexico City, then have to go long distances downgrade, and on branch lines of KCSM or FXE to get opposite Brownsville, Texas.

FXE and KCSM in Mexico despite what you may think are modern railroads and have many high tech AC locos and they are not dragging freight around at 6 mph. And if the Beast is going only 6mph, why? And for how far? A private company, and I believe most railroads in Mexico now are, cannot do business at that speed. There is a missing link somewhere, in this transport of people from SE Mexico to Southern texas. I'd like to know.

The railroad that operates "La Bestia" runs from Salina Cruz to Veracruz. It is operated by the Mexican Government, though it was concessioned to Genessee & Wyoming in the past. G&W gave up the concession as a result of Hurricane damage which was not economically viable to repair.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferrocarril_Transistmico