Train and engine employment on the nation’s major railroads rose again in April and is more than six percent higher than one year ago, reports the U.S. Surface Transportation Board.

The 62,872 train and engine workers employed by Class I railroads in April is still almost 12 percent below the January 2007 level (71,103), and more than seven percent below the January 2008 level (67,908).

The good news is that T&E numbers have been rising steadily over the past year as the economy continues its slow recovery from the depth of serious recession. Since January 2011, T&E employment is up almost three percent on Class I railroads.