Short Line/Regional Railroad of the Year nominations sought

Railway Age is now accepting entries for its annual Short Line/Regional Railroad of the Year competition. Short lines and regionals—and there are more than 500 of them—are invited to submit entries describing outstanding achievement in one or a combination of areas.

“U.S. and Canadian short lines and regional railroads have done their part, and more, in keeping goods moving during an economic downturn that was the most severe in recent memory,” says Managing Editor Douglas John Bowen. “But in good years or bad, they also excel at numerous tasks, including turnaround situations, consistent excellence, innovation in operations or maintenance, marketing, customer service, enhanced productivity, community relations, and safety improvement. Add a growing emphasis on a sound economic/environmental business package mix, and you have a business sector that continues to innovate.”

Small roads in Mexico, the U.S., and Canada are eligible for an award (and railroads can even nominate themselves). The 2010 winners will be awarded specially designed plaques at the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association Annual Convention in Orlando, Fla., at ASLRRA’s gala dinner Tuesday, May 4. Articles describing their achievements will appear in Railway Age’s April 2010 issue, which will be distributed at the show. Railway Age will work with the winners to publicize the awards in online and national media, as well as any in-house websites available.

“Award winners have ranged from large regionals to small short lines,” says Bowen, “and we’ve recognized and honored carriers ranging from 20 miles to nearly 2,000 miles. In most years, including last year, separate awards have been given for regional and short line carriers.”

Railway Age’s 2009 Short Line Railroad of the Year Award honored Wilmington, Calif.-based Pacific Harbor Line, Inc.; the 2009 Regional Railroad of the Year Award recognized Milwaukee-based Wisconsin & Southern Railroad Co. W&S also took home 2001 Regional Railroad of the Year honors.

Submit your entries to: Douglas John Bowen, Managing Editor, Railway Age, 345 Hudson Street, 12th Floor, New York, N.Y., 10014. E-mail: dbowen@sbpub.com. Fax: (212) 633-1863. Entries should contain the name, position, and contact information of the nominator and an approximately 500-word description of the achievement(s) of the nominated railroad. (Longer and short descriptions are admissible; 500 words is only a guideline.) Entry forms are not essential, but may be obtained from Bowen by fax or e-mail. The entry deadline is Friday, March 5, 2010, so please don’t delay.