Railroad Weekly Brief: June 17–23, 2025
This past week, the railroad sector saw a mix of important regulatory discussions, significant infrastructure advancements, and key insights into industry performance. From federal policy debates shaping future operations to major project completions improving connectivity, there’s plenty to keep an eye on. We’ve also got updates on new tools designed to boost safety and efficiency across the network.
Here’s a look at five important developments from the railroad world this week:
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FRA Considers Glazing Waiver Extension for Tourist Rail
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is reviewing a petition from the Northern Central Railway of York (NCRA), also known as Steam Into History, Inc., for an extension of a waiver of compliance. This waiver concerns a federal safety regulation requiring certified glazing in locomotive cab windows for locomotives built or rebuilt after June 30, 1980. NCRA is seeking this relief for their steam locomotive 17, which operates at lower speeds in tourist excursion service and has a clean record regarding vandalism. This situation highlights the FRA’s ongoing role in balancing stringent safety regulations with the practical realities of diverse operational contexts, particularly for specialized segments like heritage railways.
Published: June 17, 2025
Federal Register :: Notice of Petition for Extension of Waiver of Compliance -
U.S. Rail Traffic Shows Modest Cumulative Growth Through Week 24
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported that total U.S. weekly rail traffic for the week ending June 14, 2025, saw a slight dip of 1.5% compared to the same week last year. However, when looking at the broader picture, cumulative U.S. rail traffic for the first 24 weeks of 2025 increased by 4.2% over the previous year. This overall growth was driven by a 2.5% rise in carloads and a 5.7% increase in intermodal units, indicating continued strength in freight movement across the network. This data presents a nuanced view of rail freight performance, where short-term weekly fluctuations are less indicative than the sustained cumulative growth.
Published: June 18, 2025
AAR Reports Weekly Rail Traffic for the Week Ending June 14, 2025 - Association of American Railroads -
Short Lines Championed as Economic Drivers in Senate Testimony
Peter Gilbertson, President and CEO of Anacostia Rail Holdings, testified before the Senate Commerce Subcommittee, advocating for the vital role of short line railroads. Representing the American Short Line and Regional Rail Association (ASLRRA), Gilbertson highlighted short lines as crucial “job creators, safety multipliers, and sustainability drivers” in rural America. He emphasized the need for consistent infrastructure funding, particularly through Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grants, and called for a more adaptive regulatory approach to support their essential function in connecting over 10,000 customers.
Published: June 18, 2025
https://www.railwayage.com/freight/short-lines-regionals/gilbertson-to-senate-short-lines-job-creators-safety-multipliers-sustainability-drivers/ -
FRA Launches New, User-Friendly Rail Safety Data Website
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has officially launched a new, interactive online public safety data website, fulfilling a mandate from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. This updated platform replaces older, less flexible systems, offering enhanced interactivity, user-friendly controls, and improved navigation. The primary goal is to increase transparency and provide all stakeholders—from railroad companies to researchers—with more flexible tools to query and analyze comprehensive rail safety data. This launch represents a significant step towards enabling data-driven safety improvements and fostering greater transparency across the rail sector.
Published: June 20, 2025
AASHTO Journal - FRA Activates New Rail Safety Data Website -
Foothill Gold Line Dedicates New LA Metro Line A Stations
The Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority has dedicated four new stations along its 9-mile light-rail extension project in California, connecting Glendora and Pomona. This $1.5 billion project achieved substantial completion on schedule and within budget, a notable accomplishment for a large-scale public infrastructure endeavor. The extension significantly enhances the LA Metro A Line, providing crucial connections to regional destinations, including sites designated for the 2028 Olympic Games. The project now transitions to LA Metro for final preparations before passenger service begins, marking tangible progress in expanding urban passenger rail infrastructure.
Published: June 23, 2025
Rail News - Foothill Gold Line dedicates four LA Metro Line A stations. For Railroad Career Professionals
Tools & Tips
- RailPulse: Real-Time Railcar Data Platform RailPulse is an industry-driven platform designed to provide real-time railcar data, enhancing visibility, safety, and efficiency across North America’s rail supply chains. Leveraging GPS and sensor technologies, it offers detailed insights into railcar location, condition, and health, including specifics on handbrake engagement, door/hatch status, and impact events. This tool is engineered to optimize operations, boost fleet utilization, and reduce downtime, representing a significant step towards digital transformation and predictive maintenance in the rail sector.
RailPulse 2025: A Year of Innovation and Growth in the Rail Industry - RailPulse - FRA’s New Public Rail Safety Data Website As highlighted in our news section, the Federal Railroad Administration has launched an updated, user-friendly online portal for public rail safety data. This new website offers enhanced interactivity, streamlined reports, and expanded filter options, making it easier for industry professionals, researchers, and the public to access and analyze comprehensive safety information. This resource democratizes access to crucial safety data, fostering a more informed and proactive safety culture across the industry.
AASHTO Journal - FRA Activates New Rail Safety Data Website
Fun Fact
Did you know that the U.S. rail industry is widely credited with establishing the first standardized time zones? Back in the 1880s, before a universal system existed, most towns kept their own local time based on “high noon”. This localized approach made scheduling train arrivals and departures a logistical nightmare across vast distances. To solve this operational challenge, major U.S. railways met and created five standardized time zones across the country. They adjusted their clocks and operated on this schedule, effectively setting the precedent for the national time zones we use today, long before it became official law.
Rare Railroad & Steam Train Facts | Strasburg Rail Road Blog
We’d love to hear from you!
Have you participated in any railroad events or utilized new railroad tools recently? Share your experiences or insights with us—we’re featuring selected community voices in next week’s edition.