Dominic:
Quebec, North Shore & Labrador operates with one man crews backstopped by helicopters in emergency situations and - relevant to MLAUGHLINNYC’s comments above yours - weather permitting.
QNS&L operates through a largely inaccessible wilderness with few roads and a light density of train movements hence, the usefulness of helicopters. The northern region lines on which BNSF was proposing to use “traveling conductors” is considerably busier and not as hampered by this level of inaccessibility so; I’m guessing they felt SUV’s was a more practical and cost effective alternative.
Curt
PS: TXDOT is actually considering tunnels for 45 and 69 through parts of Houston? Having lived there for 19 years from the late ‘70’s to late ‘90’s; my only comment is unbelievable!
