AILWAY G E
SERVING THE RAILWAY INDUSTRY SINCE 1856
‘Fast Trackers’ Making a Difference
Crashing Political and Policy Waves TTC OPERATED BY ENSCO
Diversity, a Railroad Industry Cornerstone
Take a close look at the faces of this year’s 25 Under 40 honorees (pp. 13-32).
What do you see?
Diversity! Since this award’s 2016 inception, men and women representing many socioeconomic, ethnic, racial, religious and educational backgrounds have been spotlighted. All have one thing in common (aside from the fact that they’re human beings): North American railroading. They, and thousands of others in our industry of all ages, spread across Canada, the United States and Mexico, work for a vast network of steel rails running steel wheels. Their common goal: providing the best rail service in the safest environment possible.
Our 25 Under 40 program judge, Nick Little, who just retired as Director of Railway Education at the Michigan State University Center for Railway Research & Education (p. 40), noted, “As in previous years, the quality of submissions highlights the capabilities of younger people across the breadth of the rail industry. It also showcases the diversity of work and skills necessary for the rail industry to function. I shall watch with interest to see how many of this year’s awardees become tomorrow’s leaders.”
The U.S. railway industry has benefited significantly from DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) programs. Predictably, the Oval Office’s current occupant shut them down at all federal agencies (which of course includes the U.S. Department of Transportation), offhandedly remarking that hiring be based “only on merit”—implying incorrectly that merit is not an important part of the process.
The railway industry, as I’ve learned, will not reverse course and negate years of progress. I asked Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena about this. His response:
“We are not changing anything. We have always been and will continue to be a meritbased company, seeking and developing the best talent, and our workforce will continue to reflect the communities in which we operate, as well the U.S. population.”
On an encouraging note, agencies with jurisdiction over transportation have fared far better than others in terms of leadership.
“Three of the Administration’s first transportation appointments are solid individuals with considerable knowledge about railroads and proven experience in problem solving,”
ASLRRA President Chuck Baker says (p. 48).
STB Chair Patrick Fuchs is “a thoughtful, practical, consensus-building leader who has a deep understanding of the issues confronting our industry.” Federal Railroad Administrator David Fink “will bring a fulsome understanding of the entirety of the unique, interconnected U.S. freight rail network,” and—like Ron Batory—“has extensive experience interacting with all relevant stakeholders in the rail industry ... as a high-energy, solution-minded strategist.” DOT Secretary Sean Duffy “has a working knowledge of the legislative process and the experience necessary to work with all stakeholders to get things done.”
In these chaotic, uncertain times (see Don Itzkoff’s analysis, p. 36), stay focused, and rely on accurate information sources. That’s been Railway Age’s mission since 1856.
WILLIAM C. VANTUONO Editor-in-Chief
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Industry Indicators
‘THE NEW YEAR MEANS EVEN MORE UNCERTAINTY’
“Uncertainty is an inherent characteristic of economic and industry dynamics, including for the rail sector,” the AAR reported last month. “As we begin 2025, it is becoming more pronounced, driven by both cyclical factors and an evolving policy landscape. Potential shifts in fiscal policy, trade, immigration, taxation and regulatory frameworks— alongside evolving monetary policy from the Federal Reserve—are contributing to heightened economic uncertainty. The interplay between these policies will be critical in determining whether the labor market remains resilient enough to sustain consumer spending and support continued rail intermodal growth, as seen in 2024. Similarly, the manufacturing sector’s trajectory, which has faced two years of persistent weakness that has weighed heavily on carload volumes, will depend on how broader economic conditions evolve in response to fiscal and monetary measures in the months ahead. U.S. rail traffic at the end of 2024 presented a mixed picture, as is typically the case. December 2024 had the highest intermodal volume of any December in history. Meanwhile, total carloads fell 0.8% in December 2024 from December 2023, their 11th monthly decline in the 12 months of 2024. Excluding coal, carloads rose 1.9% and were up in 11 months in 2024. That last occurred in 2018. Grain and chemicals led 2024 carload gains. U.S. rail intermodal volume in December 2024 averaged 273,122 units per week, the most ever for December and up 11.2% over 2023. Year-over-year intermodal change was positive each month. For all of 2024, U.S. railroads originated 13.84 million containers and truck trailers—the most since 2021, the third most ever (behind 2018 and 2021), and up 9.3% (1.17 million units) over 2023. Containers accounted for a record 96.3% of U.S. intermodal originations in 2024. Many of these containers were filled with imports or exports; the fact that port volumes were up by double digits in 2024 explains much of rail intermodal’s growth, especially on the West Coast.”
Industry Outlook
Patrick Fuchs Grasps STB Leadership Baton
REPUBLICAN PATRICK J. FUCHS, 36, WAS DESIGNATED BY THE PRESIDENT JAN. 20 AS CHAIRPERSON OF THE FIVE-MEMBER SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD (STB). He succeeds Democrat Robert E. Primus, 55, who was designated chairperson in May 2024 by President Biden following the retirement of Democrat Martin J. Oberman. Primus will remain a Board member—his second term expiring Dec. 31, 2027.
Now in his second five-year term expiring Jan. 14, 2029, Fuchs was first Senateconfirmed in 2019. By statute, STB members are limited to two terms but may remain until a successor is seated.
Although the STB is an independent (from the Executive Branch) agency, the President designates, from among STB members, the chairperson, who controls the agency’s docket. Fuchs earned second-term support from dozens of rail shipper groups who citied his expertise and offered depictions as “calm,” “transparent” and “seriously thoughtful.” Railroads, which rarely take positions on pending nominations, acknowledged support.
Backing came also from the Teamsters Union—with which two major rail unions (locomotive engineers and maintenance-ofway workers) are affiliated, saying “the potential for current and future service disruptions demands the intellect and
comprehension of the issues that Mr. Fuchs has exhibited.”
Also encouraging Fuchs’ second-term nomination was Oberman, who praised Fuchs’ work ethic, collegiality and understanding of the law and transportation economics. Oberman described non-attorney Fuchs as “the best lawyer on the Board.” There is consensus among stakeholders that Fuchs focuses on evidence and argument, never displaying favor toward parties of interest.
Previously, Fuchs was a Senate Commerce Committee senior staff member, reporting to the committee’s then-chairperson—and now Senate Majority Leader—John Thune (R-S. Dak.), who praised Fuchs’ “sense of fairness and talent.”
When nominating Fuchs to his second term in 2024, Biden said he “played an integral role in the development and enactment of significant railroad legislation, including the reform of railroad infrastructure programs and the first reauthorization of the STB” since its 1996 rebranding from the Interstate Commerce Commission. Fuchs also helped draft National Transportation Safety Board and Amtrak reauthorization—the latter improving environmental and historic preservation permitting processes and encouraging private-sector competition.
Other legislation Fuchs helped draft affected hazmat transportation and
creation of the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program, providing a funding for short line capital projects.
In his six years at the STB, Fuchs’ “just the facts” approach has had him siding with railroads and shippers. His railroad-favorable dissent rejecting an STB-initiated Final Offer Rate Review was cited by an appellate court, while he issued a partial dissent to side with shippers in a recent high-value tank car case.
A pro-growth proponent, Fuchs pushed the Board to seek Supreme Court review of a lower court’s adverse ruling on construction of the Uinta Basin Railway, a 100-mile rail line in Utah—a reversal that will favor other large construction projects now hindered by “no growth” advocates. The Court accepted the case.
At the Board, Fuchs oversaw a streamlined approach to ministerial tasks of licensing and preemption, and the gathering and presentation of metrics allowing evidence-based solutions to problems of first- and last-mile delay.
Fuchs earned from the University of Wisconsin a double-major undergraduate degree in economics and political science, and a master’s degree in public policy analysis and management, with an emphasis on transportation policy, economics and statistics. As a graduate student, he participated in an international academic program with the National University of Singapore, focusing on international policy and economics.
Prior to joining the Senate Commerce Committee’s Republican staff, Fuchs was a policy analyst with the White House Office of Management and Budget, focusing on regulatory policy; a State Department Presidential Management Fellow serving in The Hague, Netherlands; and a research assistant at the National Center for Freight and Infrastructure Research and Education.
In addition to Primus, STB members include Democrat Karen J. Hedlund, age 76, whose first term expires Dec. 31, 2025; and Republican Michelle A. Schultz, age 52, whose first term expires Jan. 11, 2026. Schultz on Jan. 22 was designated Vice Chair, succeeding Hedlund. The vacant fifth seat awaits White House nomination, which will give the STB a 3-2 Republican majority.
—Frank N. Wilner
NYCT Wabtec R255 Service-Certified
The newest subway vehicle for MTA New York City Transit has an “R” designation, but it’s a stand-alone piece of rolling stock that doesn’t carry passengers. It’s the R255, a hybrid battery-diesel locomotive for maintenance-of-way operations from Wabtec, and the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has just certified it for use across the world’s largest rapid transit network. The R255 will reduce diesel emissions by using battery power while conducting work in NYCT tunnels. The R255 can reduce, and under some circumstances eliminate, fuel emissions during subway construction, maintenance, and repairs, especially during extended periods at a work site. The approximately 500-kWh locomotives can work in “battery only” mode within confined work zones for up to eight hours. The batteries also can move work trains that must operate at job sites where third rail power is de-energized for worker safety. The R255 is equipped with external and internal cameras, as well as a digital video recorder to capture images of the track, lineside assets and signaling equipment across the network. It also features onboard monitoring and diagnostics systems to support preventative and condition-based fleet maintenance. The MTA placed an order with Wabtec for the R255 in 2020 to replace a fleet of diesel-only locomotives built in the 1960s and 1970s. Wabtec built the locomotives at its design and development center in Erie, Pa. The company delivered the initial hybrids in May and June 2024; they underwent a series of comprehensive acceptance tests on NYCT that focused on safety, performance, interoperability and reliability including a capstone performance test of two R255s operating with a full train of m/w cars over the Manhattan Bridge.
CN has deployed a new medium-horsepower hybrid electric locomotive developed in collaboration with KNOXVILLE LOCOMOTIVE WORKS (KLW). The 3,200-hp hybrid unit, numbered 7100, is based on a CN low-horsepower diesel-electric locomotive operating in yards and on branch lines. Powered by a 2.4 MWh/700-hp, 100% biofuel-ready battery-diesel engine and equipped with an upgraded control system, it offers a horsepower increase of up to 60%, The hybrid system targets up to an approximately 50% reduction in fuel consumption compared to a diesel-electric locomotive used in similar operations. No. 7100 will undergo testing in various operational conditions across CN’s network as a pilot project “to evaluate its potential to enhance operational efficiency and fuel savings, marking another step toward more modern and sustainable rail operations,” CN said. It will be deployed in phases over the next six months across several CN yards and branch lines, including locations in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Testing will also eventually include operations in cold weather conditions in Western Canada. “This phased approach will enable CN to evaluate efficiency and operating protocols for the locomotive,” CN noted. “This project is part of CN’s program to meet the deep decarbonization required to achieve net-zero
emissions, with the other previously announced locomotive pilots. CN expects this initiative will help drive the advancement of hybrid technology in locomotives and contribute to immediate emissions reductions.” “This CN-led pilot represents another milestone in our sustainability journey and focus on emerging technologies,” said Patrick Whitehead, CN Executive Vice President and Chief Network Operating Officer. “We believe that this hybrid system, if successful, could substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions from our yard operations, while maintaining our commitment to customers and communities across our network.”
