The recent attention given to labor issues involving railroad employees may have some wondering about train traffic across the Commonwealth. President Biden last week signed legislation averting a national rail strike.
Jennifer Kirchner is the executive director of Kentuckians for Better Transportation. Kirchner said there is upward growth in train traffic.
“We actually have talked to a lot of companies in Kentucky who are looking to move from trucking to freight on rail to ship their products. We’re seeing an increase obviously with the EV battery plants. I think getting some of their materials to them, rail will be very important,” said Kirchner.
Kirchner said barge-to-train transportation is a key part of Kentucky’s economic strategy. She noted that provides significant environmental benefits.
“I know with rivers, one barge is over a thousand 18 wheelers. So, you’re talking a massive amount of product to be able to ship without carbon emissions,” said Kirchner.
KFBT reports more than 41 hundred Kentuckians are employed in the freight rail industry. The transportation advocacy organization says each freight rail job supports 4.5 jobs elsewhere in the economy. Kirchner noted coal historically traveled on rail throughout Kentucky. With declines in that industry, Kirchner added rail has been repurposed to carry different types of products.
