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Progressive Railroading: March 2019
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Bonus Distribution:
New England Railroad Club 2019 Rail Tech Conference/Expo (March 21, 2019, DCU Center, Worcester, Massachusetts); ASLRRA Connections Convention (April 6-9, 2019, Orlando World Center Marriott, Orlando, Florida); and Railroad Day on Capitol Hill (May 8, 2019, Washington, D.C.)
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Cover Story:
Union Pacific forges unified front on Unified Plan
In October 2018, Union Pacific Railroad launched Unified Plan 2020, an operational strategy designed to help the Class I become an industry leader in safety, service and financial performance.
To roll out in phases, the plan aims to position UP to shift the operational focus from moving trains to moving cars; minimize car dwell, classification events and locomotive requirements; employ general purpose trains; and balance train movements to improve crew and asset utilization. Unified Plan 2020 also calls for implementing precision scheduled railroading (PSR) principles.
To help immerse the plan and PSR throughout the organization, UP appointed former CN operating guru Jim Vena as COO. He has vast experience with transitioning a Class I to a new operating plan and with instituting PSR. Vena will report to Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Lance Fritz.
So how is the roll out going so far? Is PSR beginning to take hold, and is it already paying off? What still needs to be done, and what are the hang ups? For answers to this and more, Managing Editor Jeff Stagl checks in with Fritz, Vena and other high-ranking UP executives.
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Short Line Profile:
Meet Maryland and Delaware Railroad Co.'s CEO Cathrin Banks
The Maryland and Delaware Railroad Co. has served the Delmarva Peninsula for more than 40 years. Today, the short line serves some of the region's largest chemical and industrial products, as well as the local agriculture and poultry industries. Recently, the railroad announced a new president at the helm: Cathrin Banks, who at 33 years of age is one of the youngest female chief executives in the railroad industry. This month, we'll take a look at the company — its history, as well as current and future opportunities under Banks' leadership.
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MOW:
Vegetation Management Equipment/Services
Keeping vegetation growth in check is a primary maintenance-of-way goal for railroads and transit authorities. In addition to ensuring tracks remain clear of weeds and brush, effective vegetation management programs enable maintenance crews to work safely and avoid slips, trips and falls. This month, suppliers share information on equipment and services designed to help customers stay ahead of the weeds and brush curve.
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Passenger Rail Focus:
TEXRail
Last month, Trinity METRO launched TEXRail, a 27-mile commuter-rail service that operates between downtown Fort Worth and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, running through northeast Tarrant County, North Richland Hills and Grapevine, Texas. By year's end, TEXRail is projected to serve more than 8,000 daily riders at nine stations; by 2035, ridership should reach 14,000, system officials say. We'll talk with TEXRail officials about the new system and what it'll mean for transportation in the North Texas region.
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MOW:
Hi-Rail Equipment
When it comes to meeting demands in the hi-rail marketplace — from light-duty trucks to rail gear to maintenance-of-way vehicles — suppliers aim to provide versatile equipment that's reliable, easy to use and affordable. What's new on the hi-rail equipment front? Suppliers share information on their offerings.
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Sincerely,
Mike Singler
Regional Sales Manager
Progressive Railroading
P: 815-302-7055
mike.singler@tradepress.com
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