WABTEC last month announced that TRANSAP, a Chile-based rail logistics company, has ordered four of its advanced C30ACi locomotives as part of TRANSAP’s fleet renewal initiative to support the company’s growth. Wabtec is expected to deliver the new locomotives in 2026. According to Wabtec, the new C30ACis are the first ACtraction locomotives to join TRANSAP’s fleet. The company will use the locomotives to fulfill a strategic long-term contract with ARAUCO, one of the largest forestry companies worldwide. The fleet will help transport ARAUCO’s freight across Chile’s EMPRESA DE LOS FERROCARRILES DEL
ESTADO (EFE) rail network to key markets. The C30ACi locomotive, Wabtec says, is designed for higher pulling capacity to support lighter axle-load applications and incorporates all AC technology for heavyhaul operations. The AC individual-axle traction control technology maximizes the tractive effort and improves the hauling capacity, enabling a C30ACi to do the work of two DC locomotives, the company noted. The C30ACi also is designed to operate on any sharp curves or tight clearances that it may encounter along EFE’s rail network. “This order is a critical step for TRANSAP as we position our locomotive fleet to meet growing needs of our customers and the country,” said TRANSAP Chief Executive Eric Lobo. “The addition of these new locomotives aligns with our vision of providing efficient, safe, and sustainable rail service for our customers.” “TRANSAP is a logistics leader in the region and its rail operations help drive the economy in South America,” said Wabtec President and Regional Leader of Latin America Danilo Miyasato. “The C30ACis are an ideal complement to TRANSAP’s fleet and the region’s challenging rail network. These locomotives will provide low operational costs, high availability, and proven reliability needed to efficiently meet customer needs.”
Watching Washington
The Peanut Farmer Who Saved Railroads
If you’re unaware that President Jimmy Carter, who died Dec. 29 at age 100, was instrumental in preserving private-sector railroading, blame it on your youth, as Carter was in the White House 1977-1981.
The Naval Academy grad and submarine officer who became a Georgia peanut farmer before pivoting, in his incongruous career, to politics, accomplished for railroads what Presidents beginning with Eisenhower sought but failed to deliver— partial economic deregulation. Carter’s signing into law the 1980 Staggers Rail Act reversed a near century of strict and stricter economic regulation and saved from Treasury-draining nationalization financially failed and failing railroads in the Northeast and Midwest. He ended for railroads an era the locust hath eaten.
Equally significant was Carter’s pick of free-market-devoted rail regulators to superintend the transformation from rigid legislative legalize to consequences—renewal of deteriorating rail plant and equipment, restoration of reliable rail service and achievement of rail revenue adequacy. Said Carter in a 1979 message to Congress:
“We must eliminate the outmoded rules that have prevented railroads from managing their operation efficiently, responding to competitive opportunities and utilizing equipment profitably. We must allow the industry the flexibility to set rates at levels that generate a fair return on the investment and that attract traffic lost to unregulated modes.”
While Rep. Jim Florio (D-N.J.) successfully quarterbacked the rail economic deregulation effort through captive shipper-generated House hostility—the Senate less problematic—it was Carter’s Department of Transportation that produced the initial drafts, and Carter who personally brokered a legislative compromise sealing success while locking in a safety net for captive shippers.
Carter’s first Transportation Secretary, former Rep. Brock Adams (D-Wash.), had carried an early economic deregulation torch through Congress. His successor,
Neil Goldschmidt, related presenting Carter a list of 14 transportation priorities, at the top of which Carter penciled “railroad deregulation.”
Upon signing the Staggers Rail Act into law Oct. 14, 1980, Carter said:
“By stripping away needless and costly regulation in favor of marketplace forces wherever possible, this Act will help assure a strong and healthy future for our nation’s railroads and the men and women who work for them. It will benefit shippers throughout the country by encouraging railroads to improve their equipment and better tailor their service to shipper needs.”
Ahead of the legislation’s passage, Carter selected free-market advocates Darius Gaskins and Marcus Alexis, both economists, and financial analyst Thomas Trantum for seats on Surface Transportation Board predecessor Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC). Said Chairperson Gaskins, “Salvation for shippers and carriers alike lies in the marketplace, not in the halls of the ICC.”
Alexis was the ICC’s first African American—92 years after the agency’s creation, 15 years after the first female and seven years following the first Latino.
For Carter, a product of the Jim Crow South, the choice illuminated his content of character and commitment to diversity,
equity and inclusion.
Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.) painted Carter the most conservative Democratic President since Grover Cleveland—a remarkable juxtaposition as Cleveland in 1887 signed into law the Interstate Commerce Act that Carter’s signature significantly shredded.
Carter was no stranger to Adam Smith’s “invisible hand” or Ayn Rand’s “Atlas Shrugged.” He told Congress in 1979, “America has the greatest economic system in the world. Let’s reduce government interference and give it a chance to work.” In addition to partial railroad economic deregulation, Carter signed into law economic deregulation of airlines, motor carriers, natural gas and telecommunications.
Convinced of railroads’ essentiality to homeland security, he created Emergency Boards in 1978 and 1979 to end strikes and achieve peaceful resolution of labor grievances.
Carter’s commitment to the free flow of commerce once bedeviled railroads, which in 1976 joined with environmentalists to halt construction on the Tennessee River of the Tellico Dam, citing impact on an endangered two-inch fish, the snail darter. The railroad gripe was federally subsidized competition from unregulated barges. In 1979, Carter signed legislation exempting construction from the Endangered Species Act.
No President had on railroads so profound an impact as Jimmy Carter.
Greater detail is in Wilner’s “Railroads & Economic Regulation: An Insider’s Account,” available from Simmons-Boardman Books at https://www.railwayeducationalbureau.com or 800-228-9670.
FRANK N. WILNER
Capitol Hill
Contributing Editor
A Dieter’s Resolve Dies Many Deaths
Let’s face it: Dieting is hard. Perhaps you count yourself in the group that makes weight loss a New Year’s Resolution/ Priority. Depending on what you read and when you’re reading it, 15%-50% of the population makes a New Year’s Resolution to lose weight. However, by the second Friday of the new year, many resolved dieters land on “Quitter’s Friday.” Quitter’s Friday is the hill on which New Year’s Resolutions go to die.
For those watching the political landscape, it was no surprise that around Quitter’s Friday 2025 the California Air Resources Board (CARB) decided to quit its quixotic effort to foster some immediate and poorly implemented plans to change locomotive emissions in California.
Permit a brief refresher please: CARB wanted all locomotive users—railroads (big and small) and industrial users— to comply with a rapid (by railroading standards) phaseout of locomotives built prior to 2007 along with payments made by locomotives operators into a carbon offset account. This account functioned like a purgatorial Health Savings Account into which users were required to pay based on their level of emissions. It was a kind of swear jar from your health insurance provider into which you paid every time you ate a potato chip or ate the second half of that “Sharing Size” Butterfinger.
Fad diets rarely out-distance reasonable better eating habits and consistent physical activity. Apologies to all those who have “Gone Keto,” drink bulletproof coffee, or who are supporting the Atkins family heirs with Amazon or dollar store purchases of Dr. Atkins products. Unraveling the CARB plan’s viability indirectly results from the newly inaugurated Administration. Clearly the folks running CARB came to a quick realization that picking a fight with the Executive Branch probably wasn’t going to end well. This would seem to be especially prospective after the flurry of new day one Executive Orders supporting additional investment in fossil fuel production and consumption
and the decision to put an end to subsidies related to the purchasing of electric vehicles and the installation of charging stations, as well as pulling out (again!) from the Paris Climate Accord.
One burden of the CARB rule was that it penalized the industry for its locomotive frugality. It is not unusual for locomotives that are 40, 50, or 60 or more years old to remain in service on short line railroads and in the industrial marketplace. In locomotive use today, most switcher locomotives are used units. (A switcher is a lower-horsepower, usually four-axle locomotive, as compared with a six-axle higher-horsepower unit.) This is the result of a number of factors: railroad consolidation, changing operational practices, and the three most controversial letters in railroading, PSR.
There has not been any material building of four-axle locomotives since the mid 1980s. For companies operating these older locomotives, the “replacement cost” for a battery-powered switcher or a Tier IV emissions-compliant switcher could be crippling. Ditto for the financial charges for the emissions offsets.
There are not going to be frowns from companies that were going to be impacted by implementation of the CARB locomotive plan. Chiefly, BNSF and Union Pacific stand to benefit from not having to think about segregating their locomotive fleets. However, while they might be the largest recipients, the happiest will be smaller industrial companies currently operating those older switchers at their facilities. Ditto for the short line railroads in California, as they generally run older locomotives.
The companies in California now need to move money put into the CARB Emissions account back onto their balance sheets. More challenging is deciding what the future will hold for them vis-à-vis CARB. For as certain as more than 25 Executive Orders were signed on Inauguration Day, one would expect a concomitant response four years from now if there is a change in political party. That would likely include a shift in policy out West. Or perhaps CARB decided fad diets
There are not going to be frowns from companies that were going to be impacted by implementation of the CARB locomotive plan. They now can move back onto their balance sheets money put into the CARB Emissions account.”
didn’t make sense in 2025 and that they would work to a more inclusive, collaborative strategy to achieve emissions goals rather than their typical “ready, fire, aim!” Or perhaps California just has bigger things to worry about right now. The world’s fifth largest economy looked rather pathetic fighting with the incoming Administration while portions of Los Angeles were burning. That war of words was over something (local firefighting) that California does control. Perhaps the only lesson learned was that California’s ability to fight too many fires at once was more compromising than they originally thought. This reprieve, while welcomed by users, might only be temporary. After all, like a coward, a dieter’s resolve dies many deaths.
Got questions? Set them free at dnahass@railfin.com.
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Congratulations, Railway Age’s
2025 Fast Trackers
25 Under 40 Honorees
CSX is proud to celebrate the achievements of the exceptional employees selected as honorees for the Fast Trackers’ recognition.
Roberto Reyes, Honoree
Roberto Reyes, Technical Director, has made outstanding contributions to the rail industry through his commitment to innovation. Roberto has leveraged cutting-edge technology to optimize systems and processes for our train and engine employees. His visionary leadership has helped better ensure our railroaders have the tools they need to excel.
Brian Morgan, Honoree
Brian Morgan, Senior Talent Advisor, has earned a spot on Railway Age’s prestigious list in recognition of his unwavering dedication to supporting veterans within CSX and the broader community. His leadership in fostering recruitment, mentorship, and outreach programs has had a significant impact on the ONE CSX culture.
Alex Saar, Honorable Mention
Alex Saar is celebrated for his leadership approach to advancing critical infrastructure projects as Director of Corridor Services. With over a decade of expertise, Alex has been instrumental in driving safety, compliance, and efficiency across utility integrations, emergency responses, and capital improvements –helping keep our operations on track.
Established in 2016, our annual awards are presented to top North American railroaders under the age of 40 for making an impact in their respective fields or within their companies in the United States, Canada and Mexico. They represent freight and passenger railroads, as well as the supply and consultant/contractor and government communities. Candidates, who were required to be under age 40 as of Jan. 1, 2025, were judged on criteria that included industry experience and education, leadership skills, industry contributions, and community service involvement. “As in previous years, the quality of submissions highlights the capabilities of younger people across the breadth of the rail industry,” said former Michigan State Center for Railway & Education Nick Little, program judge. “It also showcases the diversity of work and skills necessary for the rail industry to function. I shall watch with interest to see how many of this year’s awardees become tomorrow’s leaders.”
JUDGE
NICHOLAS (NICK) C. LITTLE
Retired
Director,
Railway Education Michigan State University (MSU) Center for Railway Research and Education Broad College of Business, Lansing, Mich.
While in high school in Britain, Little started his career with clerical and operating internships at Plymouth on British Rail’s Western Region in the early 1970s. He won a scholarship program with the British Railways Board that gave him a supply management degree plus training in all aspects of BR’s organization. Little then spent 15 years with BR in many locations, including Derby and London. In 1995, he came to MSU, initially for one year on loan to work on a research program, but stayed to follow his passion of helping to develop future generations of railway industry expert managers and leaders. He took charge of MSU’s Railway Management Certificate Program at the Broad College of Business in 2013 and retired in 2024.
