RBMN Has Another Record-Breaking Year
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The Short Line Railroad Tax Credit Modernization Act, H.R. 516, was reintroduced on Jan. 16 in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representative Mike Kelly (R-Pa.) and Representative Mike Thompson (D-Calif.), both members of the Committee on Ways and Means.
The Railroad Track Maintenance Credit, commonly known as the 45G tax credit referring to its section in the U.S. tax code, has been a powerful incentive for short lines to put more of their own funds to work upgrading track and bridges to modern standards, driving $8 billion in infrastructure investment since its inception.
“The 45G tax credit has been an incredibly successful public-private partnership, but outdated caps and limitations are threatening its potency,” said ASLRRA President Chuck Baker. “We thank Representatives Kelly and Thompson for their bipartisan leadership in introducing this legislation to modernize the credit. The passage of this bill will enable short line railroads to provide efficient and safe access to U.S. and world markets for thousands of industrial, agricultural, and energy shippers and grow the economies of the small towns and rural communities in which they operate.”
Kelly and Thompson issued a press release on Monday announcing the introduction of the bill. They each note the importance of short lines to their communities and the positive impact this legislation will have on railroad operations.
Thompson replaces Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.), as the minority lead on this legislation. Blumenauer did not seek re-election for the 119th Congress, but was a long-time and vocal advocate for this law.
ASLRRA anticipates a companion Senate bill to be introduced shortly.
Patrick Fuchs has been named chairman of the Surface Transportation Board (STB), succeeding Robert Primus.
“We congratulate Patrick Fuchs on his appointment as STB chair,” said ASLRRA President Chuck Baker. “We have had the fortunate opportunity to work with Patrick throughout his career, from the Office of Management and Budget, to the Senate, to the STB. Short lines have found him to be a thoughtful, practical, consensus-building leader. We look forward to supporting Patrick as he leads this critical agency.”
Fuchs first joined the STB in 2019 and was confirmed for a second term in May 2024. He will be a keynote speaker at ASLRRA’s 2025 Annual Conference and Exhibition, taking place April 6 to 8 in Denver, Colorado.
A federal appeals court in the District of Columbia circuit has vacated a rule that would have allowed liquefied natural gas (LNG) to be transported by rail.
The court sided with the petitioners, which included 14 states, the District of Columbia, environmentalists and a Native American tribe, ruling that the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) did not adequately consider the safety risks of moving LNG by rail. The plaintiffs argued, in part, that PHMSA was required to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), but PHMSA did not prepare an EIS for reasons called arbitrary and capricious.
The rule was first introduced by PHMSA in July 2020 after an executive order from then-President Donald Trump directed the U.S. Department of Transportation to permit such shipments. The Biden Administration suspended the rule twice, in 2021 and 2023. The court’s ruling strikes down the original rule promulgated in 2020.
ASLRRA is disappointed in the ruling. The Association previously supported a letter sent by House representatives to the PHMSA administrator in 2021 asking the agency not to rescind the rule. The letter argued that shipment of LNG by rail is a safer, more efficient and more environmentally friendly way to transport LNG versus the alternatives including trucks.
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has approved a group of requested waivers and one request for statutory exemption made by ASLRRA members Georgia Central Railway and Heart of Georgia Railroad to allow a test program meant to evaluate a self-propelled, zero-emission, battery-electric rail vehicle and its associate computer and telemetry technology manufactured by Parallel Systems, Inc.
The concept vehicle comprises a single intermodal container carried by two autonomous rail vehicles (AVs). Each AV has the capability to move independently or as part of a platoon, though not coupled, operated by hand-held controls or via a dispatch center.
According to the railroads, which are both owned by ASLRRA-member parent company Genesee & Wyoming Railroad Services Inc., the technology would allow smaller freight railroads to better compete in the short-haul transportation of containers. There are also additional benefits for the environment, the economy, the national highway system and more.
To evaluate the waiver request the FRA established a non-rulemaking docket and held a public hearing, invited public comment and conducted a staff review. The agency’s decision to grant the waiver includes several conditions, with the regulatory relief to be re-evaluated at the end of each phase of the test program.
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has issued two technical bulletins, one concerning steam locomotive standards, MP&E 21-01, and one concerning spray-on thermal protection for tank cars, HMG-118.
In the steam locomotive technical bulletin, filed under the motive power and equipment (MP&E) discipline, the FRA tells owners and/or operators of steam locomotives where to send all required notifications and forms for the operation and maintenance of these locomotives. Due to the abolishment of the regional administrator position, where owners and operators had previously been instructed to send their forms, notices and filings should now be sent to the staff director of the Motive Power and Equipment Division. A mailing address and more information is provided in the bulletin.
