Pullman car ‘Glen Ayr' donated for display at Pullman National Park
Reading & Northern announces promotion
Train operator interested in bringing passenger rail to Wilkes-Barre has purchased city lot
Oregon short line to serve new Eco Material Technologies plant
OmniTRAX Expands into Long Island, NY
Anacostia names Nuelle as chief commercial officer
Railroad members! If you want to be featured in this section, please email us the link. You can also tag us (@ASLRRA) in your social media posts. Interested in seeing your railroad showcased in your local newspaper? Contact Amy Krouse for assistance.
Today is the last day to register for ASLRRA’s Eastern and Southern Region Meeting, General Counsel Symposium and Finance & Administration Seminar at the discounted early bird rate.
The three events are co-located in Charlotte, North Carolina, with the region meeting taking place Sept. 9 to 11, the symposium taking place Sept. 9 and 10 and the seminar taking place Sept. 10 and 11.
Leaders at ASLRRA member railroads are enthusiastic about the value to be had in attending one or more of these events. ASLRRA Board Chair Matt Walsh recently shared his thoughts about the region meeting in a video shared with Association members.
“Professionally, it’s an amazing way to meet up with people that you don’t get to see all that often,” said Walsh. “You get to hear from experts in the industry and I think everyone comes away incredibly enthused, excited about their job, about their industry.”
For Shae LeDune, vice president of human resources and government affairs at The Indiana Rail Road Company, the Finance & Administration Seminar “continues to be one of the most valuable events [she] participate[s] in.”
“The content is tailored specifically to the railroad industry, offering insights and updates you simply won’t find anywhere else,” said LeDune. “But what truly makes this seminar stand out is the networking. The connections I’ve made here have become trusted resources I rely on in my day-to-day work. Whether it’s navigating a regulatory question or sharing best practices, having a network of peers who understand the rail industry is invaluable. If you’re looking to grow, learn, and build relationships that truly support your role, this is the seminar you can’t afford to miss.”
Onna Houck, Iowa Interstate Railroad general counsel and chair of ASLRRA’s General Counsel Committee, notes that “while gathering at the annual meeting provides an opportunity to celebrate all things short line and regional railroad, the General Counsel Symposium provides a more focused gathering to address legal issues affecting the short line industry.”
“Sure, it’s a great way to earn CLE credit, but more importantly, the General Counsel Symposium provides for focused discussions amongst industry peers and, for me, has introduced field experts whose knowledge and perspective I have encompassed into my own processes and practice,” said Houck.
In addition to multiple networking opportunities and a new happy hour event at Bowlero, these three meetings offer a chance to hear from experts on the most pressing issues facing today’s rail industry. These include updates from Class I executives, presentations on technology, communications and business development and more. View an agenda for the region meeting here, an agenda for the General Counsel Symposium here and an agenda for the Finance & Administration Seminar here.
Space in ASLRRA’s hotel room blook is filling quickly. Use this link to go directly to the event hotel page to book lodging. ASLRRA also continues to sell sponsorships for these events. Click here to view the sponsorship prospectus or contact the Association’s meetings team at meetings@aslrra.org with questions.
ASLRRA Board Chair Matt Walsh talked about the value of attending ASLRRA's region meetings in a video shared with Association members.
ASLRRA and the Association of American Railroads (AAR) have submitted comments in response to a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The associations oppose FMCSA’s proposal to allow drivers of certain commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) to proceed through some railroad crossings without stopping.
The NPRM would allow certain CMV operators, including buses with passengers and trucks carrying hazardous materials, to drive through crossings equipped with active warning devices that are not in an activated state. The associations’ comments rebut the assertion that the rule would improve traffic flow and potentially reduce rear-end collisions. Instead, the result of this rule would be more confusion for professional drivers and an increased likelihood of collisions.
Removing the requirement that CMV operators stop at all crossings increases the potential for danger because these operators are no longer exercising heightened awareness and caution in a situation where unexpected events, like a train approaching rapidly around a curve, may arise. CMV operators would also still be required to stop if local law requires it, potentially subjecting them to a patchwork of different rules as they complete their routes.
If the FMCSA finalizes the proposed rule as is, ASLRRA and AAR included recommendations in their comments saying the agency should not adopt a blanket rule for crossings. Instead, the FMCSA should evaluate every highway-rail public grade crossing with active warning devices to determine on a case-by-case basis if driving without stopping should be allowed. Diagnostic teams already conduct such reviews to evaluate crossing danger factors when installing and maintaining active warning devices. The associations include guidance from the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) explaining information to consider when removing traffic control signals.
ThermaDynamics Rail (TDR) is looking to test the company’s Locomotive Waste Heat Recovery System (LWHRS) on an EMD locomotive and seeks a railroad to participate. The test would be conducted at no cost to the railroad and with the support of the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Office of Research, Development and Technology.
