Connecting with communities: How the railroad industry is engaging with the Texas communities they serve
August 28, 2024 - Texas Railroad Association -
It is difficult to describe the sheer scope of the railroad industry. An integrated network of over 100,000 miles that spans much of North America, it is theoretically possible to ship something via rail from the Canadian Yukon to the Mexican-Guatemalan border. Here in Texas, this network spans over 10,300 miles and serves over 170 counties.As a result, the freight rail road system services literally thousands of states, provinces, counties, parishes, and municipalities across the continent. In a way that is not true for many other industries, it is crucial that stakeholders and the public understand this industry and how it works because, ultimately, it works in their backyards. Conversely, it is important for the industry to engage with these stakeholders because rail-access impacts these communities positively but also sometimes negatively.
Luckily, the industry takes this responsibility seriously. Railroads, rail associations like this Texas Railroad Association, advocacy and education organizations like GoRail and Operation Lifesaver, and community advocates, such as the Texas Rail Advocates all combine to routinely engage with the public and officials on a variety of topics. Union Pacific President Beth Whited, who is shown in the photo for this article, met with community leaders in Houston and Marshall to discuss economic impact, rail safety, crossings, and supporting rail grants.
GoRail, a national freight rail advocacy organization that connects with and educates stakeholders is celebrating its 20th anniversary. In that time, GoRail has conducted over 44,000 meetings with local stakeholders not counting 2,300 meetings with members of Congress. Operation Life Saver is another great example of how the industry coordinates with communities on rail safety. Since 1972, they have provided education and awareness dedicated to reducing collisions, fatalities and injuries at highway-rail crossings, and trespassing on or near railroad tracks. With state programs and even international programs, they are a prime example of how the industry does not just keep to itself.
Railroads themselves have their own dedicated public affairs teams charged with working with the communities in which they operate. Coordination with counties, cities, and the Texas Department of Transportation resulted in five at-grade separation projects across Texas receiving federal funding in 2023. In 2021, Texas' railroads donated over $5 million to local charitable organizations.
Railroads in Texas understand that they operate in, and often through, communities. By establishing a transparent and collaborative relationship the industry can continue to safely operate and keep Texas moving.
Photo credit: Union Pacific Railroad
.