CHAD BOUTET
AVP Engineering, Grants Genesee & Wyoming
A 15-year railroad veteran, Boutet has teamed with federal, state, and local governments on more than 100 infrastructure projects that boost safety and upgrade operations for short lines and regionals across the Northeast and Midwest. He was instrumental in the recent round of the Federal Railroad Administration’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant program with five projects receiving awards. Additionally, Boutet has worked to improve Amtrak’s Vermonter route on the New England Central to update highway/rail grade crossings and signal systems. Looked upon as a subject matter expert, he is often asked to participate at industry events sponsored by such groups as the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) and American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). Boutet is a registered Professional Engineer in Massachusetts, as well as Roadway Worker and GCOR (General Code of Operating Rules) certified. His goals are to continue working to improve safety for railroad employees, the public, and customers, and to establish and maintain solid working relationships with infrastructure partners at all levels.
25 Under 40
BERT BRAY VP–Commercial, Freight Car Services
Progress Rail,
A Caterpillar Company
Bray takes a “learn by doing” approach and is committed to career development. Coming from a non-railroad background, he trained on Progress Rail’s shop floor to gain product experience, and during the course of six years has led three separate business units. When one facility had a labor shortage, Bray volunteered to work with the team, becoming a certified welder and assisting in production for a month. From 2021-23, he oversaw the locomotive brokerage business, placing dozens of locomotives that larger customers parked with short lines. In the future, Bray would like to take on cross-functional projects and junior team-member mentoring. He is licensed to practice law by the Alabama State Bar, and holds a graduate certificate in conflict mediation, management and negotiation from the University of Alabama. Bray has given back to his community by serving as President of the Marshall County, Alabama Bar Association, member of the Board and Executive Committee of the United Way of Marshall County, and Board member of the Albertville City Schools Foundation.
WILLIAM BROCK JR. Trainmaster
Louisville & Indiana Railroad, Anacostia Rail Holdings
Brock joined Louisville & Indiana Railroad (LIRC) as a trainman in 2016, following service in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he earned the Navy Achievement Medal twice, USMC Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal and National Defense Service Medal. Promoted to terminal manager in 2023, he was integral to the successful startup of rail operations at a customer’s new $600 million production facility. Brock’s focus on safety, efficiency and customer service allowed the facility to load more than 3,000 railcars in the first six months of its launch even while the customer worked through commissioning issues. His commitment was noticed, and he was elevated to trainmaster in 2024, responsible for all operations at this new facility, plus the southern half of LIRC’s main line. Adept at adopting new technology, Brock established remote control locomotive operations at the LIRC customer’s new production facility and supported Anacostia’s implementation of CedarAI’s ARMS Transportation Management System. Outside of work, Brock participates in LIRC’s service projects with the Kentucky-Indiana Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America and is an Operation Lifesaver Authorized Volunteer.
25 Under 40
Whether it’s late nights with colleagues to complete
or
a proposal estimate on time,
weekend production
support to deploy new PTC software, Wabtec’s Elias Derke is there, dedicated to leading his team of engineers with a collaborative approach.
SARA CRABB Manager Bulk CN
Crabb began her career at CN 10 years ago at age 20. Starting as a rail traffic controller, she tran sitioned into management as a chief dispatcher in the Western Canada Operations Center and later became a supply chain manager for the Bulk Logistics team. As part of Bulk Logistics, Crabb quickly realized that the knowl edge she was gaining would benefit her colleagues in dispatch, so she began providing them with insights to enable more effective business decision-making; she also provided opportunities for her new team to shadow the dispatchers. By fostering a culture of collaboration, Crabb ensures that employees are always ready to tackle challenges and deliv ering results that meet both customer and organizational objectives. The company and customers have recognized her efforts. In 2022, Crabb and her team earned a CN People Award for Excellence when they broke the record for the most grain unit trains of shipped to the U.S. Gulf. And a U.K.-based company that ships coal and iron ore with CN in the U.S. not only praised Crabb as one of the best railroad operations professionals it works with, but also her contributions to its logistics performance. Coming from a long line of family members who have worked for CN, Crabb gives back by participating in the Canadian railroad’s Christmas Train event at Walker Yard, and has connected with students to promote rail industry careers.
FROM VISION TO VALUE
LEADING WITH PERSISTENCE & PASSION TO DELIVER LASTING IMPACT THROUGH TECHNOLOGY & TRUST
‘Fast
Trackers’ 25 Under 40
Gabriel J. Lopez-Bernal President, North America
25 Under 40
Leaders who can bridge the gap between traditional operations and innovative solutions are invaluable. Kendall FoleyHenderson, with 16-plus years of rail experience— from engineering to transportation—stands out as one of them.
KENDALL FOLEY-HENDERSON
Assistant Director
Intermodal Innovation
BNSF Railway
Leaders who can bridge the gap between traditional operations and innovative solutions are invaluable. Kendall FoleyHenderson, with 16-plus years of rail experience—from engineering to transportation—stands out as one of them. Among the projects she has participated in: leading the development of a maximum speed rules application for train crews, enhancing both safety and efficiency; helping to implement a paperless campaign during the pandemic that not only streamlined operations but also ensured employee safety; and working with the intermodal group to test and implement two new Terminal Operating Systems, one of which, for conventional facilities, was the first of its kind to be used by a railroad and by the intermodal industry. An advocate for the advancement of women and the next generation of leaders, Foley-Henderson is on the Board of BNSF’s Women’s Network and Chair of Women in Operations, which offers women in corporate roles shadowing experience in the field. BNSF named her Employee of the Year in 2020, 2021 and 2022, and recognized her achievement with awards for eight projects, including mentoring.
SIT AND LISTEN
C.
Railway Age
David C. Lester
Railway Track & Structures
Kevin Smith International Railway Journal
Railway Age, Railway Track & Structures and International Railway Journal have teamed to offer our Rail Group On Air podcast series. The podcasts, available on Apple Music, Google Play and SoundCloud, tackle the latest issues and important projects in the rail industry. Listen to the railway leaders who make the news.
William
Vantuono
25 Under 40
In the past year, Laura Fotiou integrated net-zero considerations into Amtrak’s 2040 Fleet Plan and oversaw the transition to renewable diesel in the railroad’s California operations.
LAURA FOTIOU
Sustainability & Climate
Resilience
Manager
Amtrak
As the only full-time employee dedicated to overseeing the strategic development and implementation of the “Net Zero by 2045” program, Fotiou is leading significant change at Amtrak. The program includes decarbonization strategies for vehicles, rolling stock, stationary assets like offices, facilities, and the supply chain. With more than 10 years’ experience at Amtrak, Fotiou understands the intercity passenger railroad’s complex business needs and service plans. In the past year, she has successfully integrated net-zero considerations into key strategic areas, such as Amtrak’s 2040 Fleet Plan. Additionally, she oversaw the transition to renewable diesel in Amtrak’s California operations. Working with internal teams and three California Joint Powers Authorities, she led the decision process on how to phase in fueling locations and assessed the fueling mechanism at each. She coordinated procurement and provided support for data analysis. This work has paved the way for renewable diesel in Amtrak equipment. Fotiou is also part of the railroad’s Incident Response Team; she drops all personal and professional commitments to help customers and staff.
REED JANOUSEK Assistant VP–Intermodal Sales Union Pacific
A University of Nebraska Lincoln graduate, Janousek began his UP career in 2011 as a member of the freight railroad’s audit staff. Since then, he has developed skillsets in finance, operations and marketing and sales. In his current role, Janousek leads engagement and strategy for all domestic, international, parcel/LTL and beneficial cargo owner (BCO) customers. His focus is on intermodal growth, driven by converting over-the-road truck shipments to rail. This growth is supported by strategic investments in intermodal terminals across the UP network, including Los Angeles, Kansas City, Phoenix and the Twin Cities. In collaboration with his peers, Janousek designs new service offerings. His achievements include work on the new Phoenix Intermodal Terminal, which has generated incremental volume for UP, and improving communications among stakeholders and facilitating problem resolution by assigning sales employees to BCOs. Janousek continues to develop his expertise as a railroader and industry expert tailoring solutions for customers, which he shares as a presenter at Intermodal Association of North America events.
25 Under 40
PATRICK JOHNSON Chief Financial Officer
Pinsly Railroad Company
When Johnson joined Pinsly in 2022, accounting and finance was mostly outsourced and included only one full-time employee. The freight rail company also lacked a real estate department. As the new Chief Financial Officer, Johnson met the challenge, building a team of five full-time employees and developing a real estate division that has become an additional source of revenue for Pinsly. He also implemented ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and other technologies to boost efficiency. In addition to being responsible for successfully managing finances as they relate to several Federal Railroad Administration CRISI grant awards, Johnson has been instrumental in the acquisition and integration of five short lines in the past three years, providing analysis and guidance. Most recently, he served a key role in negotiations with Columbia County, Fla., where Pinsly established a railroad to operate at the North Florida Mega Industrial Park. Prior to joining Pinsly, Johnson worked at R.J. Corman and TerraPact, where he was involved in numerous M&A transactions, identifying targets, developing models and integrating new companies post-acquisition.
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Jordan Davis on his honorable mention in the “Fast Trackers”
25 Under 40 awards. As part of our commitment to advancing the future of rail, we’re developing young professionals who will become tomorrow’s leaders. Thank you to Jordan and the other rising leaders on our team – you inspire us with your innovation, passion, and dedication to the industry.
25 Under 40
Kimia Khatami “has quickly become one of the industry’s most respected executives because of her intelligence, work ethic and commitment to excellence,” her nominator said. “Her work on legislation, efficiency and technology is changing the way shippers and receivers view the rail industry.”
We are thrilled to celebrate Patrick Johnson
Our Chief Financial Officer, on being recognized as one of Railway Age’s Top 25 Under 40
KIMIA
KHATAMI Director of Transload Strategy and Operations
Canadian Pacific Kansas City
After starting her career in marketing and sales at Union Pacific in 2014, Khatami was recruited by Anacostia Rail Holdings, moving up the ranks to serve as Director of Customer Service for Pacific Harbor Line and Corporate Senior Director of Business Development across six short lines. In 2017, her work to ensure PHL compliance with port regulations was recognized when she was nominated for AAR’s Environmental Excellence Award. In 2018, she became President of the Harbor Association of Industry and Commerce—the youngest leader in the organization’s history. Now at CPKC, Khatami leads a team responsible for sourcing opportunities that encourage partner investment and delivering projects that improve network fluidity and grow linehaul traffic. She is also responsible for identifying and implementing standardized operating practices across all CPKC sites. “Kimia has quickly become one of the industry’s most respected executives because of her intelligence, work ethic and commitment to excellence,” her nominator said. “Her work on industry changing legislation, efficiency, and technology is changing the way shippers and receivers view the railroad industry.”
GABRIEL J. LOPEZ-BERNAL President Icomera
Lopez-Bernal brings a key understanding of communications technology and network security to the rail industry as President of the North American region at Icomera, which provides wireless connectivity for transportation. Prior to his 2022 promotion to this role, he served for two years as the company’s Regional Vice President of Sales & Marketing and four years as Sales Director of Road and Transit Markets. In 2019, Lopez-Bernal secured Icomera’s largest North American technology contract with Metrolinx in Canada, totaling 1,475 end-to-end Wi-Fi installations across GO Transit’s fleet of 943 railcars and 532 buses. He spearheaded the idea of opening new revenue streams for GO Transit, allowing the offset of operational expenditures through corporate sponsorship, ads and free media content from selected partners. Under Lopez-Bernal’s leadership, Icomera successfully completed a critical Starlink data collection initiative for VIA Rail Canada. Previously, Lopez-Bernal collectively spent a decade as a consultant with TranSystems, U.S. Department of Transportation’s John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center and Corradino Group.