The tank car bulletin, filed under hazardous materials guidance (HMG), reminds shippers and car owners to inspect their 112T and 114T cars for thinning, missing or damaged spray-on thermal protection. Tank cars found not to be in compliance with requirements for this protection, as outlined in Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) parts 173 and 179, must be removed from service until they are repaired.
The Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) discusses two new laws that could affect recipients of public pensions and certain individuals who have received Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act (RUIA) benefits.
In a press release, the RRB explains the Social Security Fairness Act, which ends two statutory reductions for railroad retirees, their spouses and survivors who are receiving public pensions from work not covered by social security. The two repealed provisions are the non-covered service pension (NCSP) reduction and the public service pension (PSP) offset.
Individuals who were affected by these reductions will retroactively have their full tier-1 benefit amount restored for months starting in December 2023.
On a separate Frequently Asked Questions page, the RRB discusses the Railroad Employee Equity and Fairness (REEF) Act, which was signed into law last December. The law, which ASLRRA lobbied on behalf of, exempts RUIA benefits from reduction due to sequestration and makes those who claimed previously reduced unemployment and/or sickness benefits on May 10, 2023 through December 2024 potentially eligible for retroactive payments.
The RRB notes that those who may be eligible to receive compensation under the Social Security Fairness Act or REEF Act do not need to take any action unless their address or banking information has changed. Those whose information has changed should contact the RRB to make the appropriate updates.
A white paper prepared by individuals from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Volpe Center (Volpe) and published by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) discusses what the agency calls its Technology Innovation for Energy-Efficient Railyards (TIEER) Initiative. The initiative focuses on implementing zero-emissions projects for railyards to help reduce hazardous air pollution in communities surrounding these yards.
The TIEER pilot study would examine what zero-emissions projects would deliver the greatest benefits and how the FRA could help organizations with project planning and implementation. The focus of the study would be on replacing railyard equipment and could follow four general phases, with this initial report comprising Phase 0.
In addition to considering how a TIEER study would be conducted, the report provides an overview of current zero-emissions technologies, federal and state funding opportunities for zero-emissions equipment and case studies of select zero-emissions projects.
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has reported results of a study to determine the safety benefits of implementing a real-time railroad crossing information system for emergency responders.
The FRA sponsored Canadian company TRAINFO to conduct research focused on several objectives, first quantifying the risk of responders needing to cross active grade crossings, then evaluating the effectiveness of in-vehicle systems and dispatcher tactical maps to reduce that risk. Researchers conducted their study in Winnipeg, Canada; Houston, Texas and Charleston County, South Carolina.
Research results showed that over 90 percent of responder delays at rail crossings could be eliminated using real-time and predictive rail crossing information. Although in-vehicle systems and dispatcher tactical maps could help reduce delays, some factors limited these benefits. Ultimately, the biggest challenge was identifying where rail-crossing information could be incorporated in the emergency response process in order for it to have the most positive effect. What was beneficial in one test area did not always work well in another.
Tomorrow, ASLRRA President Chuck Baker will testify at a hearing held by the House Transportation and Infrastructure’s Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials. The hearing is titled “America Builds: Examining America’s Freight and Passenger Rail Network.”
Testifying with Baker will be Association of American Railroads (AAR) President and CEO Ian Jefferies, National Railroad Construction & Maintenance Association (NRC) Chairman Joe Daloisio and Sheet Metal Air Rail Transportation-Transportation Division (SMART-TD) Alternate National Safety and Legislative Director Jared Cassity.
In his written testimony, which will be available on the hearing website prior to the event, Baker discusses the next surface transportation reauthorization bill and outlines short line rail industry priorities related to that legislation.
Baker focuses first on the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant program, highlighting six major benefits of the program and making several recommendations. These include urging lawmakers to support advance appropriations for CRISI grants and pointing out ways the grant process can be improved.
Baker also addresses issues related to modal equity, discussing the Highway Trust Fund and asking members of Congress to reject efforts to allow longer, heavier trucks on the nation’s roads, and touches on rail safety regulations and continued federal support for grade crossing and trespasser safety issues.
The hearing starts at 10 a.m. ET and will be streamed live. The video can be accessed through the hearing website linked above or on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Republicans YouTube page.
