NS
As part of NS’s efforts to “enhance employee engagement and gather feedback,” the Class I operates inspection trains across its 22-state network. The train stops at the railroad’s yards and terminals, giving NS leaders an up-close view of the Class I’s facilities and the opportunity to engage with its railroaders.
On August 20-21, the inspection train traveled across Alabama, making stops in Saraland, Selma, and Birmingham. During the trip, senior leadership from throughout NS met with railroaders to discuss how the Class I can provide “safe, reliable, and resilient service to our customers,” NS noted.
Before concluding the trip, Operations leadership held a town hall meeting with railroaders at NS’s Norris Yard in Birmingham. Attendees enjoyed breakfast and met with leaders, who thanked the team for all they do to help NS be the “gold standard of safety.” Leaders also provided updates on the Class I’s safety efforts.
In addition to the inspection train, Operations leadership engages railroaders year-round through on-site interactions across NS’s network.
UP
Utah’s Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake City, Utah, recently debuted a new safety-centered look thanks to collaboration with UP and the Class I’s Community Ties Giving Program.
The zoo recently added a “Wild Utah” exhibit featuring the area’s native animals and plants, which extended the tracks of the Zoofari Eccles Express, the zoo’s 55-year-old hobby train. As a result, patrons cross the tracks to enter the exhibit.
Identifying an opportunity, UP and Hogle Zoo collaborated to create signage to keep the public safe. The railroad-zoo fusion signs share rail safety reminders with animal puns to engage visitors of all ages while at the zoo and whenever they see tracks in their everyday lives.
“The zoo uses its relationship with Union Pacific to promote safety on and off zoo property,” said Hogle Zoo Senior Development Manager Erin Koelliker. “The Eccles Express has one of the highest ridership of all zoo trains in the nation and is a prime audience for safety messaging.”
The Hogle Zoo is just one of many Utah organizations benefiting from a Community Ties Giving Program local grant, according to NS.
“Utah is an important part of Union Pacific’s network, and we are proud to engage with the communities we serve,” said NS Senior Director-Public Affairs Nathan Anderson. “The Hogle Zoo is no exception, and I am proud of the long-standing partnership Union Pacific has maintained with the zoo and surrounding communities.”