25 Under 40
PATRICK MAGEE Vice President of Transformation AITX
When SMBC Rail Services was acquired by American Industrial Transport (AITX) in 2023, Patrick Magee was appointed to lead key aspects of the integration. He approached the challenge by focusing on alignment and communication and his success in unifying teams, systems, and processes led to the creation of the Vice President of Transformation role—a position designed to redefine AITX’s approach to the market. In this capacity, Magee has transformed AITX into more than a railcar lessor; he has integrated the company’s leasing and repair services into a cohesive, data-driven offering that provides customers with visibility, efficiency and innovative solutions. At AITX, he is a passionate advocate for initiatives that support underprivileged communities, particularly in the Chicago area. Magee’s drive for continuous improvement also led him to enroll in the prestigious Helios Strategic Management Program, a renowned Canadian leadership initiative that equips participants with advanced frameworks for strategic innovation and cross-disciplinary leadership.
M. Bert Bray
Vice President – Commercial Freight Car Sales
25 Under 40
Today, Carolina Medina
Murga is an integral part of the entire Tren Maya line in Mexico with Alstom, overseeing the rolling stock and the infrastructure that keeps it moving.
CAROLINA MEDINA MURGA SIG & Configuration & Change Engineer
Alstom
Mexico
Medina Murga’s career in the railway industry began eight years ago with the Line 3 project of the Guadalajara Urban Electric Train System. Since then, her career has been significantly shaped by the Tren Maya project. She started as the coordinator for electrification, managing 60.3 kilometers (37.5 miles) of electrified double-track rail for section five, which spans from Playa del Carmen to Tulum. Today, Medina Murga is an integral part of the entire line with Alstom, overseeing the rolling stock and the infrastructure that keeps it running. Medina Murga has also been a highly active ambassador in the Alstom Corporate Social Responsibility area, promoting various activities among employees and encouraging their participation. She is also recognized as a natural leader and is currently participating in the AWE (Alstom Women of Excellence) mentoring program, with Maite Ramos, Managing Director of Alstom México, as her mentor.
G&W congratulates Chad Boutet, Assistant Vice President of Engineering for our National Region railroads, on being named one of this year’s “Fast Trackers!”
Chad’s knowledge and passion for railroads are critical to keeping our short line and regional railroads throughout the Northeast and Midwest running safely and efficiently.
JACKSON MITZ
Project Manager
Modern Railway Systems
As Project Manager at Modern Railway Systems (MRS), one of Mitz’s assignments included helping the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District build a new doubletrack project in Northwest Indiana. Mitz was instrumental in training everyone about the project’s environmental protocols through thorough planning of heavy equipment ingress and egress routes to limit or eliminate harm to existing flora. As Deputy Project Manager for the SW/MRS Mid-Coast Corridor Transit Project, Mitz was responsible for 13 traction power substations and 450 OCS poles. To manage that work, he had to have extensive knowledge of power system components. Additionally, Mitz has broad knowledge and experience in the communications side of MRS’s transit systems work. He was a test engineer for communications projects at Sound Transit, and he was the senior test/communications engineer for the CATS BLE extension in North Carolina. Currently, Mitz is based in Charlotte, N.C. and attends board and other community meetings to make his presence and thoughts known regarding the need to grow transit opportunities in the area.
Railway Age 2025 Fast Tracker
Brent Shields SVP of Environmental,
Health, & Safety
Congratulations on receiving this award in recognition of your efforts to help champion safety
25 Under 40
IDA MOLLOY POSNER Vice President – Strategic Planning Railroad Development Corporation
In her role as VP-Strategic Planning, Molloy Posner, a fourthgeneration railroader, leads strategic planning and other initiatives in freight and passenger rail and associated support companies worldwide. She supports RDC’s portfolio of businesses in the U.S., Europe and Latin America and serves as a Director of the Iowa Interstate Railroad, RDC-Deutschland (Germany) and RégioRail (France). In 2022, Molloy Posner led RDC’s investment as an early member of RailPulse™. She now serves on its board and supports several pilot projects utilizing telematics data to help railroads and shippers optimize fleet performance, visibility and safety to keep supply chains moving. She is also a Strategic Advisor to the Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh, which works to advance long-term structural solutions to social, economic and environmental challenges in the areas of Human Rights, the Environment, Education, Jewish Life and Civil Society. And in 2023, she founded Hawthorne Food Ventures, a venture capital firm that invests in food and agriculture startups that reduce food waste and promote human, environmental and financial health.
25 Under 40
Acacia Reber’s leadership in launching and organizing the annual TTC Conference has turned the event into an industry highlight, attracting attendees from across the transportation sector.
BRIAN MORGAN Senior Military Talent Advisor
CSX Transportation
As CSX’s Military Recruiter, Morgan has implemented innovative systems that streamline the identification and prioritization of veteran candidates in the hiring process. Since Morgan joined CSX, his initiatives have garnered national recognition. CSX was ranked No. 2 on the “Military-Friendly Top Veteran Employers in 2025” list and secured a spot at No. 25 on the “Best for Vets” rankings. Most notably, CSX was recognized as the No. 1 transportation company for veteran hiring. Beyond system improvements, Morgan actively represents CSX at military recruiting events nationwide. In 2024 alone, he attended more than 40 events, including military base visits, conferences and veteran-focused job fairs. Morgan exemplifies a deep commitment to giving back to the veteran community, both inside and outside his role at CSX. In his free time, he actively reaches out to veterans on LinkedIn, offering to review and improve their resumes. Morgan’s willingness to help veterans navigate the job market, whether they intend to apply at CSX or elsewhere, showcases his unwavering dedication to empowering the military community.
Congrats, Jackson Mitz
ACACIA REBER Director of Business Development & Marketing ENSCO, Inc.
Through years of dedication across various sectors and roles, Reber has established connections with key leaders and influencers, making her a trusted and respected figure whose expertise is sought after. She has taken the lead on projects that bridge technical innovation and strategic branding, including her current work at ENSCO, where she played a critical role in elevating the company’s profile following its contract with the Transportation Technology Center (TTC). Her leadership in launching and organizing the annual TTC Conference has turned the event into an industry highlight, attracting attendees from across the transportation sector. Reber is also committed to giving back to her community through regular volunteer efforts and advisory roles. She actively participates in cancer walks, raising awareness and support for cancer research and serves on a local high school’s technical occupational advisory committee. Reber’s goals include expanding ENSCO’s influence as the operator of TTC, addressing critical safety and technological challenges across all transportation modes.
25 Under 40
ROBERTO REYES
Technical Director
CSX Transportation Reyes has made significant contributions to the railroad industry by driving innovation and enhancing operational efficiency through the use of cutting-edge technology. Among his most significant accomplishments is the development of the T&E Portal, a revolutionary platform designed to consolidate multiple applications into a single, user-friendly interface. Another standout achievement under Reyes’s leadership is the implementation of a new Safety Bulletins system, which has transformed how field employees’ access and manage essential safety documents. In 2022, Reyes was recognized as the CSX Business Resource Group (BRG) Leader of the Year for his leadership in re-establishing the Class I’s CSX’s Hispanic/Latinx (HOLA) BRG. Serving as a driving force behind the group, Reyes has spearheaded a variety of impactful initiatives aimed at empowering the Hispanic community and fostering a culture of inclusion. Looking to the future, Reyes envisions spearheading transformative projects that drive measurable business results while shaping the future of the industry.
25 Under 40
Brent Shields initiated and pursued implementation of Watco’s Path Forward program, allowing everyone in operations and safety to see and adhere to the requirmenets of regulatory agencies.
LUV SEHGAL Senior Rail Designer Arup
Sehgal is a senior engineer at Arup with more than eight years of experience in railway infrastructure, rail decarbonization and design excellence for passenger and freight. Most recently, Sehgal served as Deputy Project Manager Rail Systems on the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension. Concurrently, he also led the Track Division for the Finch West Light Rail Transit (LRT) project, where Arup was the designer. In 2021, Sehgal was appointed as manager of Arup’s America’s Rail Skills Network. In this role, he focused on the mentorship of rail engineering staff in all of Arup’s Americas/Canada/South Americas offices, including delegating leadership positions, performance growth, monitoring and implementing design reviews, and pairing younger staff with more experienced professionals. Additionally, Sehgal was awarded the Civil and Environmental Alumni Association (CEEAA) Young Alumni Achievement Award for 2024 by the University of Illinois – Urbana Champaign. He has also played a pivotal role as a founding member of Arup’s ASPIRE ERG, representing Asians, American Indians and Pacific Islanders, which since expanded its influence on almost every regional office.
Nicely done, Reed.
Union Pacific congratulates Reed Janousek, assistant vice president – Premium, Marking & Sales, for being named one of Railway Age’s 2025 25 under 40.
BRENT SHIELDS SVP of Environmental, Health & Safety Watco
Shields, who started at Watco in 2017 as an Environmental Manager for terminals and ports, railroads, and railcarlocomotive repair locations in seven southern states, was recently promoted to the company’s lead role in safety, encompassing additional rail responsibility. He now oversees all aspects of safety and environmental for 93 railroads, railcar repair, switching and industrial rail operations, and more than 75 transload and marine terminals and ports in the U.S. and Canada. Shields also developed the health and safety program for Watco’s material handling and storage terminals. Additionally, Shields initiated and pursued implementation of Watco’s Path Forward program, which involves establishing, executing and tracking the completion of team goals in a uniform manner throughout the company. Before instituting the program, Watco’s locations had varying methods for seeing and tracking compliance. Now, everyone in operations and safety is able to see and adhere to the requirements of regulatory agencies, as well as Watco’s expectations around best practices.
25 Under 40
BEN SKEENS
Director of Railcar Maintenance & Compliance
R.J. Corman Railroad Company
Since joining R.J. Corman three years ago, Skeens has been instrumental in building a strong Mechanical Car Team. Transitioning from a Class I railroad environment, where issues are typically on a much larger scale, Skeens had to quickly adapt his management style to align with his team’s unique demands and day-to-day tasks. Through this process, he has shown remarkable growth and now excels in managing his employees at a high level. One of Skeens’ notable achievements is the implementation of a preventative maintenance plan for R. J. Corman’s rolling stock fleet. This initiative not only improved the reliability and efficiency of the fleet but also ensured longer service times for railcars, contributing to the company’s overall operational success. Additionally, Skeens played a key role in helping secure CRISI grant funding for R.J. Corman’s Kentucky Freight Rail Improvement Program, which, in addition to mutable infrastructure and customer improvements, includes replacing 75 specialty railcars for customer needs.
Kimia Khatami Director Transload Operations and Strategy
Congratulations to Kimia Khatami for being honoured by Railway Age as a 2025 Fast Tracker.
25 Under 40
During his tenure as Superintendent of Norfolk Southern’s Chicago Transportation Coordination Office, Scott St. Clair was instrumental in initiatives such as CREATE, a multi-billion-dollar project focused on improving rail and freight efficiency in the greater Chicago area.
JOSH SMITH Senior Manager, Strategic Pricing & Production Planning
The Greenbrier Companies
Smith is responsible for developing pricing and production strategies to optimize sales and profit margins on all new railcar opportunities in North America. He reviews customer RFQs and analyzes manufacturing costs and marketing information provided by internal departments. Smith was part of the team that spearheaded Greenbrier’s involvement in the railcar rebody market. He saw the opportunity, performed a cost analysis, and indentified which of the company’s facilities were equipped for rebody work. Since Sustainable Conversions began at Greenbrier, more than 70,000 U.S. tons of material have been reused, reclaimed or recycled instead of scrapped. Smith also analyzed all aspects of the new railcar order process after Greenbrier’s largest manufacturing acquisition to date. He works to ensure that all facilities, old and new, operate under the same level of quality and consistency. Smith’s long-term goal is to become an executive-level leader. Most recently, he started the University of Oregon’s Executive MBA program to continue building his business acumen and sharpening his skills an as employee and a leader.
