Diversity, a Railroad Industry Cornerstone 

FROM THE EDITOR, RAILWAY AGE FEBRUARY 2025 ISSUE: Take a close look at the faces of this year’s 25 Under 40 honorees. What do you see? Diversity! Since this award’s 2016 inception, dozens of men and women representing many socioeconomic, ethnic, racial, religious and educational backgrounds have been spotlighted. All have one thing in common (aside from the fact that they’re human beings): North American railroading. They, and thousands of others in our industry of all ages, spread across Canada, the United States and Mexico, work for a vast network of steel rails running steel wheels. Their common goal: providing the best rail service in the safest environment possible. 

Our 25 Under 40 program judge, Nick Little, who just retired as Director of Railway Education at the Michigan State University Center for Railway Research & Education, noted, “As in previous years, the quality of submissions highlights the capabilities of younger people across the breadth of the rail industry. It also showcases the diversity of work and skills necessary for the rail industry to function. I shall watch with interest to see how many of this year’s awardees become tomorrow’s leaders.”

The U.S. railway industry has benefited significantly from DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) programs. Predictably, the Oval Office’s current occupant shut them down at all federal agencies (which of course includes the U.S. Department of Transportation), offhandedly remarking that hiring be based “only on merit”—implying incorrectly that during the Biden Administration, merit was less important than diversity. 

The railway industry, as I’ve learned, will not reverse course and negate years of progress. I asked Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena about this. His response: 

“We are not changing anything. We have always been and will continue to be a merit-based company, seeking and developing the best talent, and our workforce will continue to reflect the communities in which we operate, as well the U.S. population.” 

On an encouraging note, agencies with jurisdiction over transportation have fared far better than others in terms of leadership. “Three of the Administration’s first transportation appointments are solid individuals with considerable knowledge about railroads and proven experience in problem solving,” ASLRRA President Chuck Baker says. STB Chair Patrick Fuchs is “a thoughtful, practical, consensus-building leader who has a deep understanding of the issues confronting our industry.” Federal Railroad Administrator David Fink “will bring a fulsome understanding of the entirety of the unique, interconnected U.S. freight rail network,” and—like Ron Batory—“has extensive experience interacting with all relevant stakeholders in the rail industry … as a high-energy, solution-minded strategist.” DOT Secretary Sean Duffy “has a working knowledge of the legislative process and the experience necessary to work with all stakeholders to get things done.”

In these chaotic, uncertain times, stay focused, and rely on accurate information sources. That’s been Railway Age’s mission since 1856. 

See Also: Switching Tracks