AAR highlights rail safety technology at Capitol Hill event

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) yesterday hosted its second annual RailxTech event on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., to demonstrate new technologies for improving rail industry safety.

At the event, Class I representatives met with lawmakers, congressional staff and other transportation stakeholders to learn more about the implementation and testing of new rail innovations, including positive train control (PTC) safety technology, drones, advanced digital imaging and ultrasonic inspection tools.

“There is no better way for lawmakers and their staff to experience the innovations transforming our nation’s 140,000-mile rail network than by interacting with these technologies firsthand,” said AAR President and Chief Executive Officer Ian Jefferies in a press release.

Technology such as defect detectors, rail welding simulators and virtual inspection simulators showcased the work that is done to keep track, equipment and locomotives running safely and efficiently, AAR officials said.

Attendees also met with freight-rail employees who are developing, implementing and using such technologies.

“America’s freight railroads invest heavily in the infrastructure, equipment and technology necessary for keeping pace with a rapidly evolving transportation sector," Jefferies said. "We will continue to work with Congress to preserve the policies that will allow railroads to continue making these investments and powering the nation’s economy throughout the 21st century."