Managing Major Railway Projects
By Alfred E. Fazio, PE and Anthony Fazio, PE
Managing Major Railway Projects explains the analytical principles of Project Management as applied to executing large programs and major projects on active railways and rail transit systems. Topics include program set-up, Work Breakdown Structures (by systems), phasing and its relationship to maintenance of rail operations (and maintenance), Project Status including Earned Value Analysis and forecasting, risk management, System Safety (including FRA and FTA approaches, and Systems Integration/Systems Assurance.
Principles are explained from a theoretical perspective and then clarified in their application through a host of actual examples on recent projects e g, Philadelphia’s Frankford Elevated Reconstruction Project (FERP), The Hudson-Bergen LRT DBOM, New Jersey Transit’s New Initiatives Program, the addition of a third main track to the CSX mainline in Northern Virginia, and Amtrak’s NECIP (Program).
The book is written and recommended for railway operating officials, as well as for Engineering Officers, and PM/CM professionals.
25 Under 40
SCOTT ST. CLAIR
Assistant Vice President Operations
Norfolk Southern
St. Clair joined NS as a Management Trainee in 2010 and worked his way up from Terminal Trainmaster to Lead Trainmaster before becoming Manager of Strategic Planning. He then held multiple terminal-based leadership positions. Prior to his most recent appointment as AVP Operations, he served as Senior Director of the Network Operations Center. He has worked throughout NS’s 22-state network and has made significant contributions in every role he has held to advance safety and productivity. During his tenure as Superintendent of the Chicago Transportation Coordination Office, he was instrumental in initiatives such as CREATE, a multi-billion-dollar project focused on improving rail and freight efficiency in the greater Chicago area. Currently, St. Clair is committed to mentoring the next generation of railroaders. His goals also include gaining comprehensive industry knowledge. Having worked across five departments in 14 years, he is dedicated to understanding the micro-level workings of the rail industry to address customer concerns effectively, while also grasping macro-level regulatory and market trends to manage broader shifts within the industry.
AILWAY GE
Supplier Spotlight
Find the right vendors for your business in the Railway Age Buyer's Guide. Search for products, research vendors, connect with suppliers and make confident purchasing decisions all in one place. RailwayResource.com
SPENCER UPCHURCH
AVP Intermodal Operations
Florida East Coast Railway
Since beginning at Florida East Coast Railway, Upchurch has overseen intermodal operations for the railroad. He is responsible for simplifying operations and implenting a new vendor at the railroad’s ramps. After being out of the industry for five years while starting a food truck, Upchurch was able to jump back into it in a part of the industry he had not previously worked in: intermodal. Being resourceful, he was able to hit the ground running and excel in his new role, where he was quickly promoted to AVP with expanded roles. Upchurch is also an excellent communicator, team builder and visionary. He is able to effectively listen to problems, work with the team to develop potential solutions and put the solutions in place. Since moving back to St. Augustine in 2017, Upchurch has been involved with St. Augustine Youth Services, a non-profit that provides coaching, counseling and care in family-style therapeutic group homes and outpatient community services. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Advertising and a Master of science in Entrepreneurship from the University of Florida, and also holds a Conductor Certification.
25 Under 40
Honorable Mentions
• Josh Amsler Deputy Market Sector Lead, AECOM
• Otylia Babiak Senior Manager, Commercial Strategy and Contract Management, Amtrak
• Jordan Davis Senior Manager of Business Development and Training, RailPros
• Kyle Johnson Senior Manager, Risk and Insurance (Canada, U.S. & Mexico), Canadian Pacific Kansas City
• Kendel Ortiz Deputy Director, Maintenance of Way Training, MTA Metro-North Railroad
• Alex R. Saar Director of Corridor Services, CSX Transportation
The Railway Educational Bureau BOOKS - Railroad Resources -
by Walter Simpson
DieselElectric Locomotives
Come along with us as we explore how dieselelectric locomotives actually work and penetrate the world of locomotive fuel economy and energy efficiency.
This beautifully illustrated, information-packed book, written by an energy expert, allows you to look under the hood of the most modern diesel-electric locomotives through an energy and environment lens.
Softcover, 300 pages, full-color.
BKDIESEL $50.00
General
Railroader: The Unfiltered Genius and Controversy of Four-Time CEO Hunter Harrison • BKHUNTER • $27.99*
Diesel-Electric Locmotives • by Walter Simpson • BKDIESEL • $50.00
Amtrak, America's Railroad: Transportation's Orphan and Its Struggle for Survival • BKAMARR • $40.00*
Train Wreck: The Forensics of Rail Disasters • Soft Cover • BKTW • $24.95*
American Steam Locomotives, Design and Development, 1880-1960 • BKASL • $40.00*
All About Railroading - Second Edition • BKAARR • $35.95
Riding the Rails - Inside the Business of America's Railroads • BKRAILS • $45.00
Amtrak: Past, Present, Future • by Frank N. Wilner • BKAMTRAK • 39.95 *
Operations
Managing Railroad Transportation • BKMRT • 39.95*
Railway Operations and Control - Third Edition • BKROC • $39.95*
Railroad Operations and Railway Signaling • BKRORS • $28.00
Rules & Regulations Governing Railroad Signal and Train Control Systems • BKSTC
• $27.50
Managing Major Railway Projects
By Alfred E. Fazio and Anthony Fazio
Managing Major Railway Projects explains the analytical principles of Project Management as applied to executing large programs and major projects on active railways and rail transit systems. Topics include program set-up, Work Breakdown Structures (by Systems), Phasing and its relationship to maintenance of rail operations (and maintenance), Project Status including Earned Value Analysis and forecasting, risk management, System Safety (including FRA and FTA approaches), and Systems Integration/Systems Assurance.
The book is written and recommended for railway operating officials, as well as for Engineering Officers, and PM/CM professionals. Full color text pages.
Freight Car
The Double Stack Container Car Manual • BKDOUBLE • $23.95
Guide to Freight Car Air Brakes • BKFCAB • $78.50
Doorway to Safety With Boxcar Doors • BKBD • $31.95
Freight Cars: Lettering and Marking • BKK2CBK • $31.95
Guide to Freight Car Trucks • BKFCT • $104.95
Locomotive
Guide to Locomotive Mechanical Maintenance - SD & GP Locomotives • BKGLMM • $44.95
Guide Locomotive Electrical Maintenances • BKGLEM • $53.95
Fuel Saving Techniques for Railroads - The Railroader's Guide to Fuel Conservation • BKFUEL2 • $34.95
Guide to North American Diesel Locomotives • BKGNADL • $27.99*
The Only Game In Town: The LOCOTROL Story • BKGAME • $69.99* Reference and Dictionaries
Dictionary of Railway Track Terms • BKRTT • $39.00
The Carman’s Dictionary • BKCD • $19.50
Track
Basic Principles of Track Maintenance • BKTMB • $150.00
Fundamentals of Railway Track Engineering
• BKFRTE • $160.00
The Track Data Handbook • BKTDH • $56.50*
Transit
Development and Operation of New York's IRT and BMT • by Al Fazio • BKNYIRT • $65.95
Urban Transit: Operations, Planning, & Economics • by Vukan R. Vuchic • BKUTOPE • $155.00*
Add the
and handling if your merchandise subtotal is:
NE T GEN
CREATING GROWTH IN FREIGHT RAIL
A unique opportunity to discuss the freight rail industry’s future with thought leaders.
ATTEND TO LEARN ABOUT:
• New Paradigms for North American Freight Rail
• Building and Expanding CPKC’s Transnational Service Network
• Long-Train Safety Research Initiatives
• Engineering Excellence at G&W
• Hydrogen Power for Main Line Heavy-Haul Freight
Luncheon Honoring Railway Age’s 2025
25 Under 40 “Fast Trackers”
KEITH CREEL President & CEO CPKC
JOE HINRICHS President & CEO CSX
CHRISTOPHER P.L. BARKAN, PH.D. Executive Dir., RailTEC & The National Univ. Rail Center of Excellence Univ. of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
SWITCHING TRACKS
The political and policy waves crashing across the nation’s capital seem more likely in the near term to flood the “D.C. swamp” further, not drain it.
BY DONALD M. ITZKOFF, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
FREIGHT RAIL policy OUTLOOK
New Administrations bring change to Washington, and the President has already delivered plenty. With the Senate now under GOP control along with a narrow Republican House majority, the Administration has a governing trifecta. A look at familiar dynamics along with unfolding policy changes may offer insight into what the freight rail industry can expect this year in Washington.
BOARDING THE TAX TRAIN FIRST
Before reassuming office, the President proclaimed his legislative agenda and endorsed “one powerful Bill” to “Secure our Border, Unleash American Energy, and Renew the Tax Cuts.” Moving this program through Congress using the budget reconciliation process will require only House and Senate majorities to pass. Freight railroads, their customers and much of the American economy eye the reconciliation aim to preserve the 2017 tax cuts, including the 21% corporate tax rate. Short lines seek more: modernizing the 45G rail investment tax credit. This upgrade would increase the 40% credit for eligible rail investments from $3,500 to $6,100 per mile with an ongoing index to account for inflation and allow eligibility for new short line track. Building on progress in the previous Congress, the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) has enlisted lead sponsors to push inclusion of 45G modernization in the reconciliation measure.
Congress. Two years ago, the tragic hazmat derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, triggered swift Senate Commerce Committee approval of rigorous rail safety legislation (S. 576). The National Transportation Safety Board weighed in with its findings on East Palestine 18 months after the incident and testified at a widely covered House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee (T&I) hearing in July 2024.
Bruce Kelly
Preserving the 2017 tax cuts, however, drew a Congressional Budget Office ten-year score of $4 trillion-plus. At the November “Tax Prom” in Washington, lobbyists fretted over finding the payfors. Yet Congressional pay-for rules can be waived, as happened in 2017. This year, fusing tax with immigration and energy policy through budget reconciliation may drive momentum otherwise impossible. Modernizing 45G could be attractive as part of a larger deal, as enacting 45G permanently into the tax code carried in 2020 with 364 House and Senate cosponsors.
In contrast to reconciliation, rail safety should not be as visible as in the prior
Though S. 576 counted 58 supportive senators, the bill never came to the Senate floor. Nor did the House rail safety counterpart move to a vote. These measures failed because freight railroads made the case that rail safety performance has improved dramatically in recent years, rendering legislative mandates unnecessary. The political dynamics have evolved too, with former Ohio senators JD Vance (now Vice President) and Sherrod Brown no longer serving in Congress. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Tex.) now chairs Senate Commerce while Rep. Sam Graves (R-Mo.) continues to lead House T&I, so near-term movement of rail safety legislation appears unlikely—barring something unforeseen. Congress also confronts must-pass legislation. The latest FY 2025 federal spending continuing resolution runs out in mid-March. Raising the debt ceiling awaits. Congress must enact FY 2026 appropriations. Positioning has already started on the 2026 expiration of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This debate will see demands to change truck size and weight limits, revisit shipper equity, reconsider further safety intervention and other concerns. Sustaining federal transportation grants including investments important to railroads faces sharp scrutiny.
NEXT MOVES AT USDOT
At his Senate confirmation hearing on Jan. 15, former Representative and Secretary of Transportation nominee Sean Duffy outlined his vision for a “golden age of travel.” Duffy cited the President’s encouragement to “invest in rebuilding our nation’s crumbling infrastructure,” and emphasized his intent to “craft clear regulations that balance safety, innovation and cutting-edge technology.”
Recapping the hearing, Politico concluded, “Duffy appears on an easy
FREIGHT RAIL POLICY OUTLOOK
path to confirmation: He seemed comfortable at the witness table, from which he fielded questions easily during a hearing that was more remarkable for its comity than anything else, especially during a time of high partisanship …”
Before the President took office, he also announced his selection of former Pan Am Railways President David Fink to lead the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). He praised Fink as a “fifth-generation railroader” with decades of experience who “will deliver the FRA into a new era of safety and technological innovation.”
