Train crew numbers up 9.34% from last year

Train crew employment (transportation-train and engine) on Class I U.S.railroads reached 62,142 in mid-February, up 9.34% from February 2010 and1.4% higher than in January 2011, according to the Surface Transportation Board.

Other employment groups also continue to move toward pre-recession levels, though at a slower pace.

The key category of maintenance of way and structures grew to 34,299 in February, up 3.04% from last year and 0.54% from January 2011.

Maintenance of equipment and stores numbers rose to 28,625 in February, an increase of 1.52% over February 2010 and 0.07% over January 2011.

The number of executives, officials, and staff assistants was 9,168 in February, up 1.18% over last year but down 0.23% from January 2011.

Professional and administrative numbers totaled 13,633 in February, up 1.72% over February 2010 and up 1.4% over January 2011.