In one of his early responses to the derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg referenced the apparent common phenomenon of derailments in the United States. Whether to downplay or simply place it in context, Buttigieg stated that around 1,000 trains derail every year – around three each…
Longer trains can be a blessing or a curse, depending on where you sit. Certainly when stuck at a blocked crossing, one can only see the negatives. But what does a more wholistic assessment of longer trains reveal? Does the frustration outweigh the benefits, or are longer trains a key…
On Friday, February 3, 2023, a Norfolk Southern freight train moving through Ohio derailed in the city of East Palestine. While the definitive cause is still being investigated, reports indicate that 38 cars, including 11 carrying hazardous materials, derailed from a 150-car train with many damaged by fire. Subsequently, officials…
Following two significant railroad incidents in 2013, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) began taking a sharper look at train crew sizes. Under the theory that human error was causing substantial harm to rail workers, the public, and the environment, the FRA proposed a minimum crew size on locomotives to ensure…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Washington, D.C. (December 12, 2022) – The Alliance for Innovation and Infrastructure (Aii) published its latest report Monday, The Safety Impact of Technology and Crew Size: An analysis of accident data, incorporation of technology, and train crew staff levels on rail safety trends. This report will also be submitted to…
After years of negotiation through the collective bargaining process and a number of close calls with threatened labor strikes, President Biden on Friday signed into law a settlement of terms between railroad unions and railroad companies. The terms of the agreement are those recommended by the Presidential Emergency Board (PEB),…
For years, Amtrak has been seeking to restore passenger service to a section of track along the Gulf Coast between New Orleans, LA and Mobile, AL. The matter has been controversial for a few reasons and worked its way all the way to the Surface Transportation Board (STB). In the…
This month, the population of the planet is believed to have surpassed 8 billion living people. This milestone serves as a reminder of the importance of critical natural resources, infrastructure, agriculture, and various services. Without well-functioning markets, supply chains, and governments, millions of people will be exposed to heat or…
Come along with Aii team member Andrew on his route from Norfolk, VA to Bozeman, Montana! In this video, we take a look at premium gas prices and how they vary from state to state. Enjoy not only a bit of insight into fuel costs, but a scenic route across…
This summer, Aii Founder Brigham McCown embarked on a cross-country road trip in his Tesla Model 3 from Seattle, WA to Washington, D.C. When he made it to Cincinatti, Aii team member Benjamin Dierker jumped in his gas-powered car to race to the nation’s capital from South Carolina. Watch these…
This summer, Aii founder Brigham McCown embarked on a cross-country road trip in his Tesla Model 3. Starting from Washington state, he made a coast-to-coast drive all the way to Washington, D.C. In addition to seeing the nation’s beauty and bounty, he learned a number of lessons along the way….
Bridge unveilings have been popular dating back to 1866 with the unveiling of the Great Suspension Bridge. One of the latest ribbon cuttings was originally expected in early 2023, yet the Nice-Middleton Bridge was fully opened to the public on October 13, 2022 extending across the Potomac River between Charles…
U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has been on a tour touting the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that will lead to billions of dollars in infrastructure spending across the country. His latest stop was the lowcountry of South Carolina. Meeting with local leaders and visiting key infrastructure assets,…
The relationship between passenger rail and freight rail often comes across the way cinematic thrillers depict tension between the FBI and local police. Both want to ensure public safety and maintain order, but each wants to flex its jurisdiction and make sure it gets the respect it deserves. Like fictionalized…
Amtrak is seeking to establish twice daily passenger service between Mobile, Alabama and New Orleans, Louisiana. With Hurricane Katrina damaging rail infrastructure back in 2005, many passenger routes along the Gulf Cost have long been dormant. However, over the last several years, Amtrak has increasingly ramped up its efforts to…
