USF moves full steam ahead on its first-ever grant from the Federal Railroad Administration

By Tina Meketa, University Communications and Marketing

With railroad employment steadily declining nationwide, USF researchers are working to stabilize the industry - funded by a $17 million grant from the Federal Railroad Administration, the agency's first grant ever to be awarded to USF.

To mark this significant milestone, Amit Bose, administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration, joined USF leaders and representatives from congressional offices for a ceremonial signing of the agreement.

"In the last few years, we have certainly learned the importance of a reliable supply chain for businesses and our economy to remain strong and for consumers to access the products we need," USF Provost Prasant Mohapatra said. "This initiative will help the rail industry retain its quality workforce and attract new talent through comprehensive training programs, internships and career development opportunities. It will also raise awareness of the range of positions available in the rail industry, many of which people may not associate with railroading."

"As educators, we are keenly aware of the workforce challenges across the transportation industry and we are committed to promoting industry careers, developing and advancing the skillsets of current transportation workers and reaching and developing tomorrow's industry professionals," said project manager Lisa Staes, associate director of the USF Center for Urban Transportation Research.

In conjunction with its consortium partners in the Center for Surface Transportation Testing and Academic Research (C-STTAR), the USF Center for Urban Transportation Research will lead 13 projects that address the industry's workforce shortages attributed to aging staff and critical skill gaps. The program includes outreach efforts to introduce K-12 students to careers in railroading and provides college students nationwide with internship opportunities. It also encompasses training for existing railroad employees, such as in emerging technologies and management - skills intended to encourage employee retention and upward mobility.

According to the U.S. Surface Transportation Board, the railroad workforce has shrunk 28% over the last decade, dropping from 167,000 to 121,000 employees.

"All of us depend on rail systems in our daily lives, whether we take the train to work or benefit from goods moved on the freight rail network," Bose said. "It's imperative that we support, develop and retain the hardworking men and women who make this possible. I am particularly excited about the USF's innovative and comprehensive approach for meeting these objectives."

USF has collaborated with other C-STTAR members on a number of projects. The consortium was created to support the regulatory missions and strategic initiatives of the Federal Railroad Administration, the U.S. Department of Transportation and other federal partners. Partners on this project include ENSCO, Colorado State University-Pueblo, Mineta Transportation Institute at San Jose State University, Oregon State University, University of Hawaii, Michigan Technological University and University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

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