VitalRail/About: Difference between revisions
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{{DISPLAYTITLE:About VitalRail}} | {{DISPLAYTITLE:About VitalRail}} | ||
'''Introduction''' | |||
When OTNA's founder, Michael Sussman, solved his first rail finance challenge in 1995 for the Massachusetts Central Railroad, the question struck him, “Why does the industry that was the reason capital flowed from around the world into North America in the 19<sup>th</sup> century need me to solve its funding shortfalls at the end of the 20<sup>th</sup> century”? And, given that it has energy-, space-, and capital-efficiencies at the core of its business model, what does that say about Capitalism and society? | |||
He has spent 31 years coordinating railroad financing across 47 states and Canadian provinces, delivering 450+ Congressional briefings on rail policy, and interviewing more than 11,000 stakeholders to understand the full picture. Building on that experience, VitalRail is the comprehensive strategy to turn the chronically underutilized freight rail network into a continent-wide economic engine for sustainable prosperity. | |||
VitalRail | '''What does VitalRail accomplish?''' | ||
VitalRail grows freight rail service to North America's key industries by enabling multi-stakeholder investments and system-wide optimization that individual actors cannot achieve on their own. | |||
'''Why do railroads matter?''' | |||
Railroads are essential to the economic and environmental well-being of any modern society. A steel wheel on a steel rail is five times more energy-efficient than a rubber tire on asphalt for moving heavy freight – yet North America has spent a hundred years reducing its rail network instead of expanding it. This matters for natural resource development, agriculture, processing, manufacturing, distribution, recycling, and disposal. Re-shoring industry and strengthening domestic supply chains require moving goods efficiently between all components of each industrial system, which means rail must expand, not contract. | |||
'''Why is VitalRail needed?''' | |||
Railroad development requires a whole market and whole-of-society approach. Otherwise, no marketplace magically alchemizes the numerous, divergent, individual business agendas and decisions into efficient industrial systems. No existing institution – public or private – is structured to coordinate the multi-stakeholder investment and collaboration required to transform continental rail infrastructure. VitalRail is that coordinating mechanism. | |||
There has never been greater need or opportunity for railroad development to address transportation efficiency and environmental challenges. Fortunately, railroads do not need a government bailout, and they outperform many other industries. That stability—combined with rail technology's inherent efficiencies—delivers high returns on investment when stakeholders work together. | |||
Learn more about the [[VitalRail/VitalRail Value Proposition|VitalRail Value Proposition]]. | Learn more about the [[VitalRail/VitalRail Value Proposition|VitalRail Value Proposition]]. | ||
Learn more about the [[VitalRail/VitalRail Stakeholders|VitalRail Stakeholders]] | Learn more about the [[VitalRail/VitalRail Stakeholders|VitalRail Stakeholders]] | ||
Revision as of 20:29, 13 November 2025
Introduction
When OTNA's founder, Michael Sussman, solved his first rail finance challenge in 1995 for the Massachusetts Central Railroad, the question struck him, “Why does the industry that was the reason capital flowed from around the world into North America in the 19th century need me to solve its funding shortfalls at the end of the 20th century”? And, given that it has energy-, space-, and capital-efficiencies at the core of its business model, what does that say about Capitalism and society?
He has spent 31 years coordinating railroad financing across 47 states and Canadian provinces, delivering 450+ Congressional briefings on rail policy, and interviewing more than 11,000 stakeholders to understand the full picture. Building on that experience, VitalRail is the comprehensive strategy to turn the chronically underutilized freight rail network into a continent-wide economic engine for sustainable prosperity.
What does VitalRail accomplish?
VitalRail grows freight rail service to North America's key industries by enabling multi-stakeholder investments and system-wide optimization that individual actors cannot achieve on their own.
Why do railroads matter?
Railroads are essential to the economic and environmental well-being of any modern society. A steel wheel on a steel rail is five times more energy-efficient than a rubber tire on asphalt for moving heavy freight – yet North America has spent a hundred years reducing its rail network instead of expanding it. This matters for natural resource development, agriculture, processing, manufacturing, distribution, recycling, and disposal. Re-shoring industry and strengthening domestic supply chains require moving goods efficiently between all components of each industrial system, which means rail must expand, not contract.
Why is VitalRail needed?
Railroad development requires a whole market and whole-of-society approach. Otherwise, no marketplace magically alchemizes the numerous, divergent, individual business agendas and decisions into efficient industrial systems. No existing institution – public or private – is structured to coordinate the multi-stakeholder investment and collaboration required to transform continental rail infrastructure. VitalRail is that coordinating mechanism.
There has never been greater need or opportunity for railroad development to address transportation efficiency and environmental challenges. Fortunately, railroads do not need a government bailout, and they outperform many other industries. That stability—combined with rail technology's inherent efficiencies—delivers high returns on investment when stakeholders work together.
Learn more about the VitalRail Value Proposition.
Learn more about the VitalRail Stakeholders
