Envisioning the Future of Passenger Rail.

Ray Verrelle, senior project director in HNTB’s Transit and Rail practice, is helping clients advance their large-scale projects and programs to improve and enhance rail infrastructure across the country. Verrelle has three decades of industry experience, including 23 years at Amtrak, most recently serving as Vice President of Engineering Services, and currently serving as the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-Of-Way Association (AREMA) President. Amid a surge of investments in infrastructure and a focus on modernization, he discusses the future of passenger rail and how it presents new opportunities for the industry never seen before.

How has passenger rail evolved since you’ve been in the industry?

Over the last three decades, I’ve seen the industry and the nation’s focus on restoring our aging infrastructure rise to an unparalleled level. This continues to shape the landscape of our industry in new ways as we look at funding, operations, innovations, engineering solutions, technologies and more. I’ve led the development of programs that focused on improving rail infrastructure from engineering design, program management and construction, encompassing all aspects of Electric Traction, Track, Structures and Major Stations. Over these years of program development, I’ve witnessed the impacts that the improvements and modernizations have had on our nation’s transportation systems and, most importantly, on the passengers who use them. I’ve seen a resurgence in this mode of transportation, and that’s exciting for someone who is passionate about the future of rail.

Is this a historic time for the modernization of passenger rail?

Right now, there are historic levels of investment pouring into rail infrastructure and passenger rail networks. We’re reminded just how critical passenger rail is as a mode of transportation in supporting broader mobility and the movement of passengers. Aging infrastructure and its vulnerability underscore the critical nature of rail and pushes the industry to innovate and grow to meet the demand of today’s passengers.

Initial investments made in the Northeast Corridor illustrate how improved infrastructure can contribute to the economy and support the changing needs of the population. Now, there’s increased interest in making similar investments in passenger rail for communities across the country — boosting capacity, accessibility and reliability. The industry currently has the opportunity to enhance our passenger rail networks with an unprecedented focus and embrace a real opportunity to elevate this mode of transportation and expand mobility.

Right now, there are historic levels of investment pouring into rail infrastructure and passenger rail networks. We’re reminded just how critical passenger rail is as a mode of transportation in supporting broader mobility and the movement of passengers. 

– Ray Verrelle, PE
Senior Project Director

How do sustainability and resiliency play a role in the future of passenger rail?

Sustainability and resiliency are a major focus in passenger rail right now. Agencies are setting goals to make transportation greener, enhance environmental sustainability and improve infrastructure resilience in the event of extreme weather. Innovation in motive power including electric and hybrid equipment is driving conversations around how to meet those goals. I’ve been passionate about railroad electrification for a long time, so I feel uniquely prepared and motivated to support clients in this movement.

What do you see as the future trends and developments in passenger rail?

Demand for the modernization of existing infrastructure and new rail systems across the country will further drive the reliance on alternate delivery methods to meet expectations of the riding public and deliver these critical projects in a timely and cost-effective manner. The industry continues to develop new ideas for utilizing technology to improve passenger rail efficiency and safety. For example, technologies such as positive train control (PTC), automated track inspection and limits compliance for work equipment are being developed or improved to make to make passenger rail a preferred mode of travel.

Continued investments in modernized infrastructure and technologies like this will help achieve levels of service, reliability and safety that we’ve never quite seen in the industry. New high-speed rail systems and more interconnected rail networks on the horizon will transform intercity travel and revolutionize the travel experience for passengers across the U.S.

 

SEE MORE ARTICLES