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The Association of American Railroads (AAR) yesterday announced its Transportation Technology Center Inc. (TTCI) won the International Union of Railways' (UIC) Innovation and Railway Research Award in the "Rail Freight Services" category for the Facility for Accelerated Service Testing (FAST) program.

Developed at TTCI in Pueblo, Colo., the FAST program was originally created to address the safety, technical and economic issues related to increased heavy axle loads. Over the past 24 years, the program "has continued to serve as a unique, world renowned testing facility used to evaluate countless rail research projects from around the world," AAR officials said in a prepared statement.

"The work done at TTCI has helped to make railroads one of the world's most innovative, safe and efficient forms of freight transportation," said AAR President and Chief Executive Officer Ed Hamberger. "UIC's recognition of those efforts is an honor that is well deserved."

The Innovation and Railway Research Award was presented in conjunction with the UIC's 90th anniversary. This marks the first year the awards were presented for rail research leading to innovations in five categories: safety and security; sustainable development; rail system technology; rail freight services and cost reductions. The FAST program was one of 41 eligible submissions for the award, AAR officials said.