Rob was a dedicated leader, a passionate advocate for the rail supply industry, and a cherished colleague and friend. As Vice President, North American Commercial at Amsted Rail, Rob brought deep expertise, strategic insight, and unwavering commitment to every role he held. His leadership on the RSI board was marked by integrity, collaboration, and a vision for a stronger, more connected industry. 

“We are heartbroken by Rob’s passing,” said Greg Dalpe, RSI Vice Chair. “Rob was not only a respected leader but also a kind and thoughtful person who brought people together. His legacy will live on in the many lives he touched and the progress he helped drive within our industry.” 

Jim Riley, President of RSI, added, “Rob’s contributions to RSI and the broader rail community were immeasurable. He led with humility and purpose, always putting people first. We extend our deepest condolences to his wife Kristin, and sons Cam, Sully, and Brody. Rob will be deeply missed, and we are committed to honoring his memory in the work we continue to do.” 

Details regarding memorial services will be shared as they become available. In the meantime, we encourage all who knew Rob to reflect on his remarkable life and the lasting impact he made. 

The post Railway Supply Institute Mourns the Passing of Board Chair Rob Oesch appeared first on RSI.

Key provisions of H.R. 1 include:

• Permanent restoration of an interest deductibility standard that supports growth
• Full expensing for capital equipment purchases
• Immediate expensing for research and development costs

Their permanent restoration will encourage innovation, drive investment, and create new jobs nationwide. 

“The passage of H.R. 1 represents a significant commitment to American manufacturing, and specifically offers vital support to the railway supply industry,” said Railway Supply Institute President Jim Riley. “In an increasingly competitive global economy, this bill provides our manufacturers–from the smallest workshops to the largest enterprises that build and maintain our nation’s rail system–with tax tools that can help them innovate, expand, and compete. It is a signal that Congress is dedicated to fostering a strong manufacturing sector that includes the critical components of our rail infrastructure.”

The post Newly Passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act Supports American Manufacturing and Economic Growth for the Rail Sector appeared first on RSI.

In his testimony, Wabtec Corporation Executive Vice President and CTO Eric Gebhardt emphasized how advanced technologies developed by Wabtec and RSI members are transforming rail safety, efficiency, and sustainability. “Wabtec’s and other RSI members’ commitment to research and development ensures that the rail industry continues to evolve to meet the needs of modern transportation,” Gebhardt said. He added, “Continued progress requires continued partnership. Wabtec and RSI look forward to working with Congress and the Administration to ensure America’s rail network remains the safest and most efficient in the world.”  

Since January, the House Transportation & Infrastructure (T&I) Committee has conducted hearings to examine federal programs that support the freight and passenger rail industry ahead of the September 30, 2026, expiration of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). “RSI is grateful to the Subcommittee for the opportunity for an RSI member company to testify and highlight the important role our members play in strengthening the nation’s rail network,” said RSI President Jim Riley. “Wabtec Corporation embodies the innovative spirit of the rail supply industry and we’re grateful to Eric and the entire Wabtec team for serving as a strong representative for the entire industry.”

“On behalf of RSI’s Board of Directors, I’d like to thank and commend Wabtec for representing the entire rail supply industry before the House T&I Committee’s Railroads, Pipelines, & Hazardous Materials Subcommittee,” said Robert Oesch, Vice President of North American Commercial at Amsted Rail and Chair of the RSI Board of Directors. “Today’s hearing highlights RSI’s ability to bring forward real-world expertise from across our industry. RSI members’ collective expertise, and close working relationships with both public and private stakeholders allow us to play a central role in shaping policies that will define the future of rail.”

Today’s hearing occurs just under one month before RSI members are set to showcase the industry’s latest innovations at Innovation in Rail, RSI’s rail supplier technology event taking place on Capitol Hill. The annual event is designed to focus on rail technology, the regulatory environment, and the economic contributions made by the rail supply industry. Learn more and RSVP to the event here.  

The post Railway Supply Institute Member Testifies Before U.S. House Transportation & Infrastructure Subcommittee appeared first on RSI.

Thank you to everyone who attended Railway Interchange 2025. The event included over 4,000+ attendees from almost every state, 43 countries and nearly 500 exhibitors.

While in Indianapolis we interviewed speakers, attendees and exhibitors about projects on the horizon, collaboration with others in the rail industry and evolution in technology in the rail supply industry.

