John B Moore

A little bit of a different post today - I'm in DC meeting with senators and representatives from the communities BNSF Railway serves in, along with other rail professionals from across the country to share how freight rail powers jobs and communities. Our message: smart policies = stronger hometown economies. #RailDay2025 #RailChampions #RailPAC 🚂Freight Rail Fuels America’s Economy: Every $1 invested in rail transportation drives $2.50 in economic activity. Every railroad job creates 3.9 additional jobs in industries like manufacturing, logistics and technology. 🚂Freight Rail Powers Top-Tier Careers: With 153,000 employees, rail jobs pay 40% above the national average and rank among the safest industries to work in the nation. 🚂Balanced Policies Drive Rail Investment: Smart regulations enable freight railroads to invest $23 billion annually in infrastructure, service, and sustainability—reducing emissions, easing congestion, and lessening taxpayer burden. 🚂Grant Programs Result in Safer and More Efficient Communities. Federal grant programs like Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI), Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE), and Section 130 are essential to keeping railroads and the communities they serve safe. BNSF Railway employees, if you want to get involved in RailPAC, let me know!

346

13 Comments

Did you know when the DOTX305 identifies a rail flaw, the railroad must comply with federal regulations appropriate for the condition? This may include applying joint bars to support the rail, reducing train speeds, or ceasing train operations over the condition until repaired or replaced. Railroads often take additional action not required under FRA regulations to avert future non-compliant conditions and potential safety risk.     Learn more about our ATIP program here: https://lnkd.in/egBHZ7kM   

134

5 Comments

BNSF holds more patents than all other Class I railroads combined. That’s not just a number, it’s a reflection of how innovation drives our teams to turn ideas into tools that improve safety, efficiency and reliability across our network. From inspecting rails to assembling trains, these patented technologies help us operate smarter. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eNPUqX86

219

8 Comments

Union Pacific's Mid-America Service Unit has seen remarkable double-digit safety improvements in 2024, achieved through a mix of innovation and teamwork. “This progress speaks volumes about the team’s collective action planning,” said Michael Shults, MBA, general superintendent. “The individuals closest to the work are sharing their expertise and getting to the root cause of safety incidents.”  Emphasizing safety is essential for UP team members to provide the service and reliability our customers rely on. The Mid-America Service Unit – covering areas of Arkansas, Illinois, Missouri, Louisiana, and Texas – concentrates on everything from regular maintenance and critical rules compliance to fostering open conversations about safety. #RailSafety #UnionPacific

119

2 Comments

In 1980, legislation was enacted that has significantly helped the railroad industry operate more efficiently and reliably. The Staggers Act removed decades of over-regulation, giving railroads a free hand to invest in their privately funded networks and improve their operations.   One of the many benefits of the act has been on the safety front. Freight rail is safer than it's ever been. Accident and injury rates are at an all-time low, and BNSF is an industry leader.   The Staggers Act has been a good thing for the railroad industry, for our customers and for consumers. And it's also helped keep our employees and the communities on our network safe.

149

5 Comments

Inland ports are becoming increasingly vital as East Coast gateways continue to grow. While in Northeast Georgia, our leadership team saw it firsthand. At the future site of the Blue Ridge Connector, we’re working with Georgia Ports Authority to launch a rail terminal that will connect regional industry directly to 35 global container ship routes via the Port of Savannah.   It’s part of a broader trend: As supply chains rebalance, inland ports like this one are helping reduce congestion, cut emissions, and give manufacturers the reach they need to scale faster.   We are committed to being part of our communities in other ways, as well. While we were in town, we announced a $300,000 gift to Northeast Georgia Health System Medical Center Gainesville to help build an inclusive playground for pediatric patients and families.   We’re proud of both commitments. Because whether it’s serving global trade or supporting pediatric patients and families they reflect one mission: Putting the power of rail in the right place. As industrial growth accelerates, we hope that when people see more Norfolk Southern trains roll through Northeast Georgia, they see more than just locomotives. They see the Thoroughbred Team’s long-term partnership—with business and with communities.   #NorfolkSouthern #InlandPorts #SupplyChain #BlueRidgeConnector

278

5 Comments

On this week's Rail Min: Sound Transit Announces Opening for Light-Rail, Former New York Congressman Marcus Molinaro to Head Federal Transit Administration, Norfolk Southern Reports $4.3 Billion in Industrial Dev, MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) has unveiled its first new trainset, and in Canada, a fleet expansion is underway with the addition of Former Metrolink Diesels Set to Join Torontos GO Transit. These stories brought to you by Railroad Software and Automated Rail.

82

3 Comments

MV Transportation is proud to share that the Senate Appropriations Committee has included provisions in the FY2026 Transportation Appropriations Report, at MV’s request, urging the Federal Transit Administration to promote on-board technology that helps prevent bus-to-person collisions. Incorporating Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) such as Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) into heavy vehicles including new buses could prevent 19,000+ crashes each year, save 155 lives annually, and avoid 8,800+ injuries (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). The cost to add ADAS is less than 2% of the price of a new bus—a small investment for a major impact. Special thanks to Senators Richard Durbin (IL) and Chris Van Hollen (MD) for championing these provisions and supporting safer streets for all. To read the report, please click the link below. https://lnkd.in/gTeh7kTf

84

1 Comment

The Staggers Rail Act of 1980 partially deregulated the freight rail industry, giving freight railroads the flexibility to make the money they needed to invest back into their networks. And those investments continue today.  For example, 👉 CN is investing in the Zanardi Rapids Bridge at the Port of Prince Rupert, one of North America’s fastest-growing trade gateways. ✅ Replacing a bottleneck, allowing for much higher volumes  ✅ Adding several miles of new track in both directions, connecting to a new three-track bridge. ✅ Supporting decades of long-term trade growth. #Staggers45  🔗 https://lnkd.in/eAGHgNtk

110

1 Comment

Federal Railroad Administration 2024 safety data was released this week and the results are clear: freight railroads continue to enhance safety, with Class I railroads achieving an all-time record-low injury rate for the second year in a row. Since 2005: 📉 Train accident rate down 33% 🚧 Derailments down 40% 🔧 Track-caused accidents at an all-time low A relentless safety culture and sustained private investments continue to make railroads safer for both the communities they serve and the dedicated rail employees who keep the industry moving. There is more work to do and the industry will continue to push forward to further improve safety and efficiency. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ew2A2Asr

52

The CPKC announcement comes a day after Warren Buffett said Berkshire Hathaway would not seek a merger partner for BNSF Railway and also said that interline partnerships are preferable to mergers. https://lnkd.in/eCygfWjT

61

17 Comments