The President’s emphasis on innovation speaks to ongoing freight railroad frustration with FRA inaction on pending waiver requests to deploy advanced safety technology. The new FRA Administrator will face pressing issues, but the pace of technology adoption may be paramount. “Our member railroads want to innovate through new technology and new ways to operate,” said Association of American Railroads (AAR) Senior Vice President Adrian Arnakis. “FRA has not taken timely action to approve or disapprove pending waivers. That’s a problem, because railroads are stuck in place, which does nothing to advance safety and efficiency while the technologies continue to progress.”
Pending waivers include requests to expand test deployment of automated track inspection (ATI) systems and wayside detectors while also reducing required visual inspections. FRA’s rejection and deferral of multiple railroad safety waiver requests led to a Fifth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals rebuke. In reviewing FRA’s denial of a BNSF petition to expand an ATI pilot, in June 2024 the Fifth Circuit found FRA’s action “to be arbitrary and capricious.” The Court remanded with “instruction [to FRA] to grant the waiver expansion” and noted, “We need not doom BNSF to an endless loop of regulatory activity.”
Following this decision, in October 2024 FRA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) defining “in the public interest” and “consistent with railroad safety” the two core elements of the statutory waiver and suspension standard at 49 U.S.C. 20103(d). Notably, FRA proposed that “in the public interest” means “not only how a proposal for regulatory relief may improve railroad operations, but also how the request may positively affect relevant stakeholders, including workers and
communities” (emphasis added).
In November 2024, the AAR announced that the freight rail industry “filed litigation in multiple courts across the nation” challenging FRA’s inaction on “numerous overdue waiver requests … seek[ing] to implement safe and modern railroading technologies.” Then on Dec. 31, 2024, FRA withdrew its safety waiver NPRM “[i]n light of resource constraints” and “because FRA has previously issued guidance on the subject matter covered by the NPRM …”
“Railroads will do a much better job of voluntarily assuring service than perhaps any changes driven by regulations.”
– STB Vice Chair Michelle Schultz
Charting a path out of this morass will challenge the next FRA Administrator. Getting rail technology adoption right is urgent, because rail competitors pushing autonomous trucks move ever faster. FRA has a daunting agenda, but David Fink would bring to the agency not only freight rail experience but the highest skills, as ASLRRA President Chuck Baker summed up well, as a “high-energy, solution-minded strategist.”
DRIVING THE STB
In one of his last statements as Surface Transportation Board (STB) Chair, in January Robert Primus highlighted for a shipper audience recent STB accomplishments. Primus said that if he had more time to lead the STB, “I would have moved on issues associated with competition, private railcars and commodity exemptions.” He urged Congress to act on STB reauthorization and examine the common carrier obligation. Primus
lamented that the STB has not acknowledged and addressed “the pervasiveness of retaliation and intimidation around the network,” as he put it, while at the same time freight rail volumes “continue to decline, even when excluding coal from the analysis.”
Member Karen Hedlund earlier also zeroed in on this growth question. Sizing up the STB’s September 2024 freight rail growth hearing, Hedlund pinpointed “a tale of two cities” and declared, “From our economists and consultants, we heard a pretty grim story. From our Class I railroads, ‘Hey! Look at all the investments we’re making! We’re just doing great!’ And somewhere in between we have to figure out what’s really going on.”
New leadership at the STB will grapple with this and multiple agendas. Patrick Fuchs is now Chair (p. 6) and Michelle Schultz is Vice Chair. A fifth open seat is to be filled. Speaking with Railway Age prior to his appointment, Fuchs said, “I am pleased that the Board has acted collaboratively to conduct rigorous oversight of rail service problems, drive transparency and accountability, institute new protections for railroad customers, and streamline avenues for relief—all through unanimous vote.” Going forward, Fuchs emphasized his commitment to resolve pending matters, and to conducting the Board’s business outside of formal proceedings “with a spirit of openness with the public and robust exchange of ideas, all to facilitate proactive problem solving.”
Schultz, whose term expires in January 2026, has focused on network performance, customer concern, and paths for resolution across the STB’s agenda. She expressed her philosophy to Railway Age : “Railroads will do a much better job of voluntarily assuring service than perhaps any changes driven by regulations. While regulations may correct certain issues, at the end of the day, only the railroad carriers themselves can deliver the good service that meets the needs of their customers.”
No matter how the STB proceeds, alignment with the White House will tighten. Russell Vought, the President’s pick to head the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), told Tucker Carlson shortly after the November elections that “the whole notion of an independent agency should be thrown out.” Said Vought, who also led OMB during the President’s first term, “There are no independent agencies.”
(Reading the play, the California Air
Resources Board preemptively withdrew its petition to the Environmental Protection Agency to restrict operation of in-use locomotives. See Financial Edge, p. 9.)
Beyond Vought’s pledge, the Supreme Court will dictate the contour of STB authority. In December 2024, the Court heard arguments in Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County, Colorado over the scope of the STB’s ability to interpret the National Environmental Policy Act as applied to the upstream and downstream environmental impacts of the proposed Uinta Basin Railway in Utah. The fact that the Supreme Court will weigh in on the STB’s power reflects broader currents now raging inside the Beltway.
NEW WAVES
From a freight rail perspective, three policy whitecaps deserve attention. First, the President promised during the campaign to impose “universal” tariffs on all imports into the U.S., plus duties of 25% on trade with Mexico and Canada and more on China. If elevated tariffs arrive, economists warn of trade impacts and consequences for railroads. Among the inefficiencies, as British American Nobel economics laureate Simon Johnson suggested to The New York Times, higher tariffs could drive “a lot more gamesmanship and a lot more effort going into playing the system and getting special breaks …”
Such an outcome would run counter to a second breaker curling over Washington— the new nongovernmental Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Led initially by Elon Musk, the world’s wealthiest individual, and Vivek Ramaswamy (who later stepped down from DOGE to run for Ohio Governor), DOGE will pursue “three major kinds of reform: regulatory rescissions, administrative reductions and cost savings.” DOGE leadership opened with a $2 trillion federal spending reduction target.
Mick Mulvaney, a former OMB Director and Chief of Staff to the President in his first term, quipped that “going to Mars is easier” than cutting $2 trillion in federal spending. And Washington Post columnist Dan Balz observed that Elon Musk may not appreciate that the “business of government doesn’t conform to the business of business.”
Still, it is wise to recognize the scale of the crusade that Musk and Ramaswamy launched. In a Wall Street Journal column best read as a mission statement prior to the
FREIGHT RAIL policy OUTLOOK
President’s Executive Order formally establishing DOGE, they asserted, “DOGE will help end federal overspending by taking aim at the $500 billion plus in annual federal expenditures that are unauthorized by Congress or used in ways that Congress never intended.”
The authors cited the 1974 Impoundment Control Act, which as they put it “stops the President from ceasing expenditures authorized by Congress,” as ripe for repeal by the Supreme Court.
Executive branch impoundment of Congressionally authorized and appropriated funds could target grants for transportation projects including rail. Deeply trimming federal headcount, moreover, could make the government less capable. “Safety is a core value, and FRA inspectors in the field help assure that all in the rail industry follow the rules,” SMART Transportation Division President Jeremy Ferguson told Railway Age “DOGE has to consider what’s really important to the public—including safety and security—and not drive heedless reductions that hurt taxpayers more.”
Mixing with DOGE looms a third swell of unknown force. In Loper Bright v. Raimondo (2024), the Supreme Court jettisoned the 40-year Chevron precedent that accorded deference to federal agency decisions unless deemed “arbitrary and capricious.” Overturning Chevron, the Supreme Court 6-3 majority held, “Courts must exercise their independent judgment in deciding whether an agency has acted within its statutory authority.” Pointing to plain words of the 1946 Administrative Procedure Act (APA), the Court rejected the core tenet of Chevron that agencies with their expertise are best suited to interpret laws passed by Congress.
Highlighting Loper Bright and another Supreme Court case limiting agency power, West Virginia v. Environmental Protection Agency (2022), Musk and his then-partner Ramaswamy charged in their WSJ column, “Together, these cases suggest that a plethora of current federal regulations exceed the authority Congress has granted under the law.” DOGE will present “thousands of regulations” to the President for nullification, they pledged, noting that the “use of Executive Orders to roll back regulations that wrongly bypassed Congress is legitimate and necessary to comply with the Supreme Court’s recent mandates.”
Loper Bright opens innumerable
battlefields, with long-standing regulatory paradigms now subject to reordered scrutiny. To be sure, Loper Bright has limits: The ruling applies only where Congress was ambiguous, and per the Court does not touch where a “statute’s meaning may well be that the agency is authorized to exercise a degree of discretion.” Loper Bright leaves unaffected judicial deference to agency fact-finding, and makes clear, as the Court said, that “[m]ere reliance on Chevron cannot constitute a special justification” for overturning past cases upholding agency authority.
If it is confirmed following yet more APArelated litigation that Presidential Executive Orders cannot “roll back” regulations permanently, Loper Bright may actually impede the DOGE reform agenda. The same arguments under Loper Bright that an agency overreached its authority also hold where an agency seeks to pare back regulations. As a result, rail industry objectives such as performance-based safety rules now face uncharted obstacles.
UNCLEAR SIGNALS AHEAD
The political and policy waves crashing across the nation’s capital seem more likely in the near term to flood the “D.C. swamp” further, not drain it. New tariffs will spawn influence centered on desired exclusions. Advocacy and litigation will accelerate with multiplying legislative, regulatory, policy and funding fights. Loper Bright may cement increased lobbying if Congress depends more on outside experts to craft legislation instructing agencies precisely. With these tides, indicators across the board for policy and funding outcomes are far from clear.
Peggy Noonan, the Pulitzer Prize-winning former speechwriter for President Ronald Reagan, has compiled her best recent columns into a new book, A Certain Idea of America Her thoughts reprinted from July 2023 apply vividly today. “I think I sense a general mood of carefulness about the future, a sobriety that isn’t down, precisely, but is, well, watchful,” wrote Noonan.
The United States has never required seat belts on trains. But 2025 will be an interesting ride, and freight railroaders approaching Washington should strap in.
Don Itzkoff is Chief Policy Officer for Patriot Rail. He currently serves as a member of the STB Railroad-Shipper Transportation Advisory Council.
RESERVE YOUR SPOT !
This year’s MSU Railway Management Certificate Program provides broad experience in the diversity and complexity of the North American railway industry.
BY WILLIAM C. VANTUONO, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
In 2024, the largest-ever Michigan State University Eli Broad College of Business Railway Management Certificate Program (RMCP) class assembled for the program’s 19th iteration. Some 30 people attended the four-week-long residential modules starting on the MSU campus in April;
Washington, D.C., and Newark, N.J., in June; Pueblo, Colo., in September; and Chicago in October. Space is filling up fast for the 20th iteration in 2025.
Nick Little has been involved with the program since its inception and took over as Director of Railway Education – Center for Railway Research & Education (CRRE)
in 2014. Little retired Dec. 31 and was succeeded by Valerii (Val) Kucherenko, who joined in August 2024 from CPKC (Canadian Pacific Kansas City) as Director, Railway Education. Kucherenko has extensive international intermodal experience and supply chain management and has worked on CPKC’s international
Two photos: William C. Vantuono
intermodal and automotive marketing team. Little says he “is happy to leave the RMCP in such capable hands.”
The program covers freight and passenger rail and is designed to provide broad experience in the diversity and complexity of today’s North American railroad scene. The 2024 program comprised 62 topical educational sessions presented by railroad industry leaders, MSU faculty, and subject matter experts covering the entire railway ecosystem from operations to regulation, safety, R&D, marketing, modal competition, planning, strategy, and more. A total of 82 presenters included short line CEOs, senior AAR and ASLRRA staff, an STB member, NTSB staff, Senate Commerce Committee staff, labor and other industry associations. Site visits were made to 14 different locations as diverse as infrastructure projects, research laboratories, a rail mill, short line railroads and transit shops.
