Progressive Railroading June 2019

Cover Story:

Passenger Rail Focus — Florida Transit

In February 2011, Florida's newly elected Gov. Rick Scott sent back to the federal government $2.4 billion in federal stimulus grants the state had received to build a high-speed rail line between Tampa and Orlando. The decision left some national transportation industry observers wondering if Florida was closed for business when it came to passenger rail. But since then, Florida communities and private businesses have pursued spending even more to build light- , commuter- and high-speed rail lines in various locations. This month, we'll examine some of the passenger-rail projects that have been proposed, planned or are underway, including by Brightline/Virgin Trains USA, Metrorail, Tri-Rail and SunRail.

Short Line Focus:

G&W on the Industrial Development Fast Track

Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (G&W) has sharpened its focus on industrial development (ID), an effort that netted business growth results last year. The short-line holding company — which owns or leases 120 freight railroads worldwide, including 114 in the United States and Canada — landed 15,000 additional annual carloads due to a pipeline of ID projects, pushing traffic generated yearly by that segment to 125,000 units. Now, the 2019 projection is to add another 45,000 units to reach 170,000 such carloads. Part of G&W's success with ID can be traced to pulling in carloads from non-rail-served facilities, such as transload centers and terminals. We talk all things ID with G&W's North America President Michael Miller and Chief Commercial Officer Mike Peters.

C&S:

PTC Update — Passenger Railroads

A majority of the 26 commuter railroads that are federally mandated to implement positive train control (PTC) met certain criteria late last year to obtain a two-year deadline extension to 2020's end. As they continue to work toward implementation, many are facing ongoing challenges: funding, interoperability with freight railroads, a limited availability of vendors, and finding ways to install and test PTC while maintaining regular commuter service. We talk to leaders at several commuter railroads to gauge their progress with clearing those hurdles while furthering implementation.

Technology Update:

Transit Agencies and Mobile Apps

North American transit agencies increasingly are using mobile apps to offer improved communication and convenient fare payment options to their riders — and to enhance the transportation experience across the entire transportation network. Agencies are partnering with ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Lyft, bike-share companies, bus routes and nearby public transportation options to help riders through their first to last mile of travel. Some agencies, including Dallas Area Rapid Transit, are creating their own mobile apps in-house; others, such as the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, are integrating their data into established apps. Representatives from a sampling of transit agencies tell us how they're incorporating mobile apps into their customer-service strategies.

MOW Product/Service Update:

Ballast Management

Ballast maintenance programs and practices can affect system velocity and reliability — and that makes shoulder ballast cleaning, undercutting and tamping crucial components of every railroad's maintenance program. A cross-section of suppliers share information on their latest ballast delivery, installation, maintenance and service offerings.

Special Advertising Section:

Top Execs on the Marketplace

In this thought-leadership special section, one of your company executives can talk about what is important to him or her, in his/her own words — strategic partnerships, industry trends, new product development, customer service, philanthropic activities — and how said activities reflect the values and goals of the company. You send us a maximum of 500 words, an executive headshot and a logo. We edit the text lightly for clarity and style, put it in our template, and make it available for review before printing.

Bonus Distribution:
APTA Rail Conference (June 23-26, 2019, Sheraton Centre, Toronto, Ontario)

Mike Singler

Regional Sales Manager
815-302-7055
mike.singler@tradepress.com