CSLRA

Link to the full story by Bill Stephens

NEW YORK — Rail industry officials focused on only three topics during the opening day of the RailTrends conference: Merger, merger, and merger. Union Pacific’s proposed $85 billion acquisition of Norfolk Southern dominated conversations and presentations. Can the plan to create a transcontinental railroad win regulatory approval? Can it lead to volume growth in an industry that has seen little of it since 2014? Will it force other Class I railroads to merge — or can interline partnerships be an effective competitive response to a railroad that will handle nearly half of all U.S. rail freight volume?

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)’s National Railroad Partnership (NRP) program—formerly the Federal-State Partnership (FSP) grant—offers transformative opportunities for communities to enhance rail safety, reduce delays, and improve infrastructure along intercity passenger rail (IPR) corridors. In particular, NRP is now placing emphasis on grade crossing projects that improve safety and efficiency along IPR lines.

With applications for NRP due in January, join us for a timely webinar featuring officials from the FRA offering an overview of the updated grant program, including eligibility, project types, and tips for strong applications. We’ll also feature perspective from a State DOT and railroad on project planning and collaboration.

On September 4, CSLRA member Sierra Northern Railway unveiled their hydrogen fuel cell powered locomotive, first in the nation and first of 4 units being converted from old Tier 3 genset locomotives.

To view all the photos, click here to view the Facebook post.

Click on the video below to view the locomotive in action.