Check out the videos below to see their responses.

A special thank you to our interviewees:

Miranda Cross, Cummins Inc.

Kevin Cook, Modern Rail Capital

Robert Pearsall, US High Speed Rail Association

Mike McClellan, Norfolk Southern

The post On the Ground at Railway Interchange 2025 appeared first on RSI.

Earlier this year, I was honored to step into the role of president for RSI, filling “big shoes” being preceded by Patty Long. The vision she and the board have laid out has significantly strengthened RSI. It’s clear I’ve been set up for success. It’s my intention to build upon the solid foundation she established. I am deeply grateful for the warm welcome extended to me by the members, board, and staff of RSI.

With nearly 25 years of experience in trade associations, including experience within the transportation sector, I bring a wealth of knowledge and familiarity to RSI, and I look forward to showing you that as my time in this role goes on. My professional journey has been marked by a profound passion for railways, having worked on rail issues across various industries. Personally speaking, I’ve been a dedicated commuter rail rider for over two decades. My lifelong interest and commitment to the rail industry drives my determination to make a meaningful impact for RSI.

Our association has a rich history we can be proud of, dating back to 1908 when we were established as the Railway Business Association. In our more than a century of existence, we’ve experienced much evolution. Our historical journey underscores the enduring significance and impact of RSI in the railway supply industry.

If you’re curious about our impact, let me point to the data. RSI represents an industry that encompasses over 1.6 million railcars, drawn by more than 28,000 locomotives on 140,000 miles of rail. Our members build and maintain 70% of freight rail cars and 95% of tank cars operating on the North American railway system. This makes RSI the largest trade association in the railway supply industry, representing the full supply chain — from the smallest parts manufacturer to the largest railcar builders and lessors.

I was immediately struck by the impressive advocacy work and high regard in which RSI is held by congressional and administration officials. With nearly 200 members, 725 locations, and representation in 277 congressional districts, we carry significant weight in the legislative arena — something that will serve us well as we face an increasingly complex and rapidly changing regulatory landscape.

Transportation is one of the most bipartisan areas in Congress, and we have the potential to accomplish a great deal. Our members are deeply connected and involved with elected officials; their ability to advocate for themselves is a testament to their dedication. It is through these relationships with elected officials and their effective lobbying efforts that we can achieve significant progress. 

Beyond maintaining our high standards for advocacy work, my primary objectives as president are threefold:

1. Continue growing RSI’s membership.
2. Enhance its recognition among the administration, Congress, media, and the association community.
3. Establish RSI as the foremost source of information about the railway supply industry.

The Board of Directors, in collaboration with myself and staff, will develop a new three-year strategic plan from 2026-2028, which is an opportune time to outline how we can achieve the goals I’ve mentioned.

Listening to our members will be at the core of this approach. The most successful associations are those that truly understand the needs of the individuals and companies they serve. I am committed to hearing from you and adding your insights into our strategic plan. This will involve engaging with members through our various volunteer committees, understanding the challenges they face with passenger and freight rail, and addressing concerns related to tax, trade, and regulatory matters, among other key topics.

I am thrilled to lead RSI at this pivotal moment. Together, we will continue to advocate for our industry, foster innovation, and build strong relationships across the railway ecosystem. I look forward to working with all of you to achieve our shared goals and make RSI the foremost authority in the railway supply industry.

The post Laying Down the Tracks for Success appeared first on RSI.

As predicted by many at Railway Interchange last year, the Trump administration is bringing political changes that will significantly impact transportation funding.

Ahead of this year’s event, we spoke with two Railway Interchange speakers, Husein Cumber, senior advisor, Brightline Holdings, and Robert Pearsall, partnerships director at U.S. High Speed Rail, to understand the current state of passenger and transit funding and how leaders should position their organizations in this new environment.

What are the most significant political changes impacting transportation funding that stakeholders should be aware of?

Husein Cumber: Each administration brings expected change to funding and policy that requires all of us to adapt and react. In less than 100 days, two things are apparent: the administration demands a return on investment for any project receiving taxpayer dollars; secondly, they want to see projects that have a clear path for completion.

In the past, projects have received the benefit of the doubt that they’ll be built in a timely manner while providing a public benefit. Now, we’re hearing, “Prove it.” This is a good thing and will ensure the best projects rise to the top.  

