Specially equipped freight cars pass over railroad tracks as sensors gather multiple data points on their condition. Rail-side detectors scan passing rail cars to evaluate their integrity. Trackside ultrasonic technology identifies internal flaws in passing wheels. These cutting-edge technologies -implemented by the Association of American Railroads' (AAR) Transportation Technology Center Inc. (TTCI) in Pueblo, Colo.-are part of a multi-billion-dollar investment rail companies are making to continuously enhance railroad operations safety. The United States has been criticized in recent years for the state of its transportation infrastructure. But rail is being held up as a model for the significant improvements that can be attained with dedicated effort. This praise is largely due to ongoing investment in infrastructure and equipment by America's freight railroads-including more than $25 billion in 2012 by members of the MR.
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