WATCHING WASHINGTON, RAILWAY AGE MARCH 2026 ISSUE: For Surface Transportation Board (STB) Vice Chairperson Republican Michelle A. Schultz, preparation and persistence paved what likely was an already preordained career path. Serving a
California’s Caltrain adopts a corridor-wide right-of-way safety strategy. Also, Utah Transit Authority (UTA) advances its Fare Payment System Upgrades program; and Amtrak and Be My Eyes team to help blind and low vision riders navigate train stations in real time.
FROM THE EDITOR, RAILWAY AGE MARCH 2026 ISSUE: I’ve been wanting to write this column for a very long time. Recently I came across a Wall Street Journal article by News Editor
A CSX-served Chick-fil-A distribution center breaks ground in Central Florida. Also, Norfolk Southern’s (NS) 8184 makes its first run out of Roanoke, leading the Class I’s historic NS 32 research car.
Ocean transportation and logistics services firm Matson Inc. has partnered with BNSF and lock manufacturer War–Lok on what it describes as “an enhanced cargo security program that will add two layers of
RailPros hires Gorden Rumpff as Vice President, Mexico Operations. Also, Daniel Burke joins HNTB as Senior Group Director in Illinois.
The March forecast for ITS Logistics’ US Port/Rail Ramp Freight Index reports that “stabilizing import behavior may be short-lived as new geopolitical developments reshape global shipping patterns,” the Nevada-based third-party logistics (3PL) firm reported March 6. “Domestically, rising cargo theft and new driver regulation proposals are increasing pressure on inland transportation networks.”
Nearly 400 representatives from Class I’s and short lines to suppliers, contractors, and the associations that represent them advocated for the freight rail industry on March 4 at Railroad Day on Capitol
CN reports its February grain movement results and releases an Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan Annual Report. Also, CSX recognizes nine short lines with partner awards; and Union Pacific (UP) earns Vendor of the Year from an ocean carrier agency.
Felicia Alexander joins Telos Advisers as Senior Director. Also, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) President and CEO Nadine Lee is recognized as a trailblazer by the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO); and the Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD) appoints Kellie Irving as Civil Rights Division Director.
The Short Line Safety Institute (SLSI) has released a request for proposals (RFP) for a flatcar training platform buildout, part of its Safety Train project. Submissions are due April 15, 2026. The
Railway Age’s 2026 Short Line and Regional of the Year program recognizes two Honorees and two Honorable Mentions for outstanding achievement—from growing through strategic investment, providing top-notch service, and positioning themselves as
Waynova Group has established a unified international market presence by aligning four specialized technology companies into one coordinated force for digital rail solutions.
The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) announced March 3 that it has finalized the 2026 State Rail Plan, outlining $283.1 million in prioritized rail investments over the next four years and establishing a long-term vision for rail modernization through 2045.
For the week ending Feb. 28, 2026, total U.S. rail traffic rose 1.6% from the same point last year, with carload gains offsetting intermodal losses, according to the Association of American Railroads’ (AAR) latest report. This marked the third consecutive week of traffic upticks.
The Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT) in Florida selects STV for a project to strengthen vessel-to-rail connectivity. Also, North Carolina’s Port of Wilmington is wrapping up work on its intermodal rail yard expansion.
Rail components and services provider A. Stucki (Stucki) launches a newly designed website. Also, STV promotes Aaron Jones to Vice President of Media, Communications.
A new independent economic study assessing the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) Surface Transportation Authorization Recommendations finds that “every $1 billion invested in public transportation generates $5 billion in long-term economic value
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) on March 3 reported that it will invest $100.3 million into public transit systems within the 11 cities hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup to ensure they
Canadian Class I CN on March 4 launched two commemorative locomotives—moving tributes marking the 250th anniversary of the United States signing of the Declaration of Independence. Both America250 units will begin service immediately and are expected to operate across CN’s U.S. network throughout 2026, “offering employees, customers and rail enthusiasts an opportunity to participate in the celebration.”