Thanks to feedback from last year’s Annual Conference attendees, ASLRRA has made some changes to the 2025 Annual Conference and Exhibition schedule. Notably, to allow participants to take advantage of the over 45 hours of education sessions being offered, these breakouts will begin earlier than before, on Sunday at 1p.m., and extend into the afternoon on Tuesday, concluding at 2:45 p.m. Committees will also meet throughout the Conference, rather than solely on Sunday as previously scheduled.
Education sessions on Tuesday afternoon are followed by the Lucky Strike networking event and evening closing party. Find a conference schedule here.
Click here to preview the education sessions being offered across 12 industry tracks, including safety and operations, maintenance of way, procurement, human resources, technology and more. Register today for the conference and join industry colleagues in Denver.
Attendees are also encouraged to book lodging in ASLRRA’s hotel block before rooms are sold out. Click here to go to ASLRRA’s event lodging page for information regarding room availability, rates, booking deadlines and direct links to each hotel.
Cylus is a global provider of rail cybersecurity solutions with U.S. operations headquartered in New York City. The company helps reduce risks, ensure compliance, and protect critical infrastructure. It ensures rail service availability and safety with CylusOne, the first cybersecurity solution designed specifically for rail. Combining rail and cybersecurity expertise, CylusOne provides real-time asset visibility, vulnerability management, threat detection, response, and seamless integration across rail systems. Sales Director - North America Charlotte Muller is our primary contact and can be reached at (330) 554-7248. Many thanks to ASLRRA’s Fred Oelsner for his assist with this new membership.
Diversified Logistics Training Solutions (DLTS), based in Leawood, Kansas, is a reliable CDL training partner and collaborator who will work with you to offer a tailored CDL training solution for your prospective drivers. Its customized Commercial Driver's License (CDL) training is tailored to your employee, your equipment, your location, and your schedule. The DLTS one-on-one training model shortens the training cycle and gives your trainees more time with their hands on the wheel than they would ever have in a traditional CDL school, ensuring your employees get their CDL in record time. Business Development Rep Bob McNay is our primary contact and can be reached at (913) 219-0400. Learn more about them by visiting Booth #1120 at the ASLRRA Annual Conference & Exhibition in Denver.
Equipment Depot, with 50 locations across 25 U.S. states, is America’s largest independently operated material handling and rental source. It is the primary SANY distributor in the United States for heavy forklifts, container handlers, and terminal/port equipment. With a coast-to-coast network of support, Equipment Depot provides a holistic approach to solving your specific operational challenges and is your one-stop source for new and used equipment, parts, service, leasing, rentals, and integrated warehouse solutions. Heavy Trucks and Port Equipment Sales Specialist Donnie Johnson is our primary contact and can be reached at (502) 631-0108. Learn more about them by visiting Booth #325 at the ASLRRA Annual Conference & Exhibition in Denver.
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has published its Discretionary Grant Calendar for calendar year (CY) 2025 and 2026. This document offers a general idea as to when the agency expects to publish notices of funding opportunity (NOFOs) for various grant programs through the anticipated awards announcement.
For Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grants, the FRA expects to publish the NOFO this May, with a 75-day application period. Then awards would likely be announced the following year, in February.
For Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) grants, the NOFO would come out in late September, again with a 75-day application period, and awards announced in June 2026.
Other programs discussed on the calendar are Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail (FSP) grants for the Northeast Corridor (NEC) and nationally, and Corridor Identification and Development (CID) grants.
What are the latest ways Association members can engage with ASLRRA? What is ASLRRA’s most recent call-to-action? Below are some of the different types of information the Association would love to gather.
ASLRRA continues to seek nominations for individuals wishing to run for election to the Association’s board of directors representing associate business members (suppliers). Nominations are due Feb. 7.
There are two board seats representing associate members and there is one board vacancy that will need to be filled. The board responsibility involves two, in-person board meetings annually and several conference calls throughout the year. Board members are also expected to attend the annual conference and fall regional meetings, and urged to attend Railroad Day on Capitol Hill. The newly elected board member will also work closely with the Supplier Committee and provide agenda items to benefit the membership.
A member looking to suggest themselves or nominate a candidate should contact Nominating Committee Co-Chairs Steve Friedland of Short Line Data Systems or Beth Garguilo of Lincoln Transportation Insurance Brokers. She can be reached on Beth.Garguilo@lincolnins.com or (315) 768-6110 and he can be reached on sfriedland@sdsrocs.com or (973) 769-6505. ASLRRA staff will assist with the election process.
With its members spread out across the United States, ASLRRA knows distance can be a factor in determining whether a railroad employee can take advantage of training opportunities. That is why, in 2025, the Association will travel literally coast to coast to offer its popular training seminars.
