Comment by crote

> When union negotiations fail

You don't want trains to collide because sick people are forced to work when they shouldn't and realistically can't.

> when it's too cold

You don't want trains to derail due to rails breaking.

> when it's too hot

You don't want trains to derail due to rails buckling.

> when it snows

You don't want trains to go the wrong way (including into another train) due to switches freezing shut.

> when nature drops a leaf on the railroad tracks

You don't want trains to collide as slippery rails made braking impossible.

> or whenever they come up with a new excuse.

Usually it's a reason, not an excuse. Train people like nothing more than seeing the trains ride past, they don't cancel them unless they absolutely have to. Just because you don't personally understand the reasoning behind it, doesn't mean there isn't one.