rail

Rail Industry Urges Flexible Regulations to Spur Safety Innovation

The Association of American Railroads called on lawmakers to adopt mode-neutral policies that encourage technological investment rather than prescriptive rules. AAR President and CEO Ian Jefferies testified before the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Subcommittee on June 9, highlighting how advanced tools have transformed freight rail operations.

The industry achieved record safety performance in 2025 across derailments, equipment failures and employee injuries, according to Federal Railroad Administration data. Real-time monitoring systems and predictive tools now operate across the 140,000-mile network, enabling earlier risk detection and faster problem identification.

Jefferies emphasized that sustained investment and continuous innovation drive these gains. The railroad industry, marking its 200th anniversary this year, is rapidly adopting new technologies to enhance network reliability and operational efficiency while maintaining safety standards.