Rail industry reps hold virtual Railroad Day on the Hill

Representatives from all facets of the railroad industry this week met virtually with lawmakers and their staffers for the annual Railroad Day on Capitol Hill.

This year was the first time the event was held via Zoom, according to the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA).

The event gave 260 congressional offices the opportunity to interact with 475 constituent railroaders that are directly impacted by federal legislation and regulation, said ASLRRA President Chuck Baker in news release.

"The nation's freight-rail industry — short lines, Class Is, labor, contractors and suppliers all together — is positioned to help America meet many crucial objectives: safe, efficient and environmentally friendly transportation that helps grow the economy, rebuild the middle class and allows American businesses to compete and win on the global stage," Baker said.

Other organizations that participated in the annual event included the Association of American Railroads, GoRail, National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association, Railway Engineering-Maintenance Suppliers Association, Railway Supply Institute, Railway Systems Suppliers Inc., Railway Tie Association and several rail labor groups.