Starting with the Drug and Alcohol and GCOR training seminars in California and ending with the FRA Accident/Incident and Leadership Development seminars in Maine, with various stops in between, ASLRRA staff hopes to reach more railroaders than ever.
Use the links below for more information about the training seminars offered in 2025 and be sure to register early before all spots are filled.
ASLRRA is committed to helping employees of small railroads take advantage of critical training opportunities. Scholarships are available – click here to learn more.
The Coalition Heath Plan is specifically designed for ASLRRA members looking for a solution to reduce their medical premiums and simplify the healthcare experience for their employees. As the fifth largest broker in the world with over 500 locations in North America, HUB International is well equipped to provide ASLRRA members with a vast network of benefits experts and best-in-class resources no matter where the member company is located in the US.
Partnering with HUB puts ASLRRA members at the center of a vast network of experts who provide risk services, claims management, and compliance support. Visit ASLRRA’s Member Discount Program page and select Employee Health Insurance to start saving today.
The Short Line Training Center’s online Learning Management System (LMS), a collaborative project between ASLRRA and Iowa Northern Railway Company, now features three virtual reality (VR) training modules in addition to a Part 214 railroad workplace safety program, Part 243 model programs and drug and alcohol and post-accident testing training courses.
The three VR courses are Freight Car Familiarization, Locomotive Daily Inspection and Class I Airbrake Test and Inspection. Using VR technology offers several benefits for trainers and trainees, including enhanced engagement and motivation, improved safety and efficiency and increased accessibility and scalability. Watch a video demo of the new VR training courses by clicking here.
Nearly 350 employees from 12 ASLRRA-member railroads are currently receiving training through the LMS platform. The LMS allows railroads to assign courses and track progress, as well as manage team reports and employee training records. For more information about the LMS, including pricing and scheduling a demo, contact ASLRRA’s Sabrina Waiss. For questions about the training courses, contact ASLRRA’s JR Gelnar.
JR Gelnar attended a meeting of the Association of American Railroads’ Tank Car Committee at Norfolk Southern headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. The committee addressed several topics concerning tank cars, service equipment and service trials.
Aram Gavoor, Associate Dean and Professor at The George Washington Law School, will discuss emergency authorities granted to agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to regulate the railroad industry and others, separate from rulemaking procedures memorialized in the Administrative Procedures Act. Prof. Gavoor will be joined by ASLRRA SVP & General Counsel Sarah Yurasko for a facilitated audience Q&A session following the presentation.
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ASLRRA has partnered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay program to host a series of webinars that discuss the environmental advantages of freight rail. The below webinar recordings - and many more - are available any time in the Association’s On-Demand Webinar Library.
Visit ASLRRA’s webinar homepage and log in to view all the on-demand offerings in the Association’s webinar library.
In its newest Hazmat Tip, the Short Line Safety Institute (SLSI) urges all railroad employees to stay alert for suspicious situations, items or people on railroad property and provides recommendations for how to respond in such cases.
The tip reminds readers that rail employees account for most reports of suspicious activity in and around rail facilities. Employees should always look for and report anything that seems out of place or out of the ordinary, focusing their attention on bridges, tunnels, switches and signal facilities. Also included are lists of what to do or not to do when encountering something suspicious.
SLSI has made the tip available in both PDF and video format. It is one of dozens of Safety Tips and Hazmat Tips on SLSI’s website, available at no cost to railroads. To stay informed of the latest SLSI news, subscribe to emails using the form at the bottom of SLSI's homepage.
SLSI is now scheduling Safety Culture Assessments (SCAs) for short line, tourist, passenger and commuter railroads for 2025. Deemed “the most robust model for assessing safety culture in the U.S. rail industry” by the FRA, an SCA is a voluntary and confidential evaluation of a railroad’s safety culture, offered at no cost to the organization.
Learn more at SLSI’s website, or contact SLSI’s Director of Safety Culture Programs Sam Cotton to put the SLSI’s over 700 years of safety experience to work on your railroad.
Railway Age magazine has announced the winners of its Fast Trackers 25 Under 40 awards as well as six honorable mention recipients. Of this year’s honorees, 12 are ASLRRA-member employees, as are two of the six honorable mentions.
Award winners represent freight and passenger railroads, government entities and supplier, contractor and consultant companies. They were chosen for their accomplishments and their positive effects on their organizations and in the rail industry.
ASLRRA congratulates all winners, especially those from its member companies, listed below in alphabetical order by last name:
Honorable Mentions
Click here for a calendar of industry events.
Views & News is published by American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association.
Please contact Mariel Takamura, associate editor, with questions or comments.