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Jacksonville, Fla.-based Pinsly Railroad Company on Oct. 16 reported that its ninth short line, Georgiana & Andalusia Railroad LLC, has assumed operations in southern Alabama.

The 36-mile line, formerly operated by Genesee & Wyoming’s Three Notch Railway LLC, connects to CSX at Georgiana, Ala., and spans to Andalusia, Ala.

“The Georgiana & Andalusia Railroad is set to make significant infrastructure investments to support the growth of both current and future rail-served customers in the region,” reported Pinsly (formerly known as Gulf & Atlantic Railways, LLC), which operates eight other small roads (Florida Gulf & Atlantic Railroad; Grenada Railroad, a Railway Age 2021 Short Line of the Year Honorable Mention; Camp Chase Railway; Chesapeake & Indiana Railroad; Vermilion Valley Railroad Company; North Florida Industrial Railroad; Pioneer Valley Railroad; and its most recent addition Hondo Railway). “The planned investments reflect Pinsly’s ongoing commitment to enhancing supply chain solutions and driving economic development in the communities it serves.

“Pinsly Railroad Company is excited to bring its legacy of safety, customer service, and community engagement to southern Alabama,” Pinsly Chief Commercial Officer Cassie Dull said. “We look forward to building strong partnerships and delivering reliable rail service that supports local industry and job creation.”

In related news, Pinsly’s Chief Human Resources Officer Gaynor Ryan has earned a 2025 Railway Age Women in Rail award and CEO  Ryan Ratledge was selected by Railway Age readers as one of ten Most Influential Leaders for 2025.

The post Pinsly Expands Short-Line Portfolio appeared first on Railway Age.

Over the past year, the company has deployed 40 AI-enabled sensors across Norfolk, Chesapeake, Suffolk, and Portsmouth, “creating one of the most diverse and comprehensive real-world testbeds in the country for rail-crossing analytics,” according to Oculus Rail.

These four cities, Oculus Rail says, collectively host the highest concentration of rail crossings in the Commonwealth of Virginia, spanning a full range of environments—from dense urban neighborhoods and industrial port areas to suburban corridors and rural communities. This diversity provided Oculus Rail with an “unparalleled opportunity” to refine its solar-powered, wireless sensing technology across the full spectrum of real-world conditions that impact communities nationwide, the company noted.

The startup, founded by former Norfolk City Council member Andria McClellan, has drawn advisory input from Class I railroad leaders and U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) experts “to ensure its AI-enabled sensing technology delivers operational value to both municipalities and the rail industry.”

“We were able to test our technology where it matters most,” said Oculus Rail Founder and CEO Andria McClellan. “By working directly with local governments across different settings—urban downtowns, busy port areas, suburban neighborhoods, and rural crossings—we’ve developed a data platform that’s scalable, resilient, and immediately useful to cities across the country.”

A longtime civic innovator, McClellan served eight years on the Norfolk City Council, where she chaired the regional transportation commission and launched the Smart Cities and Innovation Committee. She founded Oculus Rail after witnessing firsthand how “blocked rail crossings disrupt traffic, delay emergency responders, and frustrate residents—with little data available to quantify the problem,” the company said.

“Local governments have been operating in the dark when it comes to blocked crossings,” McClellan said. “I started Oculus Rail to give cities and residents the data they need to make informed decisions, improve safety, and advocate for solutions with railroads and federal partners.”

“I frequently hear from constituents how frustrating it is to be stuck at a rail crossing with no idea how long they’ll be waiting. Oculus Rail gives the city—and our residents, business owners and visitors—real-time insight we’ve never had before. It’s helping us respond faster, plan smarter, and finally address one of the most common complaints we get,” added Norfolk City Councilmember Jeremy McGee.

Oculus Rail’s network of solar-powered, wireless sensors captures real-time data on blocked rail crossings, showing when and how long crossings are obstructed and how often trains impact traffic and emergency response times. The company’s analytics dashboard provides cities, regional planners, and public safety agencies with “actionable insights to reduce congestion, improve emergency response, and guide infrastructure investments.”

