Authored by Michael Gaynor, Assistant Vice President of Field Operations at GoRail
Railroads play a crucial role in local economies, reduce environmental impacts of transportation and support the infrastructure that connects communities. Here are six things to know about rail that could help your community:
1. Cities can apply for a federal grant to address rail grade crossings.
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)’s Rail Crossing Elimination (RCE) program was created under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to improve the safety and mobility of people and goods. Ninety-five percent of rail-related deaths involve a person or vehicle on the tracks — a sobering statistic that railroads and public sector partners work to mitigate through both public education and physical infrastructure improvements. The inaugural RCE funding round addressed more than 400 at-grade crossings across 32 states, and the FRA is currently evaluating applications for FY23-24, with plans to announce recipients at the end of 2024. For resources on RCE and other federal rail grants, visit GoRail’s Rail Grant Hub.
2. There’s a rail safety app for local first responders, and your local Emergency Communication Center may already have access.
U.S. freight railroads launched the AskRail mobile app a decade ago to provide first responders with real-time railcar content and safety information. Over 2.3 million first responders across the U.S. and Canada already downloaded the app directly or use it through emergency call centers. Railroads have also expanded access in the last year by connecting with Emergency Communication Centers (ECCs), with over 220 onboarded and dozens more in progress. This outreach ensures first responders have critical hazmat handling information at their fingertips during emergencies.
3. Cities can take advantage of opportunities for first responders to receive rail incident response training.
Local law enforcement can be called on to respond to train derailments, which is why railroads conduct trainings across the country with fire departments and maintain the Security and Emergency Response Training Center (SERTC) that trains thousands of first responders annually. Grants are available to cover or offset the expense for personnel to travel to and participate in SERTC training, and you can view the recently announced 2025 course schedule here.
4. Train horns are critical to safety, but cities can safely create quiet zones.
The volume and duration of train horns follow a specific pattern for safety reasons. For example, under the FRA’s Train Horn Rule issued in 2006, engineers must sound horns 15-20 seconds before reaching public crossings. However, localities can follow the FRA’s process to establish quiet zones where horns aren’t routinely used, provided they implement safety measures to reduce the increased risk.
5. Cities can compare rail transportation benefits in your state and city.
Freight rail plays a role in easing road congestion, especially in urban areas and other places that experience high truck traffic. Trains are about four times more fuel-efficient than trucks, and each one can take hundreds of trucks off the road, mitigating transportation emissions while relieving taxpayer burden for infrastructure upkeep. You can view state-by-state truck displacement and emissions reduction statistics and even calculate the CO2 displaced by rail on specific routes and with different types of cargo using this Carbon Calculator.
6. Cities can reach their railroads directly.
From local grants and charitable contributions to community events and engagement with thousands of local leaders and average citizens across the country, railroads are active in the communities they traverse. They also employ community relations teams that can be a resource for your local rail questions and opportunities.
As NLC celebrates its 100th Anniversary this year, GoRail is also marking 20 years of rail education and advocacy. From creating jobs and supporting sustainable growth to easing congestion and reducing infrastructure costs, railroads are a key part of a community’s long-term success.
Visit the NLC Strategic Partnerships page to learn more about the organizations like GoRail dedicated to making NLC the premier resource for local governments.
Connect with GoRail at NLC’s City Summit!
Stop by Booth 232 during City Summit in Tampa Bay, Florida to talk about rail’s role in your city.
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