AAR to Trump team: Don't forget freight rail in infrastructure plans

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) is asking President-elect Donald Trump's transition team to keep in mind the freight-rail industry when the new administration prepares a "robust infrastructure plan."

In a letter to Vice President-elect Mike Pence, AAR President and Chief Executive Officer Ed Hamberger highlighted the critical role that the U.S. freight-rail industry plays in moving the nation's economy.

"A critical component of our national infrastructure is the freight rail industry, which generated $274 billion in economic activity in 2014 while supporting almost 1.5 million jobs throughout the country," Hamberger noted. "This success is largely fueled by freight railroads’ private investment of more than $600 billion into the nation's network since the industry was partially deregulated in 1980."

He asked the Trump team to consider the following policy recommendations as it begins preparing its policy proposals:
• a fully functional Surface Transportation Board respectful of sound economic principles;
• forward-thinking safety regulations;
• a sustainable user-pay infrastructure funding system; and
• regulatory reform rooted in common-sense principles.

To read the letter in its entirety, click here.