Celebrating America's Railroads: Connecting Communities, Powering Commerce and Driving Economic Growth

WASHINGTON, July 2, 2026 — As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, America’s short line and regional railroads proudly recognize their enduring role in building America's economy, connecting communities, and supporting industries that fuel prosperity. For nearly two centuries, freight railroads have served as the backbone of the American supply chain, delivering the goods that keep businesses operating and communities thriving.

Short Line Training Center Delivers Positive Impact on Safety for Short Line Railroads

WASHINGTON, June 26, 2026 — The Short Line Training Center, supported by a grant from the Federal Railroad Administration's Consolidated Rail Infrastructure Safety Improvements (CRISI) program, has announced the addition of two new computer-based training (CBT) programs to its online learning management system (LMS) platform, bringing the total new courses launched to 16. The Short Line Training Center has provided critical CBT and instructor-led training (ILT) to more than 1,500 railroad employees since its inception in 2021.

ASLRRA and AAR File Joint Comments Concerning the FRA's English Language Proficiency Proposed Rule

Washington, D.C., September 29, 2026 — The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) joined the American Association of Railroads (AAR) in filing comments in response to the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) concerning English language proficiency and other requirements for locomotive engineers and conductors.

Regarding issues raised in the NPRM, the comments say that:

• Pilot requirements should not be limited to U.S. railroad employees.
• The proposed ten-mile route limitation is not tied to safety and has the potential to unnecessarily restrict train operations.
• FRA should clarify that the rulemaking is not intended to modify existing certification programs that railroads use to certify Mexican crews.
• The proposed changes to annual skills monitoring will negatively impact safety.
• FRA should withdraw new proposed regulatory requirements related to territorial qualifications.

Ultimately ASLRRA and AAR ask the FRA to revise the proposed rule in a manner consistent with the submitted comments before issuing a final rule to amend 49 CFR parts 240 and 242.