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==== Introduction to VitalRail ====
==== Why is VitalRail Needed? ====
VitalRail serves at the heart of OTNA as a comprehensive strategy for enhancing the productivity of our industrial systems by expanding freight rail service. This initiative brings together a diverse group of [[VitalRail Stakeholders|stakeholders]] who see unprecedented opportunities to boost efficiency in freight and rail transportation. We view rail infrastructure as the backbone of revitalizing North America’s essential industrial systems. Railroads offer irreplaceable space, energy, and capital efficiencies:
OnTrackNorthAmerica (OTNA) produces '''VitalRail''' and companion IntelliConference Series.


North America enjoys perhaps the world's most productive freight rail system and yet the industry’s $115 billion annual revenue starkly contrasts with the freight trucking industry’s $1 trillion yearly revenue.  
* A one-mile-long train moves the same goods as a 27-mile convoy of trucks.
* For the same freight, rail reduces fuel use and its resulting emissions by one-half to three-quarters.
Though North America enjoys perhaps the world's most productive freight rail system in the world, the industry’s $115 billion annual revenue is in stark contrast with the freight trucking industry’s $1 trillion yearly revenue. However, we need more from railroad companies than they can accomplish on their own. Fortunately, railroads do not need a government bailout, and they outperform many other industries. That stability—combined with rail technology’s inherent efficiencies—delivers a high return on investment when the involved stakeholder groups work together. Increasing freight rail service will contribute cascading benefits to all stakeholders.


Railroads offer irreplaceable space, energy, and capital efficiencies. Growing freight rail service will contribute cascading benefits to all stakeholders:
There has never been a greater need or more opportunity for capitalizing railroad development to address transportation efficiency and environmental challenges. Rather than  emotional critiques and general calls for a so-called rail renaissance, VitalRail is informed by the real challenges and benefits of growing an industry as integral as railroads. Through our IntelliConferences and continual diualogues, VitalRail’s organizing and facilitation teams and professional stakeholders identify breakthroughs, make them actionable, and tackle industry challenges head-on.


* A one-mile-long train moves the same goods as a 27-mile convoy of trucks
==== VitalRail Core IntelliConferences ====
* It's energy efficiency allows it to move that freight on ½ to ¼ the fuel and emissions
We start with core dialogues on the subject of North America’s freight service.  Dialogues are goal directed. They have been conceived by our [[BrainTrust|leaders and stakeholders]].  Using our [[IntelliConferences|IntelliConference and IntelliSynthesis]] events and methods, the dialogues will develop as we delve deeper into the challenges of the frieght and rail industry of North America together.


VitalRail serves at the heart of CAPSI as a comprehensive strategy for enhancing the productivity of our industrial systems by expanding freight rail service.
* [[Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern Merger IntelliConference|Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern Merger]]
* [[VitalRail/Rail Growth Capitalization IntelliConference|Rail Growth Capitalization]]
* [[VitalRail/Rail Regulatory Excellence IntelliConference|Rail Regulatory Excellence]]
* [[VitalRail/Rail Business Culture Transformation IntelliConference|Rail Business Culture]]
* [[VitalRail/Rail Management – Rail Labor IntelliConference|Rail Management – Rail Labor]]
* [[VitalRail/Containerized International Freight IntelliConference|Containerized International Freight]]
* [[VitalRail/Revitalizing the Rail Carload System IntelliConference|Rail Carload System Revitalization]]
* [[VitalRail/Rail Energy Efficiency IntelliConference|Rail Energy Efficiency]]
* [[VitalRail/Freight Transportation Land Use IntelliConference|Freight Transportation Land Use]]
* [[VitalRail/Rail Technology Adoption IntelliConference|Rail Technology Adoption]]
* [[VitalRail/Rail Trucking Coordination IntelliConference|Rail Trucking Coordination]]


