From the desk of Pat Foran, EditorDenver RTD
Approved by voters in 2004, FasTracks — Denver's multi-billion-dollar transit-rail construction project — is ramping down to completion in 2020. What does the Regional Transportation District of Denver (RTD) have left to do? Which new rail lines open this year and what major projects are in store for 2018-2020? In this month's cover story, Senior Associate Editor Julie Sneider answers those questions in a FasTracks update.
Class I Focus:Kansas City Southern Eyes More U.S. Exports into Mexico
Despite mounting concerns about a revamped North American Free Trade Agreement, Kansas City Southern believes it can increase the volume of U.S. exports its transports into Mexico. How? By employing more technologies — including blockchain — using international crews and implementing other measures to improve fluidity and boost operations. Managing Editor Jeff Stagl checks in with KCS President and CEO Patrick Ottensmeyer and other senior execs to learn more about ongoing efforts and the implications posed by any NAFTA changes.
Research:Transportation Technology Center Update
In late March, the Association of American Railroads held its 23rd annual research review at the Cheyenne Mountain Resort in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The event highlighted the Transportation Technology Center Inc.'s (TTCI) latest efforts to boost rail safety, reliability and efficiency. So, what were some of the more exciting findings? What will the next chapter in rail research look like? Associate Editor Daniel Niepow talks with TTCI President Lisa Stabler.
MOW: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 sampling of suppliers provide information on their ballast-related products and equipment.
Trends:MOW Equipment Leasing
Six months into 2018, what types of MOW equipment are in demand? What's leading customers to lease that equipment? What's happening in Washington, D.C. — be it legislative or regulatory — that, if passed or enacted, could impact the equipment leasing segment? For answers, we'll check in with a cross section of MOW leasing equipment officials.
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'll edit the text lightly for clarity and style, put it in our template, and make it available for review before for printing.