TDR’s Locomotive Waste Heat Recovery System converts thermal energy from the locomotive’s exhaust gasses into electricity, which can then be used for various purposes such as augmenting traction power or driving the cabin HVAC with a dedicated electric storage system. Converting this energy also reduces fuel consumption and harmful emissions.
TDR has conducted analysis of the LWHRS, including installation on a GE locomotive and a short road test. Now, TDR wants to develop a long-term test on an in-service locomotive. The test would gather operational data such as fuel consumption and power profile to determine the total amount of recovered electricity that can be produced.
Installing the LWHRS is non-invasive and if the system malfunctions or fails, it does not affect normal locomotive operations. Any ASLRRA member railroad interested in participating in TDR’s study can contact the Association’s Jo Strang.
On Thursday, July 24, the Senate Appropriations Committee released its fiscal year (FY) 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) bill, which contrasts the July 19 House Appropriations Committee-passed version in several ways, particularly when it comes to funding levels for rail programs and the use of funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
The House THUD bill proposes $538.4 million for the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program, up significantly from the $100 million enacted in FY 2025. Of the total, $38.4 million is designated for Community Project Funding (earmarks). Most of the proposed CRISI funding, however, comes from other rail programs.
Specifically, the bill transfers $2.813 billion from the $7.2 billion in FY 2026 IIJA advance appropriations originally dedicated to the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail program. This reallocation reflects House Republicans’ focus on freight rail safety and rural infrastructure, particularly through CRISI, which benefits short line and regional railroads across the country. The funding shift drew criticism from Democrats, who argued that diverting resources from the passenger rail network risks undermining long-term transportation and climate goals.
While the House bill shows continued support for CRISI, total rail funding remains well below levels authorized in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). As a reminder, the IIJA provides CRISI with $1 billion in advance appropriations annually, with authority for up to $1 billion more per year through FY 2026, the final year of the law's funding unless Congress acts to extend or reauthorize it.
Unlike the House bill, the Senate proposal does not make any transfers from the Federal Railroad Administration's IIJA accounts. Instead, it redirects $44.8 million from the Federal Highway Administration’s National Electric Vehicle (NEVI) formula program to support the CRISI program. In total, the Senate bill allocates $151.5 million to CRISI, significantly lower than the $538.4 million proposed in the House version. Of that Senate total, $51.5 million is set aside for earmarks.
Other Highlights with Implications for Short Lines
The Maritime Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) receives $96.5 million, with $21.5 million set aside for earmarks in the Senate and the House bill has $123.5 million. Many short lines connect directly to ports and could benefit from this funding.
No funding is included for the Railroad Crossing Elimination or Restoration & Enhancement grant programs in either the House or Senate bill.
Senate report language does include $2.75 million for the Short Line Safety Institute (SLSI) which includes the maintenance funding for SLSI’s safety train project, but the House Report language only directs FRA to fund SLSI at $2.5 million.
Program Funding Comparisons at a Glance
As Senate and House appropriators begin the process of reconciling their two bills, significant differences remain, especially in funding levels for freight and passenger rail, discretionary grant programs and the use of unspent IIJA dollars. ASLRRA will continue to track developments closely as final negotiations take shape in the coming months and continue to make the case for robust, dedicated funding that meets the scale of need for the over 600 short line systems nationwide.
Representative Daniel Webster (R-Fla.), chair of House Transportation Committee’s Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials, has sent a letter signed by 23 colleagues requesting a briefing from the U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to discuss freight rail cargo theft and how the FRA is working to combat such crimes.
In the letter, Webster and others point out the significant increase in rail cargo theft incidents in recent years, with losses in 2024 alone exceeding $100 million. Also discussed are the advanced methods thieves are using to commit their crimes. One example is an incident in January when thieves sabotaged the braking system of a BNSF train. In other instances, individuals have disabled signal systems or severed air hoses to stop moving trains.
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) website has a page dedicated to the issue of cargo theft on railroads, which discusses some of the ways railroads are currently working with supply chain partners to combat theft. AAR also supports the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA), introduced in both the House and Senate in April, that would facilitate increased collaboration between law enforcement agencies to fight organized cargo and retail theft.
Know a company that would benefit from joining and participating in ASLRRA? Please contact Vice President, Membership Danialle Lovik via email or on (202) 585-3443.
IRAIL Services Group, LLC, based in Las Vegas, Nevada, is a temporary staffing agency for railroads of all sizes. It provides highly skilled professionals who perform safe operational practices & procedures to ensure continued success of your operation. IRAIL Services Group says its readiness, ease to work with, and commitment are highlighted by its excellent office staff and team of high-caliber contractors. CEO Brian McKee is our primary contact and can be reached on (928) 234-2958, secondary contact is COO Stephanie Fordham (725) 277-4679. Many thanks to Pinsly Railroad’s Gaynor Ryan for recommending that they join ASLRRA.
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 introduced its Industry Employment and Career Opportunities webpages less than a year ago to help educate the public about jobs in the short line and regional railroad industry and offer Association members a way to share links to their career pages. The Association also recently added a Railroad-Specific Education page to share information about rail education opportunities at institutions across the country.
