Progressive Railroading August 2019 Editorial Lineup

Cover Story:

The Reimagination of Norfolk Southern Railway

There's a lot going on at Norfolk Southern Railway as part of company-wide effort to boost operating efficiencies, enhance service performance, and spur and accommodate business growth. Chief among them is the implementation of a new precision scheduled railroading operating plan called TOP21.

To be rolled out in July, TOP21 is designed to reduce the circuity of freight-car movements to and from customers and balance network flows. The Class I then can operate fewer trains, helping to ensure assets are employed more efficiently and more capacity is created.

NS began developing TOP21 last year using computer modeling and simulation tools to analyze data and train flows to achieve optimum network fluidity and velocity. The plan is a key part of "Reimagine Possible," a new three-year strategic plan targeting improvements in all aspects of operations. Another component of Reimagine Possible: a Cars On Line Team (COLT) that's charged with determining ways to more efficiently deploy cars. The team's ultimate goal is to reduce the number of cars in the fleet even as traffic grows.

To better understand how TOP21 and COLT factor into the Reimagine Possible push, Managing Editor Jeff Stagl holds court with several senior NS executives. The discussions also will address why the strategic plan was necessary and what the Class I expects to gain from it.

Passenger Rail Focus:

Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transit

To reduce traffic gridlock, Honolulu city leaders years ago launched an effort to build a 20-mile elevated rail system that would run from Kapolei in the west to the Ala Moana shopping center just east of the city's downtown, with a stop at the Honolulu International Airport. Cost increases, delays, local opposition and litigation have plagued the project, which is now running over budget and late.

Last year, the Federal Transit Administration asked the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) submit a plan that addresses the project's funding shortfalls. A revised version of the plan was submitted to the federal government in early June. Senior Associate Editor Julie Sneider provides an update on the project and HART's efforts to get things back on track.

Focus on Intermodal:

Port of Greater Baton Rouge Ramps Up for Rail

In May, the state of Louisiana committed $20 million in funding to complete a rail project at the Port of Greater Baton Rouge. The funding will be used to complete a second critical project bringing four rail tracks deeper into port property to serve the Louis Dreyfus Co. Port Allen Elevator facility, one of the largest grain elevators on the Mississippi River. The project is designed to help speed delivery, shipment and volume of commodities, especially at times of high and low stages on the Mississippi River.

The port is overseeing nearly $60 million in rail infrastructure projects that expands commodity shipments for current and future tenants — and boost the port's competitiveness in the export marketplace. The projects also mean something for the port's ship, barge, truck and rail connections. For project updates, context and perspective, Associate Editor Vesna Brajkovic talks with officials from the port and other links in the intermodal transport chain.

Mechanical:

Annual Fleet Stats

Our annual compendium of rail-car and locomotive statistics, Fleet Stats features an array of Association of American Railroads' facts and figures, including selected car fleet data, freight-car installations, the fleet by car type and age, and locomotives acquired and rebuilt. This year's edition also includes rail-car market commentary from Richard Kloster, senior vice president and chief commercial officer of AllTranstek LLC, and principal at FTR Intel.

Technology Update:

Rail Safety Technology

Railroads set aside millions of dollars annually for products and services to protect employees, tracks, trains and other assets. Products include the latest grade crossing technology to track intrusion detection systems to roadway worker protection gear. This month, we'll highlight a sampling of products and equipment available to help railroads bolster safety.

MOW:

Material Handling Equipment

Maintenance-of-way managers continue to seek equipment — including machines that handle and distribute such materials as rail, ties and ballast — that'll help them minimize the time crews spend on the track. And they have an array of products, equipment and services at their disposal. What's new as well as tried and true in the material handling equipment market? Suppliers share information on their offerings.

August Issue Bonus Distribution:
Intermodal Association of North America's Intermodal Expo 2019 (Sept 15-18, 2019, Long Beach, California)

Acacia Reber

Regional Sales Manager
215-704-3349
acacia.reber@tradepressmedia.com