The 2025 RMCP program will commence on the MSU campus the week of April 28. That module focuses on Business Administration, Strategy and Leadership. Several leading faculty from MSU will lead interactive sessions on topics for future leaders ranging from supply chain to change management and marketing to negotiation skills. Additional optional classes on finance are also available to participants. A site visit to a local short line railroad is included to learn about its operations and organization and incorporates an opportunity to see transloading and automotive-sector business streams in operation.
The second module, June 23-27, will be about Rail Industry Structure, Regulation and Safety. Participants will meet in Washington, D.C., and hear from AAR, ASLRRA, STB, NTSB, trade unions, and other industry groups, as well as FRA. The latter part of the week is based in Newark, N.J., giving participants opportunity to experience Amtrak and NJ Transit and visit a working container terminal and other sites.
The third module, Sept. 8-12, will be based in Dallas/Fort Worth, Tex., and Pueblo, Colo. This module will focus on Railway Technology, Research and Development with an opportunity to visit a Class I and a major freight car manufacturer. Most of the week will be spent in
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Pueblo with presentations and visits to the Transportation Technology Center Operated by ENSCO and MxV Rail, both of which have extensive laboratory and test track facilities, as well as excellent staff who are working at the edge of adopting new technologies into the day-to-day life of modern, safe, efficient railroads.
The fourth module, Nov. 3-7 in Chicago, will cover Strategy and Management of Railway Operations for freight and passenger. It includes a site visit to the CTCO.
In addition to RMCP content design, development and delivery, the CRRE is working with other groups at MSU to research topics as diverse as non-destructive testing of steel rail integrity, alternative motive power and energy carriers and passenger mobility. The CRRE also undertook research to determine a viable zero-emissions passenger rail solution for services in California and North Carolina.
With Nick Little’s retirement, MSU/ CRRE is poised to move to its next phase of development, having appointed Hon. Ronald L. Batory (previously Conrail President and COO and Federal Railroad Administrator) as the Edward A. Burkhardt Chair in Railway Management and Executive Director.
“This curriculum was initiated in 2007
and has benefited hundreds of graduates and their affiliated employers,” says Batory. “During my railroad career, I elected to utilize this program. In retrospect, it was beneficial in nurturing a ‘greenhouse of talent’ for ongoing organizational ‘bench strength.’ Participants were afforded with learning experiences and diverse peer interactions that could not be readily realized from their normal work environments. In essence, I viewed the MSU opportunity as a business tool for tactically developing personnel and strategically creating an investment for the future. Last year, I agreed to associate with MSU, since it advances various educational initiatives involving the rail industry.
“I will personally be attending and participating in all four modules, which are currently being refined to offer additional educational values for any individual that associates with the rail industry directly or indirectly, regardless of public or private affiliation. Along with Val Kucherenko, Director of Railway Education, I look forward to further communication and certainly welcome the opportunity to field any questions from colleagues having interest toward enrolling warranted candidates into this proven program for 2025.”
Locomotive engineer training simulator demonstration at NJ Transit.
TTC OPERATED BY ENSCO
BATTERY SAFETY IN RAIL TRANSPORTATION
BY JUAN C. VALDES-SALAZAR, DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING; AND ACACIA REBER, DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, ENSCO, INC.
BY MATTHEW DICK, P.E., VICE PRESIDENT STRATEGY & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, ENSCO, INC.
The global transportation industry is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the rapid adoption of battery-electric-powered vehicles across multiple sectors. However, this progress brings new and unique challenges relating to safe designs, operations, and specialized training for first responders. Throughout history, changes in energy sources have been accompanied by concerns and challenges that need to be addressed. Just as the rail industry successfully transitioned from steam to diesel locomotives, the next generation of rail transportation must adapt to meet the demands of continued advancement.
BESS IN TRANSPORTATION
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) have long served as the underlying power source for electric automobiles. Their success in passenger vehicles has paved the way for broader applications, including fleets of electric buses
in major urban centers and emerging BESSequipped locomotives and passenger trains. While these technologies promise lower emissions and operating costs, they also pose complex safety considerations, particularly in the event of system failures or fires.
Multiple lithium-ion battery fire incidents have been documented globally, shedding light on the unique challenges posed by these systems. Data from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board indicates approximately 25 fires for every 100,000 electric automobiles sold, compared to approximately 1,530 fires per every 100,000 gaspowered vehicles sold.[1] Additionally, out of approximately 250,000 battery electric buses in operation worldwide, only 27 battery fires have occurred as of January 2024.[2]
Recent examples include nine lithiumion buses catching fire in October 2024 while being stored in a depot in Taiwan.[3] Another example was a fire that occurred in March 2024 at the San Diego Airport
parking garage where three hybrid airport shuttle vehicles were stored.[4] Similar to automobiles, non-battery bus fires have a higher frequency, with an estimated 1,075 bus fires a year.[5] Although automobile and bus battery fires are rare, they can have a large impact from occurring unexpectedly, and emergency responders have problems putting out the fire.
Due to the limited deployment of BESS powered locomotives and passenger trains to date, there are limited incidents to report. However, there were important lessons learned in the 2000s, when battery switching locomotives entered operation. One of the most prominent suppliers at the time was Railpower Technologies, which produced the Green Goat, a 100% batteryelectric switching locomotive. After suffering multiple high-profile battery fires, the delivered 59-battery switching locomotives were recalled. The cause of the fires was never officially released, but it is fair
TTC
Operated by ENSCO
to say that a switching locomotive’s shock and vibration environment is one of the most difficult in the transportation world, and having a robust BESS design that withstands that demanding service is critical. Following the fires, a different switching locomotive design was introduced using multiple Genset diesel generators that could turn on and off as needed to meet demand and shut down during idle time.
The risks associated with lithium-ion batteries extend beyond vehicles to passengers and cargo. Micromobility is a term used for small personal transportation devices that utilize lithium-ion batteries, such as e-bikes and e-scooters. In January 2024, an e-bike brought onboard a Toronto Transit Commission subway train caught fire. Luckily, no serious injuries occurred.[6] Another example occurred in September 2024 when a freight train carrying an intermodal container experienced a fire of the lithium-ion battery lading. To put out the fire, a hole had to be cut in the
top of the container and 40,000 gallons of water was pumped in.[7]
UNDERSTANDING THE COMPLEXITY OF BATTERY FAILURES AND FIRES
An important aspect of BESS in transportation systems is ensuring it can withstand operational environments to avoid failures. High shock and vibration conditions are a common problem where heavy batteries need to be properly secured to ensure that external or internal damage doesn’t occur causing electrical shorts or other failure modes. Another environmental effect that is important to address is water condensation causing electrical shorts, which can occur after a warm vehicle returns to a cold depot during the night.
Lithium-ion battery fires differ significantly from conventional fires. While traditional fossil fuel fires can often be contained with standard measures like water, foam, or chemicals, lithium-ion fires can reach extreme temperatures and reignite hours or even days after being initially extinguished. These complexities stem from a phenomenon known as thermal runaway. Thermal runaway refers to an escalating chain reaction within the battery cells: once a single cell ignites or breaks down due to excessive heat or physical damage, it can rapidly transfer heat to adjacent cells, causing them to short-circuit in turn. The outcome is a rapidly intensifying fire that is extremely difficult to contain if responders are unprepared or lack the proper equipment.
Responding to a thermal runaway BESS fire has multiple unique problems. This risk is amplified when the event occurs in confined spaces such as tunnels and parking structures. Current methods in use to respond to lithium-ion battery highway vehicle fires include direct water spray on batteries, submerging an entire automobile in a water tank and utilizing fire blankets to buy more response time. Unfortunately, in the case of automobile and bus vehicle battery fires, sometimes letting the fire run its course until it fully consumes the vehicle is the only option. This is obviously not a viable option for railway vehicles, and as such, research and implementation of preventative designs and alternative emergency response strategies is needed.
CONCLUSIONS
Implementation of BESS in the rail industry presents opportunities to achieve operational and energy goals. However, with its unique characteristics, it also requires unique designs, operations, and emergency response practices. The rail industry can leverage shared problems with the highway vehicle sector to overcome them. This may include common standards, design practices, verification testing and emergency response training and equipment.
To facilitate collaboration across transportation modes, the Transportation Technology Center will host the TTC Battery Safety Summit on May 19-20, 2026. The event aims to bring together stakeholders to discuss and achieve advancement in battery safety. For more information, visit ttc-ensco.com.
REFERENCES
1. h ttps://news.med.miami.edu/ electric-vehicle-fire-staged-tostudy-environmental-healthramifications/#:~:text=Data%20from%20 the%20U.S.%20National,100%2C000%20 gas%2Dpowered%20vehicles%20sold
2. h ttps://www.evfiresafe.com/post/ why-do-e-buses-catch-fire
3. h ttps://www.taiwannews.com.tw/ news/5956072
4. h ttps://www.firerescue1.com/ lithium-ion-battery-fires/li-ionbattery-fire-destroys-shuttle-buses-insan-diego-airport-parking-garage
5. h ttps://www.nfpa.org/education-andresearch/research/nfpa-research/ fire-statistical-reports/vehicle-fires
6. https://globalnews.ca/news/10199944/ebike-fire-ttc-subway-safety-concerns/
7. h ttps://www.firehouse.com/operations-training/video/55137102/ rail-cars-carrying-lithium-ion-batteriesburn-in-sutter-county-ca
People
TOM PRENDERGAST
Gateway Development Commission
HIGH PROFILE: The Gateway Development Commission (GDC) on Jan. 16 appointed railway industry veteran and Railway Age’s 2017 Railroader of the Year Thomas F. Prendergast as Chief Executive Officer. Prendergast comes to GDC from AECOM, where as Executive Vice President and Americas Transit Team Leader, he oversaw design and consulting services across all business lines in New York and New Jersey, including transportation, water and wastewater, environment, power, and buildings. He brings significant experience managing large rail infrastructure to the role, including serving as President, Chairman and CEO of the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA); President of MTA Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and MTA New York City Transit (NYCT); and CEO of the South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority (TransLink).
At the MTA, Prendergast led the way to securing a five-year capital plan to modernize New York’s public transportation systems, oversaw restoration of service after Hurricane Sandy and critical rehabilitation and flood resiliency efforts, and oversaw completion and opening of Phase 1 of the NYCT Second Avenue Subway.
“A modern rail system that ensures fast, reliable service for commuters and travelers is the foundation for strong and sustained economic growth,” Prendergast said. “As someone who has spent much of my career working to improve rail mass transit for residents of New York and New Jersey, I understand the urgent need for the Hudson Tunnel Project, and I am committed to making sure it is built on time and on budget. I thank the GDC Commissioners, Governors Hochul and Murphy, Minority Leader Schumer and our Congressional champions for trusting me to carry this project forward. I look forward to working closely with all our partners in Washington, New Jersey and New York to deliver the most urgent infrastructure project in the nation.”
“Tom has a proven track record moving megaprojects forward and a deep experience with all the key stakeholders, agencies, and the construction challenges that are key to continuing the significant progress we’ve made on Gateway, with more to come,” said U.S. Senator Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), Senate Minority Leader. “Tom’s experience fits the qualifications needed for this job to a tee.”
“The Gateway Hudson Tunnel Project is our nation’s most vital infrastructure project, bound to transform the way we move throughout the region for generations to come,” said New York Gov. Kathy Hochul.
“Tom Prendergast brings the extraordinary qualifications and expertise necessary to see the nation’s most important infrastructure project through its next stage,” said New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. “I am confident he will serve New Jersey and New York well as CEO of the Gateway Development Commission.”
