Opinion

Commentary

• March 25, 2021
• News

Attracting More Women to Rail

March is Women’s History Month in the United States. It’s a time when we recognize the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. As we have been celebrating these past few weeks, I’ve also been reflecting on the incredible groundswell of support for gender equality we’ve seen this past year. We’ve watched women find their voices and have seen the world begin to listen more actively and with purpose.

Commentary

• March 24, 2021
• Class I

We Must Help Communities Gain Strength From Diversity

On the Union Pacific website, Chairman, President and CEO Lance Fritz shared his thoughts on embracing diversity—an important story that Railway Age believes should be shared with a broader audience.

Commentary

• March 23, 2021
• Short Lines & Regionals

Short Lines: Part of the ‘Green’ Solution

Already the leader in fuel-efficient surface transportation, the railroad industry is now making every effort to be a part of the solution to improving the environment, and the short line industry is all in on a variety of fronts.

Commentary

• March 22, 2021
• M/W

Book Review

“The Complete Field Guide to Modern Derailment Investigation” by Gary P. Wolf (Wolf Railway Consulting, 2021, spiral bound softcover, 436 pp., $75.00).

Commentary

• March 19, 2021
• Class I

Will CP Enter the U.S. Northwest?

Imagine waking one day to hear the news that Canadian Pacific Railway, in its quest to expand market reach, has acquired hundreds of miles of Union Pacific trackage in the northwestern United States. Relax. No such deal has been announced—at least not yet.

Commentary

• March 17, 2021
• Class I

Suds with Seidl: Positives From ‘Railroad Happy Hour’

Rail industry leaders were bullish on the quarter-to-date at the latest “Suds with Seidl” event, with one panelist citing a spring surcharge for containers, underlying the strong rate backdrop for carriers.

Commentary

• March 12, 2021
• Freight Cars

Why Rough Riders Should Be Taxed

This editorial addresses the significant impact of AAR truck standards S-286 and M-976 on the rail industry and why tariffs should be applied to railcars loaded to 286K GRL (Gross Rail Load) that don’t have these track-friendly trucks.

Commentary

• March 12, 2021
• Passenger

COVID-19 Rescue Package Signed: What’s in Store for Transit and Amtrak

Let’s take a closer look at the increases in relief for transit and Amtrak; consider how they will affect service; and examine what transit, Amtrak and their riders can expect in the near future.

Commentary

• March 10, 2021
• News

We Spend Billions, and All We Get Is a B?

The American Society of Civil Engineers reminds me of those college professors whose standing policy is never to give any student an A. No matter how diligent or resourceful you are, you must be doing something wrong, right?

Commentary

• March 05, 2021
• Class I

Texas Cold Won’t Bring Back Coal

The Texas wind that blows, blows not for king coal. The recent electricity debacle is likely to pivot power generation further away.