The data gathered in the Hampton Roads pilot is being considered in a regional rail crossing assessment led by the Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization (HRTPO), “supporting efforts to prioritize crossings for state and federal funding through programs like the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) Grant,” according to the company.

“This level of detail has never been available before,” said HRTPO Deputy Executive Director Pavithra Parthasarathi. “Oculus Rail’s data will directly influence how our region—and others—can target investments, reduce delays, and improve safety at the crossings that impact the most people every day.”

To empower residents directly, Oculus Rail says it has also launched the Oculus Rail App, available free to motorists in both the App Store and Google Play. The app provides timely alerts for the initial 40 monitored crossings across Norfolk, Chesapeake, Suffolk, and Portsmouth, allowing drivers to “Know Before You Go” and avoid delays. Additional crossings will be available in the future when municipalities select and subscribe to specific rail crossings.

With its technology proven in Virginia’s most complex rail environment, Oculus Rail says it is now expanding nationwide, partnering with cities, metropolitan planning organizations, and railroads “to bring real-time rail-crossing intelligence to communities large and small.”

The post Oculus Rail Launches Nationwide appeared first on Railway Age.

For months, Union Pacific’s (UP) CEO Jim Vena has been on the offensive, touting possible benefits of the proposed merger between UP and Norfolk Southern (NS). He has spoken with POTUS 47, given speeches, and written op-eds to sway public opinion. In his arguments, there are familiar promises of increased transit times, reduced congestion, and the ability to ship longer distances on a streamlined, single network. It may look promising on the surface, but the reality would tell a very different story.

Just a few years ago, Canadian Pacific (CP) and Kansas City Southern merged, reducing the number of Class I railroads from seven to six. In their arguments for the merger, CP insisted there would be minimal overlap, more efficiencies, and a broader reach by the railroad, claiming it would improve service. Sound familiar? 

Despite these promises, after the merger was approved, customers of freight rail experienced a myriad of service issues with Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), including higher dwell times, missed switches, issues integrating with its information technology systems, and more. Even Vena voiced his own complaints at the time, stating, “We ran trains for a long time with no major headaches until you get the combination of CP and Kansas City.”

Moreover, if we look at the last time UP was involved in a rail merger, back in 1996 with Southern Pacific, it was far from smooth. The Surface Transportation Board (STB) was forced to issue multiple orders throughout the 2000s because the new railroad failed to fulfill the service commitments and track maintenance obligations it had made as part of the merger, along with issues of unacceptable congestion and service levels.

It would be naïve to think that another rail merger, echoing the same promises, would yield different results. This merger would create yet another bloated Class I rail carrier, controlling 45% of total U.S. tonnage, about nine times more control than what was given to CPKC after their merger. This new rail line would have no incentive to provide adequate—or better—service, especially to small captive shippers, and would cause prices to soar even higher for American businesses that rely on freight rail shipping. This is at a time when the costs of shipping via rail have already risen 20% compared to pre-pandemic levels, and in an environment where the railroads already operate essentially unilaterally. Just last week, NS alerted Alliance for Chemical Distribution members of an increase in demurrage surcharges of $3,000 per car per day for Toxic Inhalation Hazard cars, even when shippers have little, if any, control over getting their railcars of product and are ready, willing and able to unload the product when it arrives. 

And don’t just take the shippers’ word for the fact that this merger will increase costs, decrease competition and negatively impact the U.S. economy. Several Class I carriers have also opposed this merger. In a position paper, BNSF Railway argues, “At the expense of smaller customers, communities, and shortlines, UP will double down on its historic practice of leveraging its now enhanced market power to drive higher rates on captive customers and favoring high-density lanes while closing low-volume lanes.” 

While UP and NS may promise increased efficiencies and improved service, history tells us a different story. If this merger proceeds, it will only exacerbate the problems already plaguing the rail industry. This is exactly why the STB should oppose this merger.

Eric R. Byer is the President and CEO of the Alliance for Chemical Distribution.

