The American Railroad —Decline and Renaissance in the Age of Deregulation

An introduction to the American Railroad industry — past, present, and future.

Course Information

Carnegie Mellon University, Dietrich College

Course number: 19-213/A4 EPP | 70-213 Tepper

Location: Room TBD

Time: March 11-May 1, MW 3:30 p.m. - 4:50 p.m.

Units: 6 units in Mini 4

Overview

Railroads in the USA are often considered as a subject for nostalgia or public sector failure, an image largely based on passenger service. However, the USA’s private sector freight rail industry is considered a model for the world as the result of its renaissance following deregulation in the 1980s. This is a “stealth” industry whose history and economics as a network industry are both intertwined and complex.

Objectives

Starting with the development of the first U.S. railroads, students will gain a basic understanding of the industry’s history and economics, with special attention to the past half-century. In addition, students will participate in research projects in particular areas of special interest - for example, economic history, industry culture, network economics, utility regulation or transportation policy.

There is no textbook and the course is based on sources such as books, articles, and other materials. The course is taught in a seminar style and its direction is influenced by student interests as translated through assignments etc.

Real World Impact

Upon completion of the career support, students will have sufficient knowledge of the industry to have identified areas of personal interest to pursue in a professional capacity and lifetime support regarding rail-related careers.

Examples of where students have gone from the course:

• Design & construction of a modular high level platform used in Boston for the Army- Navy Game to accommodate special trains on a temporary basis

• Identification and relocation of a diesel commuter train fleet from California to Lima, Peru for the country's first commuter rail service

• Management responsibility for the BNSF “Empire Builder” route across North Dakota

• Service planning at the MTA in New York City

• Design and negotiation of for use of an urban freight line in Philadelphia for a demonstration urban passenger service

• Internships at Pop-Up Metro

About the Instructor

Henry Posner III’s railway service began at Conrail on the eve of deregulation. His current roles include Chairman of Iowa Interstate Railroad and RDC Deutschland, and Vice Chair of the Surface Transportation Board’s Passenger Rail Advisory Committee. For more detail, see his RDC biography.