The need and opportunity for railroad development to address transportation efficiency and environmental challenges has never been greater. Rather than the emotional critiques and general calls for a so-called rail renaissance, VitalRail is informed by the real challenges and benefits of growing an industry as integral as railroads.
==== Organizing Principles ====
# '''Design for Action''' - Create dynamic, updatable, easy to track plans rather than static reports and unorganized discussion'''.'''
# '''Radical Inclusion''' - Engage all stakeholders, regions, and projects comprehensively
# '''Right Tools and Data''' - Use advanced mapping systems and private-sector data beyond basic government datasets
# '''Integrated Systems''' - Treat rail and roads as one collaborative system, not competitors
# '''Whole Supply Chains''' - Focus on complete supply chain strategies rather than individual projects
# '''Interstate Coordination''' - Plan across state lines through coalitions like the Southwest Supply Chain Coalition
# '''Smart Economic Development''' - Integrate rail planning with economic development strategies
# '''Land-Use Integration''' - Coordinate freight transportation with land-use planning
# '''Compelling Growth Plans''' - Present railroads with attractive business opportunities
# '''Private Investment''' - Attract private capital rather than relying solely on government funding


At the same time we need more from railroads than they can do themselves. Fortunately, railroads do not need a government bailout, they outperform many other industries. That stability—combined with rail technology’s inherent efficiencies—delivers a high return on investment when the involved stakeholder groups work together.
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==== Join Up! ====
Lets work together right now.  Go to [[Participation Options]] to enter this world of positive change collaboration. The OTNA Staff look forward to meeting you.
==== VitalRail Stakeholders ====
Collaboration among stakeholders is fundamental to achieving the tremendous growth opportunity for:
* railroads;
* rail-related companies; and
* the industries and communities they serve.
VitalRail engages fourteen interdependent stakeholder groups:
* Class I, II, and III railroad leaders;
* Investors, Banks, and Economic Developers;
* Rail Employees, Customers, Suppliers, and Citizens;
* Transportation Planners, Land Developers, Realtors, and Site Selectors; and
* Researchers, other transportation services and modes, and government leaders.
Learn more about [[VitalRail: A Continental Freight Rail Growth Initiative/VitalRail Stakeholders|VitalRail Stakeholders]].
<p style="padding:2px;"></p>
==== IntelliConference Series ====
VitalRail begins with the most important IntelliConference Series dialogues for expanding North America’s freight rail service.  These IntelliConference Series were conceived with the input of key participants in each domain. Based on input from Stakeholders these topics may change. [[IntelliConferences and IntelliSynthesis|IntelliConference and IntelliSynthesis]] is the anchor methodology we use to advance these dialogues and goals.
* [[VitalRail: A Continental Freight Rail Growth Initiative/Rail Growth Capitalization IntelliConference|Rail Growth Capitalization]]
* [[VitalRail: A Continental Freight Rail Growth Initiative/Rail Regulatory Excellence IntelliConference|Rail Regulatory Excellence]]
* [[VitalRail: A Continental Freight Rail Growth Initiative/Rail Business Culture Transformation IntelliConference|Rail Business Culture Transformation]]
*[[VitalRail: A Continental Freight Rail Growth Initiative/Rail Management – Rail Labor IntelliConference|Rail Management – Rail Labor]]
* [[VitalRail: A Continental Freight Rail Growth Initiative/Containerized International Freight IntelliConference|Containerized International Freight]]
*[[VitalRail: A Continental Freight Rail Growth Initiative/Revitalizing the Rail Carload System IntelliConference|Revitalizing the Rail Carload System]]
*[[VitalRail: A Continental Freight Rail Growth Initiative/Rail Energy Efficiency IntelliConference|Rail Energy Efficiency]]
*[[VitalRail: A Continental Freight Rail Growth Initiative/Freight Transportation Land Use IntelliConference|Freight Transportation Land Use]]
*[[VitalRail: A Continental Freight Rail Growth Initiative/Rail Technology Adoption IntelliConference|Rail Technology Adoption]]
*[[VitalRail: A Continental Freight Rail Growth Initiative/Rail Trucking Coordination IntelliConference|Rail Trucking Coordination]]
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==== VitalRail Value Proposition ====
Expanding freight rail service is crucial for sustainable industrial growth across North America.
As the continent pursues reshoring and reindustrialization, railroads need to serve as the backbone of supply chain transportation. Like high-speed internet, robust rail service is fundamental to community prosperity; its absence creates economic barriers and environmental costs. However, neither marketplace dynamics nor vested interest lobbying lead to smart supply chains. For North America’s future prosperity, they must be reconceived with the thoughtful input of all stakeholder groups.
The challenge is not a lack of intelligence; there are many smart and committed people in industry, government, and the community. What we have been lacking are the effective forums and methods for gathering this intelligence into smart policy, programs, and marketplace improvements. CAPSI provides that platform. 
Learn more about the [[VitalRail: A Continental Freight Rail Growth Initiative/VitalRail Value Proposition|VitalRail Value Proposition]].
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==== VitalRail FAQs ====
==== VitalRail FAQs ====
Go to the [[VitalRail: A Continental Freight Rail Growth Initiative/VitalRail FAQs|VitalRail FAQs]] page to get your early questions answered.
Go to the [[VitalRail/VitalRail FAQs|VitalRail FAQs]] page to get your early questions answered.
==== Join Us! ====
Go to [[Participation Options]] to enter this world of positive change collaboration. The OTNA staff and all our stakeholders look forward to meeting you.