We’ve also seen this administration move swiftly to reward large-scale investments by removing red tape that typically delays critical infrastructure. President Trump is a developer who wants to incentivize investment and has signaled from his first day in office that he intends to cut red tape. Historically, this process causes delays, adds cost, and leads to uncertainty. A streamlined process that takes a set amount of time will likely motivate more private sector involvement and eliminate public skepticism that big infrastructure and transportation projects will get done. Again, this is a great thing that will ensure the best projects are prioritized.  

Robert Pearsall: The Trump administration is pulling back a lot of federal funding for high-speed rail (HSR) and other transit projects. In the HSR space for example, Department of Transportation Secretary Duffy and other administration officials have expressed public support for the Brightline West (mostly) private capital model for similar projects. The recent news of the Kleinheinz Equity investment in the Texas Central project is another indication that a similar model might get federal support.

How might these changes influence the future of passenger and transit funding? 

Husein Cumber: I think one of the biggest changes will be how this particular administration evaluates projects seeking discretionary grant funds. Beyond understanding the public benefit and return on investment, they want to know exactly how it will be built and paid for. In short, projects and entities vying for competitive grants must leave any guesswork out of the equation. Viable projects will be required to show a complete funding plan from start to finish because it is clear that this administration will not be supportive otherwise.

Robert Pearsall: States such as California will try to rely on state funding for its HSR rail projects and perhaps others in the transportation space.

What are some potential long-term implications that rail leaders need to be aware of in this arena? Is there any action that can/should be taken?  

Husein Cumber: All of these changes should be seen as an opportunity; we ought to lend our experience and expertise to these policy discussions. For example, our industry has been asking for a more definitive environmental review process for decades. We should be thinking about ways we can impact these adjustments.

As we look to kickstart high-speed rail, we have focused our efforts on utilizing existing transportation corridors like highways and freight systems. When you think about it, roadways and freight corridors should expedite the environmental review process even more because they are already environmentally studied and impacted. Our industry should come to the table with bold plans to change the environmental process and push for categorical exclusions for any project built within existing transportation corridors.  

Robert Pearsall: Continue to work with policymakers and stakeholders on short- and long-term planning. Plan slow, build fast. It’s important to build community support from the outset, too.

What strategies can the transportation industry adopt to navigate the new funding landscape?

Robert Pearsall: Build local and support your state. Avoid pitfalls of focusing on DEI-related elements of a project. Focus on the economic impacts of transportation projects. I made this case in Dallas at the 21st Southwestern Rail Conference to invest in the Texas Triangle, with some helpful data from the Texas Department of Transportation.

In any new political environment, be creative with your strategies. Look for opportunities to build bipartisan support. At U.S. High Speed Rail, we’re working closely with Republicans on permitting reform for all HSR projects, because Republicans will advance permitting reform in other areas such as energy projects. The current administration is amenable to streamlining and cutting red tape, which we see as an important opportunity that will help speed up HSR projects.

On Wednesday, May 21, Cumber and Pearsall will be joined onstage by Benji Schwartz, director of government affairs and advocacy at APTA, and Greg Regan, president, transportation trades department, AFL-CIO (TTD), during their session titled, “Adapting to Change: Navigating Passenger Rail Funding in the New Political Landscape.” Learn more and register for Railway Interchange today.

The post How the Current Legislative Landscape Is Impacting the Future of Passenger Rail  appeared first on RSI.

Recent changes to economic and trade policies are fueling significant challenges within the freight rail industry. As decision-makers face uncertainty, particularly around rail traffic and equipment demand, many are left to wonder whether they should proceed with caution or move forward as planned.

At Railway Interchange, taking place May 20-22 in Indianapolis, Joseph Towers, senior analyst for rail and intermodal at FTR Transportation Intelligence, will help attendees try to make sense of the current landscape. Ahead of that session, we spoke with him to understand how today’s economic outlook is impacting the freight rail industry and what leaders can keep in mind as they navigate this territory.  

How are you seeing tariffs impact freight rail? What are some considerations leaders need to keep in mind?

Over the past few months and weeks, we’ve seen a pull forward of rail freight for certain commodities in anticipation of tariffs, with intermodal and autos being the most notable. Those strong volumes, however, are expected to come at the expense of traffic later in the year, due in large part to the broad tariffs on non-United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) auto imports, and the 145% tariffs recently levied against Chinese imports.

