Alaska Railroad Joins the Association of American Railroads. 4th December 2011

In a recent press release, it has been announced that the Alaska Railroad has joined the Association of American Railroads (AAR).  Membership into the AAR consists of a rotating seat on the AAR Board of Directors in addition to a seat on the association’s two governing committees, the Safety and Operations Management Committee and the Policy and Advocacy Management Committee.  AAR committees are responsible for developing safety, business, customer service and public policies.
AAR President and CEO Edward R. Hamberger shared in an official statement about the announcement.  “We welcome Alaska Railroad’s membership in the AAR.”  Hamberger continues to say,  “The AARC membership continues to strengthen the AAR’s ability to speak as a strong policy voice for the industry with members reaching all across the United States.”
Alaska Railroad President and CEO Chris Aadnesen also committed on the announcement.  Aadnesen says, “The Alaska Railroad is a major freight hauler with an interline barge service, which allows us to be an interstate and international rail carrier.” He continues to share, “Our membership in AAR and on AAR committees will allow the Alaska Railroad to carry that message to policy makers and gives us us a great opportunity to work with the leaders in American freight rail industry on common legislative, regulatory and operational issues.”
With over 650 miles of track stretching from the Gulf of Alaska to the Alaskan interior, an excess of 400,000 passengers and 6 million tons of annual freight, the Alaska Railroad will be a valuable addition to the AAR.  The Alaska Railroad plays an important role in connecting freight transportation lines from Alaska to the continental United States and should be included in the policies that affect the railroad world.