By RSI Staff As predicted by many at Railway Interchange last year, the Trump administration is bringing political changes that will significantly impact transportation funding. Ahead of this year’s event, we spoke with two Railway Interchange speakers, Husein Cumber, senior advisor, Brightline Holdings, and Robert Pearsall, partnerships director at U.S. High Speed Rail, to understand the […]
Making Sense of Tariffs and Inflation for Freight Rail
By RSI Staff Recent changes to economic and trade policies are fueling significant challenges within the freight rail industry. As decision-makers face uncertainty, particularly around rail traffic and equipment demand, many are left to wonder whether they should proceed with caution or move forward as planned. At Railway Interchange, taking place May 20-22 in Indianapolis, […]
Advancing Passenger Rail: Early Insights From the PRAC
By Patty Long The Passenger Rail Advisory Committee (PRAC), formed in the fall of 2024 under the Surface Transportation Board (STB), is an exciting development for the future of passenger rail in the United States. The committee, comprised of 21 individuals representing the rail industry across the country, is filled with enthusiasm and a shared […]
Railway Supply Institute Names New President
The Board of Directors of the Railway Supply Institute (RSI)—an association dedicated to advancing safety, innovation, technology, and sustainability within the freight and passenger railway supplier industry—announces the selection of Jim Riley as its new president, effective March 31, 2025. “The RSI board is pleased to welcome Jim Riley, a proven leader with an outstanding […]
Rail Priorities for a New Administration: Q&A With Jack Isselmann, RSI GPAC Chair
By RSI Staff As the new presidential administration and Congress begin their terms, RSI is hard at work advocating for key legislative priorities that will shape the future of the rail industry. High on the agenda is the reauthorization of surface transportation funding, crucial for maintaining and improving the nation’s transportation infrastructure, and restoring critical […]
Railway Supply Institute Statement in Support of the Freight RAILCAR Act of 2025
February 12, 2025 – This week, U.S. Representatives Darin LaHood (IL-16) and Brad Schneider (IL-10) reintroduced H.R. 1200, the Freight RAILCAR Act of 2025, to modernize the North American railcar fleet, support U.S. manufacturing jobs, and advance the efficient movement of critical goods across the country. The Freight RAILCAR Act of 2025 would provide a […]
RSI Lays the Foundation for Collaboration with New Administration and 119th Congress
As the 119th Congress and the new Administration begin their work, RSI staff have already been laying the foundation for meaningful collaboration. Beginning in December 2024, RSI President and RSI’s government affairs staff began preparing for the upcoming administration change by meeting with public liaison and Department of Transportation (DOT) transition teams to advocate for […]
Quality, Technology, and Safety: Rail Priorities in 2025
By RSI Staff As the calendar turns to a new year, the rail industry remains laser focused on improving safety and reliability, with innovation and quality at the center. Jason Riggs, vice president of quality and technical services at Marmon Rail, believes the opportunities to enhance rail safety through new technologies are vast, paired with […]
Railway Supply Institute Commends STB Chairman Designation of Patrick Fuchs
January 22, 2025 – The Railway Supply Institute (RSI), the leading association for the North American rail supply industry, commends President Trump’s designation of Patrick J. Fuchs as the Chairman of the Surface Transportation Board. RSI anticipates an effective partnership with the data-driven, solutions-oriented chairman, as they strive towards a rail network that will ultimately […]
Railway Supply Institute Congratulates David Fink on Nomination to Lead Federal Railroad Administration
January 6, 2025 – The Railway Supply Institute (RSI) congratulates David Fink on his nomination to serve as the Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). Fink, a respected leader in the rail industry, brings extensive experience in advancing rail safety, innovation, and economic development. “David Fink’s deep expertise and dedication to rail transportation will […]