Our outlook for the other commodities is not much better. With broad tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, much of which comes from Canada and Mexico, along with the tariffs on non-USMCA covered goods, and the possibility of reciprocal tariffs on some of our closest trade partners, we’re expected rail traffic this year to be flat at best.

On the equipment side, the uncertainty surrounding tariffs is arguably the most significant effect, even more so than the inflationary pressures. With tariff policy constantly changing, and the lead times required between the order and delivery of a car, few want to buy a piece of rail equipment that could cost substantially more than anticipated by the time it arrives.

What changes in railcar demand are you anticipating this year, and how is that different from your expectations coming into 2025?

As we entered 2025, we were already anticipating softer railcar demand due to flat freight demand and diminishing industry backlogs. Since then, our expectations have become even less optimistic. Based on recent build and economic data, along with conversations with stakeholders across the industry, we now expect demand for new railcars to be even softer, with this weakness likely to affect a broad range of car types.

Much of this softness appears to stem from the uncertainty surrounding tariff policies and the possibility of railcar owners and lessees facing higher-than-anticipated costs for their equipment. Concerns about the strength of the industrial economy also seem to be contributing to this uncertainty.

The effects of this hesitancy could manifest in various ways. We may see increased shop demand as operators look to extend the useful life of existing railcars, as well as higher lease rates, as demand for lessor-owned cars rises to fill the gap that would typically be filled by new cars. Lastly, if freight and economic conditions remain flat, we may see an uptick in scrappage levels as car owners look to offload idled rail equipment.

What is your advice for leaders trying to navigate this uncertainty?

Whatever you think is going to happen, is not going to happen. This is usually the case, but it’s especially true now. My advice to leaders is to be as nimble as possible and create a strategy framework based on multiple scenarios, rather than a single base case. It’s also important that these scenarios are not static but are constantly updated as new information becomes available.

I would also suggest trying to avoid unnecessarily postponing decisions until a time when there is less uncertainty in the market. Economic conditions will remain volatile for the foreseeable future, and in many cases the ability to course correct will serve you better than waiting for calmer seas.

The post Making Sense of Tariffs and Inflation for Freight Rail appeared first on RSI.

The Passenger Rail Advisory Committee (PRAC), formed in the fall of 2024 under the Surface Transportation Board (STB), is an exciting development for the future of passenger rail in the United States. The committee, comprised of 21 individuals representing the rail industry across the country, is filled with enthusiasm and a shared commitment to make meaningful changes in the industry. We are eager to work together and use our collective expertise to drive progress.

Early this year, the committee identified its top five priorities: liability, on-time performance, collaboration between passenger and freight rail, Amtrak’s role, and technology as it relates to current uses and opportunities.

These priorities are crucial for the advancement of passenger rail and are being tackled by four dedicated subcommittees, with initial considerations outlined below:

1. Joint Operations: This group is exploring how to expand passenger rail in collaboration with freight operations. This involves identifying mutually beneficial opportunities and the potential to convert unused freight assets into passenger rail assets.
2. Expansion: This group is focused on breaking down the siloed approach to passenger rail, supporting the industrial base for passenger rail in the U.S., and considering the possibility of small-scale startup opportunities.
3. Current State: This group will explore ways to homogenize passenger rail, similar to freight rail, to improve system quality and passenger experience. Flexibility and adaptability will be key to enhancing service.  
4. Liability: This group is addressing the costs of insurance, identifying ways to lower liability caps, and making insurance more affordable to encourage freight rail carriers to host passenger services.

Looking outward, a recent report from Amtrak’s Office of Inspector General highlights the rail line’s responsiveness to car builders’ concerns, though more resources are needed to keep program timelines on track. Initiatives like the Department of Transportation’s Corridor ID program, which promotes planning for new passenger rail corridors, are crucial as well. Funding for future corridor research and development can lay the groundwork for new services, supporting suppliers through the procurement of new railcars.

Federal funding in this space remains a critical need. Reliable, long-term funding sources, such as the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail (FSP) Grant Program, support the replacement and refurbishment of rolling stock.