TheEno Center for Transportation (Eno) has added to its Board K. Jane Williams, former acting Federal Transit Administrator (2017-2021) and current Senior Vice President and National Practice Consultant at HNTB Corporation. Williams is part of the 11-member Board of Directors that provides strategic direction for Eno, a Washington, D.C.-based independent non-profit that was founded in 1921 and conducts research, organizes workshops, and convenes transportation experts on a variety of issues impacting the transportation industry. The other Board members include Jennifer Aument, CEO, New Terminal One, at New York John F. Kennedy International Airport; Marjorie J. Dickman (Secretary), Chief Government Affairs and Public Policy Officer at BlackBerry; Carolyn Flowers, Managing Principal for InfraStrategies LLC; Nicole Nason, Vice President, Federal Affairs, Commercial Aviation, Sustainability & Corporate Policy at The Boeing Company; Roger Nober, Director, Regulatory Studies Center at George Washington University; Thomas F. Prendergast (Treasurer), Gateway Development Commission CEO; Karen J. Rae, Senior Strategic Advisor at STV; Sameer Sharma, Global Thought Leader; Jannet M. Walker-Ford, Business Line Executive, Advisory and Planning for WSP USA; and Diane Woodend Jones (Chair), Chairman of Lea+Elliott, Inc.
On Jan. 19, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) Division 71 member Jacqueline Y. Pettyjohn operated her last SEPTA train from Philadelphia International Airport to Suburban Station, in center city Philadelphia. Pettyjohn not only completed the run, but she also capped her 40-year career, where she was in the top spot on the seniority roster and had a perfect attendance record with zero operating rule infractions. SEPTA’s first female locomotive engineer, Pettyjohn hired out on the railroad in 1984. Upon completion of her last run, she was met by hundreds of coworkers who wanted to show their great appreciation for her. It was an emotional send-off that touched the heart of the veteran engineer. Pettyjohn told Philadelphia television station NBC 10: “I was shocked. I did not expect that. I just couldn’t believe the outpouring of love they had for me, and I have the same for them.”
Proven Recipes for Project Managers
Managing Major Railway Projects. By Alfred E. Fazio,. P.E., and Anthony Fazio, P.E. Simmons-Boardman Books, 2024. https://www.railwayeducationalbureau.com/?s=Managing+Major&post_ type=product&dgwt_wcas=1; (800) 228-9670. 200 pp. $79.95 (softcover); $89.95 (hardcover).
Al Fazio, a colleague and friend for most of my career, has worked in every form of railroading: freight, main-line passenger, rapid transit and light rail. We’ve collaborated on articles for Railway Age, developed conference presentations and published a book on light rail. Al’s knowledge and expertise are, in my mind as well as those of countless others, unmatched.
This is a complex book by one of the most un-complex people I’ve ever known in my 32-plus years of reporting, writing and commenting on the railway industry (except when it comes to Al’s family—wife Tina, four children and 18 grandchildren, at this writing!).
Al is well-versed in modern technology but has never lost his “old school” approach to doing things: relying on the fundamentals of common sense, sound engineering and operating principles, and “safety first.” That is, there’s a right way, and a wrong way—no gray area, no compromise. That’s key for an industry like rail that depends upon many
safety-critical elements synching to create a well-oiled system: rolling stock, motive power, track, signals, communications, operations, transportation, and—most important—people.
People: That’s what this “application text,” as Al describes it, is all about. Al says it’s about “explaining the use of analytically based program and project management techniques in a railway environment … such techniques as logic-based scheduling, development of estimates and their use in project activity budgeting, work formulation, organizational and financial breakdown structures, earned value analysis, and forecasting of both schedule and cost performance.” But it’s really about people, because all the functions just mentioned depend upon skilled people bringing their individual talents to a collaborative environment.
Returning to Al’s focus on the fundamentals, he notes that “the raison d’être (the most important reason or purpose for someone’s or something’s existence) of a railway is transportation.” Based upon his years of experience, he believes that “it has been two generations or more since the path to executive leadership lay through the execution of major capital programs. Those responsible for execution of such programs, be they employees, consultants or contractors, would do well to recognize this culture.” Al makes a very strong case for this here.
Among the new generation of railway
professionals is Al’s son Anthony, who co-authored this book. A Professional Engineer like his father, Anthony has spent his entire career on Northeastern railways—NJ Transit, Amtrak, SEPTA and now PATH, where he is Track Department Superintendent. The father of five ventured into consulting with Jacobs Engineering for a while, but he’s a railroader at heart.
The rail industry is filled with acronyms. The one for “earned value analysis” is EVA, which (if you’re a “space junkie” like me who grew up with NASA’s Apollo moon program) also means “extra-vehicular activity”—venturing outside the relative safety of your spacecraft into a hostile environment to explore things unknown, gain knowledge or acquire insight. Conversing with Al, or reading one of his many books, is an EVA worth taking—except of course that, aside from having conventional wisdom challenged, it’s risk-free.
Like me, Al is an Italian-American who appreciates a meal consisting of a healthy helping of al dente pasta in homemade tomato sauce (it’s not called gravy!) with perhaps braciola or meatballs, concluding with a very rich pastry, like cannoli. For those of you hungry for a refreshing look at railway management principles, your hunger will be satisfied with this multicourse meal from a master chef.
Buon appetito!
—William C. Vantuono
The Kaskaskia Regional Port District is requesting a sealed bid for the purchase of 8 each five trough transverse coil railcars, covers not required. Railcars shall be 286K capable, 50 to 60 feet in length, and meet FRA Title 49 Part 215 requirements. Railcars shall have a build date of 2000 or later and must meet “Build America” requirements. Bids to include freight charges for delivery to Port District tracks Baldwin, IL (CN delivering carrier).
Sealed bids to be received at Kaskaskia Regional Port District, 336 North Main St., Red Bud, IL 62278, by April 14, 2025, 10:00 AM CST.
Why I Remain Cautiously Optimistic
Afa vorite phrase we use in Washington, D.C., is “cautiously optimistic.”
Roughly translated, it means “I don’t really know how this is going to turn out, but I’m hoping for the best.” For many interested observers, there has been increasing angst over the years regarding the ability of Congress and the Administration to get anything done for the best. Yet beneath the roar of the political sound bites and the contentious relationship between the political parties, I am cautiously optimistic that the policy issues most important to the short line railroad industry will be heard and acted upon. My optimism is based on several factors.
First, three of the Administration’s first transportation appointments are solid individuals with considerable knowledge about railroads and proven experience in problem solving:
• Incoming Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy is a former five-term Member of Congress who has a working knowledge of the legislative process and the experience necessary to work with all stakeholders to get things done. His nomination was approved by the Senate by a vote of 77 to 22. This, and his earlier Senate Commerce Committee 28-0 approval, is a good sign that transportation policy will remain, as it should, a bipartisan proposition.
• Patrick Fuchs, a current Member of the Surface Transportation Board (STB), has been designated by the President as the new STB Chair. The short line industry has had the good fortune to work with Fuchs throughout his career from the Office of Management and Budget to the Senate Commerce Committee to the STB. He is a thoughtful, practical, consensus-building leader who has a deep understanding of the issues confronting our industry.
ASLRRA is particularly excited about the nomination of David Fink to lead the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). Fink will bring a fulsome understanding of the entirety of the unique, interconnected U.S. freight rail network. As the CEO of short line railroad Pan Am Railways prior to its sale to
CSX, Fink was an active and respected participant in our Association. Under his leadership, Pan Am was an industry award-winning ASLRRA member company. He has extensive experience interacting with all relevant stakeholders in the rail industry. We know him as a high energy, solution-minded strategist, and following his confirmation, look forward to working with him on smart regulations that advance the safety of rail in the U.S. and on expediting the FRA’s critical infrastructure investment programs, particularly CRISI (Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements).
On Jan. 23, I had the opportunity to be one of four rail industry representatives testifying before the House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials as it kicked off hearings on the Surface Transportation Reauthorization bill. This legislation authorizes most of the rail industry’s most important federal programs, including the CRISI grant program and the Section 130 Grade Crossing Program, and is legislation where truck size and weights law would be maintained or changed, and the Highway Trust Fund mechanism is adjusted.
With jurisdiction over the FRA, the T&I Committee also has an important oversight role in the agency’s rulemaking and funding decisions and processes. I devoted a good portion of my testimony to the CRISI grant program, stressing the role these grants play in helping to fund the most expensive but most needed short line infrastructure projects; the need to reduce the long delay between grant award and funding obligation; the importance of pre-award authority allowing short lines the “at-risk” ability to begin the work immediately; and the importance of advanced appropriations, which brings the certainty that small businesses need to embark on the complicated and expensive CRISI application process.
I reminded the Representatives that short lines have become one of the major classes of grant awardees, with some 240 short line CRISI grants awarded totaling
more than $2.7 billion in the history of the program. In the most recent round of CRISI awards, short lines garnered 81 of the 122 projects awarded totaling $1.29 billion, or about half of the $2.48 billion in total awarded funds.
I also underscored that short lines provide a remarkable “bang for the government buck” as these transformational projects come to fruition with relatively modest government funding, driving growth for local and regional economies and the interconnected freight rail network, and creating jobs in small town and rural America.
The hearing was very encouraging. It was well attended. The Members came prepared to ask meaningful questions. There was little partisan sniping, and there were numerous references to the need for bipartisanship on transportation issues. Almost every Member asked me follow-up questions on CRISI.
Granted, the House Railroad Subcommittee is our easiest hill to climb. Its Members are among the most knowledgeable about the business of railroading and have considerable experience in dealing with government policies that directly affect our business.
But it is also an important hill. The Subcommittee will draft the first iteration of the rail portion of the next Surface Transportation Reauthorization bill, and if the tenor of this first hearing is any indication, they will approach that task in a serious and bipartisan way. Reauthorizing Surface Transportation will be a long, hard slog, and politics will make it harder than it should be. But experience tells me that fighting to preserve what’s best in the first draft is much easier than trying to insert new language in the final draft, so I remain cautiously optimistic.
Mechanical Department Regulations
FRA News:
232
12-11-20.
FRA is amending the Freight Car Safety Standards (FCSS) to implement section 22425 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Act). The Act places certain restrictions on newly built freight cars placed into service in the United States (U.S.) including limiting content that originates from a country of concern (COC) or is sourced from a state-owned enterprise (SOE) and prohibiting sensitive technology that originates from a COC or is sourced from a SOE. The Act mandates that FRA issue a regulation to monitor and enforce industry’s compliance with the Act’s standards.
DATES: The Final Rule was effective January 21, 2025.
Part 240–Qualification and Certification of Locomotive Engineers
This book affects locomotive engineers, trainers and supervisors. This final rule will clarify the decertification process; clarify when certified locomotive engineers are required to operate service vehicles; and address the concern that some designated supervisors of locomotive engineers are insufficiently qualified to properly supervise, train, or test locomotive engineers. 162 pages. Spiral bound. Updated 12-30-24
BKLER Qual. and Certif. of Loco. Engineers $17.95
Order 50 or more and pay only $16.15 each
Part 242: Conductor Certification
The Conductor Certification rule (49 CFR 242) outlines details for implementing a Conductor Certification Program. The FRA implemented this rule in an effort to ensure that only those persons who meet minimum Federal safety standards serve as conductors. Softcover. Spiral bound. Updated 12-30-24 BKCONDC Conductor Certification $16.00
Order 50 or more and pay only $14.50 each
Part 228: Passenger Train Employee Hours of Service; Recordkeeping and Reporting; Sleeping Quarters
49 CFR 228 for records, recordkeeping, and reporting of hours of duty of a railroad employee. Also covers the construction of employee sleeping quarters and health requirements for camp cars. Softcover. Spiral bound. Updated 12-30-24.
BKHS Hours of Service of RR Employees $16.00
Order 50 or more and pay only $14.50 each
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