RA seeks Shortline/Regional award nominees
Written by Douglas John Bowen Railway Age is collecting entries for its annual ShortLine/Regional Railroad of the Year competition, but applicants still have time to enter. Short lines and regionals—and there are more than 500 of them—are invited to submit entries describing outstanding achievement in one or acombination of areas. The entry deadline is Friday, Feb. 27, 2009.
Small roads in Mexico, the U.S., and Canada are eligible for anaward (and railroads can even nominate themselves). The 2009 winner (orwinners) will be awarded a specially designed plaque at the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association Annual Convention in Las Vegas April 25-28. Coverage will appear in Railway Age‘s April 2009 issue, which will be distributed at the show. We’ll work with the winners to publicize the awards in online and national media.
“Railroads may lead North America out of its economic crisis,and we’ve no doubt short line and regional railroads are set to play asignificant part of such leadership,” says Managing Editor Douglas John Bowen. “More than current conditions, however, Railway Age is looking for examples of short lines and regionals who have ‘set the table’ for the long term. We’re reviewing turnaround situations, consistent excellence, innovation in operations or maintenance, marketing, customer service, enhancedproductivity, community relations, safety improvement, and ingenuity in dealingwith the unexpected as criteria for our top choice (or choices).”
“Award winners have ranged from large regionals to small short lines,” says Bowen, “and we’ve recognized and honored carriers ranging from 20 miles to nearly 2,000 miles. In some years, including in 2008, separate awards have been given for regional and short line carriers.”
Submit any entries to: Douglas John Bowen, Managing Editor, Railway Age, 345 Hudson Street, 12th Floor, New York, N.Y., 100l4. Email:[email protected]. Fax: (212) 633-1863. Entries should contain the name, position, and contact information of the nominator and an approximately 500-word description of the achievement(s) of the nominated railroad. (Longer and short descriptions are admissible; 500 words is only a guideline.) Entry forms are not essential, but may be obtained from Bowen by fax or email.