In speaking with Husein Cumber, fellow committee member and chief strategy officer of Florida East Coast Industries, on the current state and opportunities, he shared the following:

“President Trump has discussed the lack of first-class infrastructure in the U.S. and the need for private sector investment in the industry. I do not believe that these positions have changed. However, this administration will not want to make incremental investments in projects. If a project cannot clearly show the full funding plan, then it will not be competitive with discretionary grant programs. Incremental funding has been the biggest challenge since it does not force project sponsors to engage all funding stakeholders on day one, and the project cost continues to increase as the funding timeline gets elongated. We need the first true high-speed rail project to be completed and put into operation, and then the industry will have a chance to mature.”

While the path ahead will come with challenges, the PRAC is poised to make significant strides in the passenger rail industry. Our collective enthusiasm and dedication to addressing these key issues promise a bright future for passenger rail. Together, we are committed to creating a more efficient, collaborative, and innovative rail system that benefits all stakeholders.

The post Advancing Passenger Rail: Early Insights From the PRAC appeared first on RSI.

The post Railway Supply Institute Names New President  appeared first on RSI.

As the new presidential administration and Congress begin their terms, RSI is hard at work advocating for key legislative priorities that will shape the future of the rail industry. High on the agenda is the reauthorization of surface transportation funding, crucial for maintaining and improving the nation’s transportation infrastructure, and restoring critical provisions in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, among other priority items.

RSI’s Government and Public Affairs Committee (GPAC) is optimistic about achieving these goals, despite challenges posed by the political landscape and an ambitious legislative agenda. We spoke with Jack Isselmann, GPAC chair and senior vice president of external affairs and communications at The Greenbrier Companies, to discuss the current landscape and opportunities for the rail industry at large.

As a new presidential administration and Congress come into session, what are some of the top priorities RSI’s GPAC will keep an eye on, and why?

The top priorities for RSI’s GPAC include promoting fair trade, adopting pro-growth tax policies, advancing innovative technology, and investing in infrastructure.

Like many U.S. industries and organizations, RSI members closely monitor the new administration’s plans regarding trade and tariffs. Many companies within the rail industry market their products globally while managing complex supply chains that support hundreds of thousands of American jobs. Advancing innovative technology is essential for fostering growth and improving rail safety systems and overall rail service. Additionally, investing in transportation infrastructure would enhance the efficiency of rail systems and ensure that the rail sector continues to provide employment opportunities throughout the U.S.

What opportunities come with the 119th Congress and new administration? What challenges does the industry anticipate facing?

With a new administration, and a surface transportation reauthorization bill in the new Congress, there’s the opportunity for infrastructure investments and improvements, specifically for modernizing and expanding freight railroads, improving passenger rail, and upgrading track and safety systems.

Further, the Trump administration expressed that it would implement changes to environmental regulations that could favorably impact the growth of the rail industry. This presents an opportunity for increased operational flexibility and cost reductions for organizations across the industry.

What are some of the challenges rail supply companies face in maintaining and upgrading rail infrastructure? How can these issues be addressed in the coming years?

The primary challenge rail supply companies encounter in maintaining and upgrading rail infrastructure is the need for consistent funding and government support aimed at enhancing the safety, reliability, and productivity of the nation’s transportation system as a whole. Dedicated federal investments would create opportunities to replace, rehabilitate, or repair passenger rail rolling stock and maintenance equipment. These new investments could improve the efficiency of our nation’s rail systems and ensure that the rail sector continues to provide good employment opportunities for American workers.

In what ways do you hope to see technology help improve rail safety and efficiency?

Innovation is key to improving rail services, systems, and safety. Many organizations and industries across the U.S., including RSI, support regulatory reforms that encourage growth and innovation that would promote safety and competitiveness. Various entities active in RSI invest capital in the development and deployment of new technologies.

With support from the Trump administration, we hope to see movement in technological innovation, specifically within the transportation and rail sectors. Railroads could explore more advanced technologies for automation, predictive maintenance, and digital tracking systems, improving efficiency and safety while reducing costs.

What is your advice for RSI members who want to become more engaged in advocacy efforts in the industry?

Stay current on the latest policy updates and related industry news, including through items like RSI’s monthly newsletter. In addition, by joining organizations like RSI and participating in broader conversations related to current policy and regulation updates, individuals and organizations can get ahead of potential challenges, ensuring they remain proactive in monitoring and navigating the nation’s evolving policy landscape.

The post Rail Priorities for a New Administration: Q&A With Jack Isselmann, RSI GPAC Chair appeared first on RSI.