Railtowns

?? Stay on track with us! ?? Want to know how we're making rail-connected communities safer and more accessible? From innovative solutions to grant opportunities, you’ll never miss an update when you join our email newsletter! Sign up on our homepage at https://www.railtowns.org/ #railroad #railtowns #RailSafety #RailAccessibility

Alert for communities who are federal grant recipients, from Tate Linden, our Head of Strategy & Policy. If you’d like to get our ongoing alerts and updates in your inbox, sign up on our homepage at Railtowns.org! #railroad #railtowns #InfrastructureGrants

If your product helps support the prosperity, safety, and accessibility of America's rail and railtowns, we want to connect with you at #ASLRRA2025! With our nationwide network of municipalities, we connect our members that have specific challenges to municipalities who have solved those challenges. When one railtown has a great experience with your product and service, they're able to share that experience directly with others in our network who need your solution! If we haven't connected with you to learn about your rail solution, let's fix that! We'll be in Denver at the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association annual conference in April. If you'll be there, let's book a time to swing by your booth and learn about your offerings. Or better yet! If you'll be on the Sunday morning Rocky Mountain train excursion, we can chat on the train. ps. If you won't be at ASLRRA, let's meet in DC the next time you're in town - ping us to get it on our calendars! #RailSafety #FreightRail #PassengerRail #railtowns

HiRail stepped forward for the rail safety & accessibility of ten railtowns in eastern Iowa, underlining their commitment to safer grade crossings across America! These ten neighbors are connected by a Union Pacific line and have a wonderful shared history of benefitting from freight rail service. We've spoken with each of the communities and look forward to supporting their efforts for safer integration with the rail infrastructure that they host! From Larry Thompson, CEO: "At HiRail, we are dedicated to revolutionizing the transportation and infrastructure industries with cutting-edge solutions that prioritize safety, efficiency, and sustainability. With 35 years of expertise and a passion for innovation, we specialize in delivering state-of-the-art grade crossing systems, and world-class support that meet the needs of modern transportation. Our team of skilled professionals is committed to providing tailored solutions that elevate the performance of rail networks while enhancing the passenger experience and reducing environmental impact. From designing and implementing new rail systems to upgrading existing infrastructures, Hirail, Inc. takes pride in delivering reliable, cost-effective, and high-quality solutions that exceed rail industry standards. At the heart of our company is a strong commitment to integrity, safety, and customer satisfaction. We believe in forging long-lasting partnerships with our clients and stakeholders, ensuring that every crossing we produce contributes to the development of smarter, greener, and more connected communities. Join us on our journey to reshape the future of rail transportation." Thank you, HiRail, for sponsoring, Dewitt, Mt. Vernon, Lisbon, Mechanicsville, Clarence, Lowden, Wheatland, Stanwood, Grand Mound, and Calamus, IA! #railroad #FreightRail #RailSafety #GradeCrossings #railtowns

TRAINFO has underlined their mission to improve safety & mobility at rail crossings by stepping forward for five American railtowns! Thank you, TRAINFO Corp.! Because of you, each of these railtowns gets direct support from the Railtowns team and connection to the experts, services, and vendors they need for their rail projects and initiatives. Grade separation isn't always possible, and we're glad that the technology and innovation that TRAINFO brings to the market is available to railtowns in this situation! #railroad #railtowns #GradeCrossing #GradeCrossingSafety #RailInfrastructure #RailSafety

Our head of Strategy and Policy (Tate Linden) has added Railtowns to a coalition of passenger rail advocates urging the Federal Railroad Administration to reconsider recent firings in the Office of Railroad Development (RRD). The RRD plays a pivotal role in enhancing the nation’s rail infrastructure. Its primary responsibilities include managing federal investments in both freight and passenger rail systems, overseeing grant programs, and leading rail planning and engineering initiatives. The removal of key officials overseeing rail programs raises serious concerns about continuity and the ability to deliver on critical rail investments. With historic levels of federal funding supporting passenger rail expansion, experienced leadership is more important than ever to ensure projects stay on track and deliver results for both passengers and rail-hosting communities. We believe that rail progress depends on long-term planning, stable leadership, and a commitment to both industry and community needs. We stand alongside Rail Passengers Association and others in calling for transparency and accountability in these decisions. We encourage all rail-linked communities - and those seeking to become rail-linked - to speak with their elected representatives to ensure their needs and concerns can be addressed. Link to the letter is in comments.

This cash is burning a hole in our pocket! Should it go to your community?? We've got matching grant dollars that need to be allocated across the nation. If your community has historically had challenges safely integrating with rail infrastructure- please nominate it to receive a 2025 Full Membership. These memberships are funded by our matching grant, which was established by a Class I RR in partnership with our board treasurer, Kellie Hinkle, SHRM-SCP. We appreciate their generous support of our mission toward prosperous, safe, accessible American railtowns! #railroad #railtowns #TransitOrientedDevelopment #RailSafety #RailInfrastructure #PassengerRail

We love our hometown sponsors, and this 'why I sponsored' was too sweet to not share with the rest of you! Today, Craig is Board Treasurer for NIPRA, a nonprofit that's working to restore passenger rail service between Chicago and Fort Wayne, IN, as part of the Midwest Connect corridor that will stretch all the way to the east coast. Each of the railtowns along the proposed route has the chance to benefit economically and use the access to bolster railtown pride in their community! #TransitOrientedDevelopment #PassengerRail #railtowns #railroad

Crestline is proof that small communities can punch above their weight when it comes to optimizing and advocating for passenger rail access! Anticipating the arrival of daytime passenger rail, Crestline has already done wonderful transit-oriented development in its downtown. It has the perfect property identified for its train station, with lovely walkability to its shop-filled downtown district with big, safe sidewalks and art-filled alleys. Some of their development just required a fresh coat of paint, other included incentivizing small businesses to move into the area. This community of 5,000 understands the economic benefits that come with a downtown that entices riders to hop off the train for lunch and shopping- and it hasn't hesitated to do just that! Welcome in, Crestline! We're thrilled to be working with you as you implement transit-oriented development. All Aboard Ohio #PassengerRail #RailAccess #railtowns #railroad #TransitOrientedDevelopment

This sponsor nailed it! When our critical transit and freight hubs operate effectively and safely, it benefits every other rail-connected community along the tracks....even hundreds of miles away. When we improve things for one community, often those benefits ripple out along the line! #railtowns #railroad #RailSafety #RailInfrastructure