The post History Repeats: Shippers Shouldn’t Buy the UP-NS Narrative appeared first on Railway Age.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) on Oct. 16 announced that Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) General Manager Phil Eng has been named as Interim Transportation Secretary following Monica Tibbits-Nutt’s decision to step down from her position as MassDOT Secretary and CEO. Tibbits-Nut, who plans to return to private industry, has agreed to continue to serve as an advisor through Dec. 31, 2025, “to ensure a smooth and efficient transition for MassDOT.”

Eng will serve as both Interim Secretary and General Manager during this time. Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver has also been promoted to Undersecretary of Transportation. He will retain his role as Highway Administrator while also taking on expanded responsibilities as Undersecretary. 

“A well-balanced multimodal transportation network is essential. MassDOT and the MBTA work hand-in-hand to make sure our transportation system is safe, reliable and modernized,” said Eng. “I look forward to taking on this interim role with MassDOT and working even more closely with Undersecretary Gulliver and their great team to deliver the world-class transportation system that the people of Massachusetts and our visitors deserve. I’m grateful for the partnership of Monica Tibbits-Nutt these past few years and her strong support of the reforms we have made at the T. It is an honor and privilege to serve every community across Massachusetts as part of Governor Healey’s Administration.”

Governor Maura Healey appointed Eng as General Manager of the MBTA in March 2023. Since then, he has overseen a “transformative period” at the nation’s fourth largest public transit system, “enhancing safety, reliability, accessibility and service.” Under his leadership, the MBTA “eliminated all subway speed restrictions for the first time in more than 20 years, opened South Coast Rail to deliver rail service to Southeastern Massachusetts for the first time in 65 years, continuing the highest return to ridership rate in the nation on commuter rail with all day frequent train service, delivering new modern Orange and Red Line cars while accelerating modernization of the signal system on those lines, and hiring thousands of labor workforce to rebuild the MBTA to better serve the riding public, communities and businesses with shorter travel times and more frequent service.”

Eng started his career at the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) beginning in 1983 as a Junior Engineer. Over the course of three decades Eng held many roles, including planning, in-house design, and bridge inspection, including the four East River Bridges (Brooklyn, Williamsburg, Manhattan and Ed Koch Queensboro Bridges), Maintenance and Operations. He ultimately served as Executive Deputy Commissioner and Chief Engineer from 2013-2017, delivering multiple projects, including the Mario M. Cuomo Tappan Zee Bridge and Kosciuszko Bridge. He then served as Chief Operating Officer of the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) where he oversaw “successful efforts to improve performance and efficiency across all agencies,” including New York City Transit (NYCT), Metro-North Railroad, Long Island Rail Road and MTA Bridges and Tunnels.  

Eng was then tapped to serve as Interim President of NYC Transit, where he led a workforce of 50,000 employees and was “integral to initiating and implementing the $836 million Subway Action Plan to fix aging infrastructure and improve performance across the system. “

From 2018-2022, Eng served as President of the MTA Long Island Rail Road, where he managed a system of 7,600 employees and a $1.6 billion operating budget. He then served as Executive Vice President of the LiRo Group, where he advised public and private sector clients on engineering, transportation, and infrastructure projects. 

The post Eng Named Interim MassDOT Secretary appeared first on Railway Age.

Established in 2017, the annual award is presented to railway industry women in the United States, Canada and/or Mexico for their outstanding leadership, vision, innovation, community service involvement and accomplishments. In an industry typically dominated by men, they have a track record of breaking down barriers and helping to create industry opportunities for women.

The judging committee included Railroad Financial Corporation Senior Advisor Barbara Wilson, Gateway Development Commission Executive Vice President Catherine Rinaldi, and the Railway Age staff.

“Congratulations to this year’s distinguished group of women,” Railway Age Publisher Jonathan Chalon said. “Our 25 honorees, plus five selected for honorable mention, came from a strong field of nearly 100 nominations. We are proud that all 30 will be featured in Railway Age’s November 2025 issue and recognized at the 2026 Railway Age/RT&S Women in Rail Conference, to be held Oct. 6-7 at the Hyatt Regency Schaumburg.”

“I am inspired by the incredible women recognized this year,” Barbara Wilson said. “Each of these women embodies the resilience, leadership, and vision that inspire others to aim higher and achieve more. It is exciting to celebrate the impact they are making—not just in business, but in their communities and beyond. Congratulations to all the winners. Thanks for reminding us what is possible when purpose meets determination.”

