Association of American Railroads
The Center for Railway Research currently serves as host for one of three university-based railway research programs in the U.S. sponsored by the Association of American Railroads (AAR): the AAR Affiliated Laboratory for Railway Research (ALRR). The AAR provides annual support for the ALRR to identify and support emerging, innovative research initiatives that offer promise to improve the safety and economics of the railway industry.
University Transportation Center for Railway Safety
The Center for Railway Research is part of The University Transportation Center for Railway Safety (UTCRS) which develops knowledge, diverse human resources, and innovative technology in support of strategic safety plans for the U.S. rail transportation industry. The Center is housed at University of Texas Rio Grand Valley (UTRGV), engages and focuses its partners’ established expertise and leverage and expand their existing resources to establish comprehensive programs of rail safety research, education, technology transfer and implementation, and workforce development.
The UTCRS aims to reduce the number of accidents and equipment failures experienced in rail transportation systems. This will result directly in reduced fatalities and injuries in addition to reduced economic losses to stakeholders. New technology and associated workforce development will lead to improved safety assessments, safety counter measures, decision-making tools, and greater long-term safety gains. The Nebraska Transportation Center is also housed at The University of Texas Rio Grand Valley (UTRGV). Partners of the center includes Union Pacific Railroad and BNSF Railroad.