University Transportation Center for Railway Safety
The Center for Railway Research is part of The University Transportation Center for Railway Safety (UTCRS) which develops knowledge, diverse human resources, and innovative technology in support of strategic safety plans for the U.S. rail transportation industry. The Center is housed at the University of Texas Rio Grand Valley (UTRGV), engages and focuses its partners’ established expertise, and leverages and expands their existing resources to establish comprehensive programs of rail safety research, education, technology transfer and implementation, and workforce development.
The UTCRS aims to reduce the number of accidents and equipment failures experienced in rail transportation systems. This will result directly in reduced fatalities and injuries in addition to reduced economic losses to stakeholders. New technology and associated workforce development will lead to improved safety assessments, safety countermeasures, decision-making tools, and greater long-term safety gains. The Nebraska Transportation Center is also housed at The University of Texas Rio Grand Valley (UTRGV). Partners of the center includes Union Pacific Railroad and BNSF Railroad.
U.S. Department of Transportation Administrations
The top priorities at the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) are to keep the traveling public safe and secure, increase their mobility, and have our transportation system contribute to the nation’s economic growth. The DOT employs almost 55,000 people across the country, in the Office of the Secretary of Transportation (OST) and its operating administrations and bureaus, each with its own management and organizational structure.
MxV Rail
MxV Rail is a subsidiary of the Association of American Railroads (AAR) which conducts railroad equipment testing and training for member railroads.
BNSF Railroad
BNSF Railway is one of North America’s leading freight transportation companies, operating a rail network of 32,500 route miles in 28 states and three Canadian provinces. BNSF is one of the top transporters of the products and materials that help feed, clothe, supply, and power communities throughout America and the world. BNSF moves those goods more safely and efficiently, on significantly less fuel, with fewer emissions than the all-highway alternative.