ASLRRA and members of its Human Resources (HR) Committee are dedicated to continuing their efforts to improve understanding of small railroads and their industry. The next project being undertaken is production of a short informational video that brings this industry overview and career opportunity information to life for website visitors.
To this end, HR Committee members are collecting photographs, testimonials, supplemental video footage (B-roll) and other information to use in the video. Any ASLRRA member who has materials or resources to share, or who is interested in assisting with the process should contact committee member Tim Lopas.
Also, ASLRRA continues to accept contributions for its Career Opportunities page on a rolling basis. Any Class II and III members can have their career pages listed and linked on the website at no cost. To participate, send your railroad’s name, ASLRRA member region if known and career page link to Mariel Takamura.
The ASLRRA Leadership Program – Professional Trainer Development seminar is filling up quickly. Individuals interested in attending are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible before the seminar is sold out.
This seminar, which takes place Oct. 7 to 9 in Freeport, Maine, is designed for trainers of all levels and subject-matter experts who want to expand and enhance their training skills. Attendees will learn how to design training using adult learning principles, manage participant engagement and the learning environment, enhance personal presentation skills and develop course materials.
Throughout the workshop, participants will delve into understanding and applying proven development and facilitation techniques through engaging activities and peer-reviewed small group presentations intended to simulate authentic training experiences. Whether just beginning a career in training, or decades into it, attendees will leave this workshop with new skills and insights to help them design and deliver exceptional training and improved outcomes on their railroad.
Employees of small railroads are eligible for scholarships to help them attend important industry training. Click here to learn more about ASLRRA’s scholarship opportunities.
ASLRRA’s Member Discount Program is designed to leverage the buying power of all members to secure benefits for even the smallest railroad. Member Discount Program Preferred Providers are vetted by the association and trusted by railroads to deliver quality products and services at negotiated discount rates.
ASLRRA’s Member Discount Program is highly rated as a valuable member benefit providing access to programs tailored specifically for the short line railroad industry and including exclusive offers, special pricing, and guaranteed exceptional service.
Discount Program offerings currently include pre-hire talent assessments from Aon; personal protective equipment from Würth; tie inspection services from Loram Technologies; grant writing services from Colliers Engineering & Design; electronic recordkeeping software and services from MaxAccel; employee health insurance from HUB International and digital onboard solutions from Wi-Tronix.
The Ohio Rail Development Commission has approved two grants to ASLRRA members Ohio Central Railroad (OCRD) and Indiana & Ohio Railway (IORY), which will enable the railroads to make significant infrastructure upgrades.
OCRD will receive $1,055,817 to replace 19,200 linear feet of jointed rail with 115RE continuous-welded rail. OCRD will also rehabilitate three crossings and upgrade a turnout. Meanwhile, IORY will receive $589,505 to replace 11,000 linear feet of rail, replace 525 rail ties and rehabilitate four crossings.
Join Tony Hatch of ABH Consulting for insight into the current railroad market. Hatch will explore today’s industry, which is beset by issues related to labor dynamics, regulatory pressures, international conflict and supply chain instability, and provide his perspective on how shippers, investors and rail are affected. Join us for what promises to be an engaging discussion that will help railroad professionals understand these challenges and see the opportunities in them. This webinar is scheduled for 90 minutes to allow ample time for audience Q&A at the end of the presentation.
Short line railroads are seeing a major uptick in union activity on their properties and there appears to be no property that is "too small" for labor organization. What options do carriers have when union organizations approach their employees? And, once the unions have established the right to a union vote with the National Mediation Board, what is the role of the carrier? This webinar will provide answers to all your questions and allow for an open discussion for ASLRRA railroad members to ask questions and share their experiences.
Sponsored by:
Railway Age magazine is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Women in Rail Awards. Nominations are due Oct. 2.
The awards will recognize 25 women in the railroad industry who are considered trailblazers “with a track record of breaking down barriers and helping to create industry opportunities for women.” All winners will be recognized in the November issue of Railway Age.
Nominees can come from any area of the railroad industry. They must be located in the 50 U.S. states, Canada or Mexico. Individuals can nominate themselves, and there is no limit to the number of entries an organization or individual can submit.
Those interested in participating in either of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Rail Transportation and Engineering Center (RailTEC) online railway engineering short courses must register by today.
RailTEC is offering Track Engineering Fundamentals from Aug. 4 to 7, and Railroad Project Design from Aug. 11 to 14. Each course also provides 14 professional development hours.
The courses are recommended for a variety of rail professionals, who will receive a holistic view of rail transport as a system. The Track Engineering Fundamentals course will examine topics such as track structural analysis and design, track maintenance technologies and asset management, while Railroad Project Design will cover horizontal and vertical track geometry, location referencing and track charts, project phasing and cost estimation and more.
Views & News is published by American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association.
Please contact Mariel Takamura, associate editor, with questions or comments.
