The 2026 Economic Impact Report for the rail supply industry is now available (download below). Produced in partnership with Oxford Economics, it updates the 2023 edition and is supported by the Railway Supply Institute (RSI), primary sponsor, as well as the Railway Tie Association (RTA), Railway Engineering-Maintenance Suppliers Association (REMSA), and Amtrak. The report serves not only as a “strategic tool to inform policy discussions and highlight the value of a strong, resilient rail supply network,” but also as a snapshot of the industry from 2024—the most recent full-year of data available as of publication—measured across the activity that takes place within supplier firms, the activity supported through their domestic supply chains, and the activity supported by the wages they pay, according to the partners.
“This report underscores the industry’s substantial role in the national economy,” RSI, RTA, REMSA and Amtrak said in a March 30 announcement. “The rail supply industry contributes $127 billion annually to the U.S. gross domestic product and directly employs an estimated 338,000 workers. When accounting for indirect and induced effects throughout the broader economy, total employment supported by the industry rises to approximately 906,000 jobs.”
The 2026 edition of the report includes a new, expanded analysis of the industry across key market segments, which the organizations said, offers “a clearer picture of the distinct economic contributions of both freight rail and passenger rail suppliers.” It also highlights “how increased federal investment in rail programs has driven growing demand for rail suppliers and strengthened domestic manufacturing and service capacity.”
The report also quantifies Amtrak’s economic footprint. The analysis finds that Amtrak’s “procurement and capital investment activity supported approximately 45,800 jobs and generated $6.5 billion in U.S. GDP in 2024, along with $3.8 billion in labor income and $1.4 billion in tax revenue across federal, state, and local levels.” These impacts, the partners said, “driven by a nationwide network of manufacturers, engineering firms, and construction and service providers, underscore how Amtrak’s investments sustain domestic supply chains, support high-quality jobs, and drive economic activity in communities across the country.”
Detailed state impact sheets for all 50 states and D.C. are also included to provide localized insights into the industry’s far-reaching economic contributions, highlighting jobs supported, economic output, and the vital role rail suppliers play in communities nationwide, including those not directly served by rail.
RSI and its partners will actively promote the report throughout the year “to reinforce the rail supply industry’s significant economic impact and national footprint,” they said, through targeted outreach to policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the media.
“The RSI is excited to once again work with our industry and Oxford Economics to publish the latest findings of the economic impact of the rail supply industry,” said Ashley Shelton, Acting President of RSI. “Across the country, companies at every level of the rail supply chain support hundreds of thousands of jobs and drive critical manufacturing activity in communities nationwide. From specialized component manufacturers producing bearings, couplers, braking systems and advanced electronics, to original equipment manufacturers building railcars and locomotives, our industry forms the backbone of America’s freight and passenger rail network. Behind the data in this report are the stories of a dedicated workforce powering and sustaining America’s rail network every day. RSI is proud to serve as the industry’s advocate and unified voice in Washington and remains committed to advancing policies that support and strengthen the industry in the years ahead.”
“The rail supplier industry is the quiet yet powerful backbone of the U.S. economy,” REMSA President Urszula Soucie said. “This report highlights just how far-reaching and vital our industry is and quantifies the positive impact of rail across our country.”
“The RTA is proud to support this study, which highlights the significant impact of the rail supply industry and the essential role freight rail plays in a thriving U.S. economy,” added Nate Irby, Executive Director of RTA. “For RTA, that includes treated wood ties, one of the fundamental track components that helps keep the nation’s rail network safe, efficient, reliable, and sustainable.”
“These numbers reaffirm what we see every day: rail investment strengthens domestic supply chains, supports local economies and drives America’s transportation future,” Amtrak President Roger Harris commented. “As we modernize our fleet, upgrade stations and advance major infrastructure projects nationwide, Amtrak remains committed to creating jobs, expanding opportunity and delivering the world-class passenger rail network Americans deserve.”
“Oxford is proud to partner once again with the rail supply industry on a new report measuring the sector’s substantial economic impact,” said Hamilton Galloway, Head of Americas Consultancy for Oxford Economics. “The results continue to underscore the industry as a powerful economic engine in every state. Excitingly, this year’s expanded analysis also delivers new, segment-level insights—including breakdowns of freight vs. passenger rail suppliers and a dedicated look at Amtrak’s procurement and capital investments. These new research enhancements offer a clearer, more comprehensive view of how the industry drives jobs, investment and growth across the United States.”
“RSI’s report highlights the strength of a rail ecosystem that delivers real, measurable value across the American economy,” added Ian Jefferies, President and CEO of the Association of American Railroads. “Freight rail alone generates more than $233 billion in economic output and supports hundreds of thousands of jobs nationwide, with every dollar invested producing $2.50 in broader economic activity. Together, railroads and their suppliers are not only sustaining high-quality domestic jobs, but powering the industries and supply chains that keep America competitive.”
“The rail supply industry is crucial to the success of short line railroads and the thousands of customers we serve,” said Chuck Baker, President of the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association. “Members of RSI, REMSA and RTA are critical in enabling short lines to solve operational issues, complete infrastructure upgrades efficiently and serve customers safely and effectively. This study further demonstrates the tremendous economic impact of the rail supply industry on the nation’s economy.”
“The RSI’s new Oxford Economics report comes at a pivotal moment as Congress begins writing the next surface transportation bill,” noted Paul Skoutelas, President and CEO of the American Public Transportation Association. “It makes clear that America’s passenger rail supply chain—from manufacturers to construction firms—is a powerful economic engine supporting more than 333,000 jobs and nearly $46 billion in GDP across all 50 states. It’s American workers building the infrastructure that moves people and powers our economy. APTA commends RSI for quantifying this impact and urges lawmakers to recognize that investing in passenger rail means investing in a domestic workforce that delivers returns in every congressional district.”