“This year’s honorees share not only a legacy of service to our industry, but also a commitment to sharing their knowledge and experience with the next generation of female railroaders,” Catherine Rinaldi commented. “They are an inspiration, and I would like to congratulate them on this well-deserved recognition.”

1. Jeannie Alexander, Vice President, Rail Operations, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)
2. Zoe Bates, Manager Terminal Operations, Norfolk Southern
3. Tina Beckberger, Chief Commercial Officer, American Industrial Transport (AITX)
4. Christina Bottomley, Vice President, Business Development & Real Estate, CSX
5. Tammy Butler, Vice President-General Counsel, CSX
6. Andrea Dobbelmann, Chief Executive Officer, Progressive Rail Incorporated (Railway Age Honorable Mention, 20 Under 40 Program for 2021)
7. Christine “Christie” Drabic, Vice President Global Program Management, Wabtec Corporation
8. Sandra Ellis, Vice-President, Bulk, Sales and Marketing, CN
9. Tania Fauchon, Americas Quality Director & Group Railway Safety Director, Alstom
10. Rebekah Garner, Service Assurance Rail Support, Watco
11. Arielle Giordano, Vice President of Government & Industry Affairs, Genesee & Wyoming Railroad Services, Inc.
12. Rebecca Gregory, Vice President Administration & Chief of Staff, Union Pacific Railroad
13. Yvonne Hill-Donald, Chief Administrative Officer, MTA Metro-North Railroad
14. Stephanie Kuntzman, Assistant Vice President, Consumer Products, BNSF Railway (Railway Age Honoree, 25 Under 40 Program for 2022)
15. Maria Orcera, AVP, Revenue Accounting and Customer Service, Patriot Rail
16. Cinthya Melissa Guillen Pinales, General Manager–Operations Centre (Monterrey), Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) (Railway Age Honoree, 25 Under 40 Program for 2024)
17. Shelly Reid, Vice President Sales & Group Manager, The Greenbrier Companies
18. Gaynor Ryan, Chief Human Resources Officer, Pinsly Railroad Company
19. Lisa Schreibman, Acting Vice President & Chief Officer, MTA Staten Island Railway
20. Shaquana Stephens, Acting Superintendent-Commuter Operations, Amtrak
21. Beth Sullivan, Vice President Operations Support and Organizational Planning, MTA Long Island Rail Road
22. Marcia Tauriella, Vice President Global Sourcing, A. Stucki Company
23. Blaire Theuerkauf, Senior Counsel, Metra
24. Michelle Wan, Vice President, Projects, Hitachi Rail
25. Leah Windell, Customer Service Manager, Louisville & Indiana Railroad (an Anacostia Rail Holdings company)

1. Julina Corona, Project Manager, RailPros
2. Drew Enochs, Director of Operations, Railroad Products and Services, Koppers
3. Caitlin Holland, VP of Real Estate and Economic Development, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART)
4. Celia Pfleckl, AVP, Amtrak Airo Program, Amtrak
5. Micki Rust, Director, General Equipment, TTX Company

• 2024 Women in Rail Honorees
• 2023 Women in Rail Honorees
• 2022 Women in Rail Honorees
• 2021 Women in Rail Honorees
• 2020 Women in Rail Honorees
• 2019 Women in Rail Honorees
• 2018 Women in Rail Honorees
• 2017 Women in Rail Honorees

And don’t miss the 2026 Railway Age / RT&S Women in Rail conference, to be held Oct. 6-7 at Hyatt Regency Schaumburg, Schaumburg, Ill. This is your opportunity to network with a diverse group of women and their allies as we discuss how railroaders can build leadership toolkits and strong support networks, partner with allies, and take advantage of ever-broadening career opportunities. Join us as the industry conversation continues with this expanded live event covering the freight, passenger and transit rail sectors! Bonus: A special luncheon will recognize the 2025 Railway Age Women in Rail and 2026 RT&S Women in Railroad Engineering honorees.

The post Railway Age Announces Women in Rail Honorees for 2025 appeared first on Railway Age.