Latest revision as of 21:03, 5 November 2025

Introduction to VitalRail

VitalRail serves at the heart of OTNA as a comprehensive strategy for enhancing the productivity of our industrial systems by expanding freight rail service. This initiative brings together a diverse group of stakeholders who see unprecedented opportunities to boost efficiency in freight and rail transportation. We view rail infrastructure as the backbone of revitalizing North America’s essential industrial systems. Railroads offer irreplaceable space, energy, and capital efficiencies:

  • A one-mile-long train moves the same goods as a 27-mile convoy of trucks.
  • For the same freight, rail reduces fuel use and its resulting emissions by one-half to three-quarters.

Though North America enjoys perhaps the world's most productive freight rail system in the world, the industry’s $115 billion annual revenue is in stark contrast with the freight trucking industry’s $1 trillion yearly revenue. However, we need more from railroad companies than they can accomplish on their own. Fortunately, railroads do not need a government bailout, and they outperform many other industries. That stability—combined with rail technology’s inherent efficiencies—delivers a high return on investment when the involved stakeholder groups work together. Increasing freight rail service will contribute cascading benefits to all stakeholders.

There has never been a greater need or more opportunity for capitalizing railroad development to address transportation efficiency and environmental challenges. Rather than emotional critiques and general calls for a so-called rail renaissance, VitalRail is informed by the real challenges and benefits of growing an industry as integral as railroads. Through our IntelliConferences and continual diualogues, VitalRail’s organizing and facilitation teams and professional stakeholders identify breakthroughs, make them actionable, and tackle industry challenges head-on.

VitalRail Core IntelliConferences

We start with core dialogues on the subject of North America’s freight service. Dialogues are goal directed. They have been conceived by our leaders and stakeholders. Using our IntelliConference and IntelliSynthesis events and methods, the dialogues will develop as we delve deeper into the challenges of the frieght and rail industry of North America together.

Organizing Principles

  1. Design for Action - Create dynamic, updatable, easy to track plans rather than static reports and unorganized discussion.
  2. Radical Inclusion - Engage all stakeholders, regions, and projects comprehensively
  3. Right Tools and Data - Use advanced mapping systems and private-sector data beyond basic government datasets
  4. Integrated Systems - Treat rail and roads as one collaborative system, not competitors
  5. Whole Supply Chains - Focus on complete supply chain strategies rather than individual projects
  6. Interstate Coordination - Plan across state lines through coalitions like the Southwest Supply Chain Coalition
  7. Smart Economic Development - Integrate rail planning with economic development strategies
  8. Land-Use Integration - Coordinate freight transportation with land-use planning
  9. Compelling Growth Plans - Present railroads with attractive business opportunities
  10. Private Investment - Attract private capital rather than relying solely on government funding

VitalRail FAQs

Go to the VitalRail FAQs page to get your early questions answered.

Join Us!

Go to Participation Options to enter this world of positive change collaboration. The OTNA staff and all our stakeholders look forward to meeting you.

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