Established in 1999, the Railroad Research Foundation’s (RRF) undertakes research, development and education projects devoted to sustaining the safety, security and efficiency of the railroad industry.

Current research efforts focus on safety, security, technology, efficiency and environmentally friendly passenger and freight rail operations. The RRF results are expected to improve rail infrastructure and operations and advance the state-of-the-art in areas such as train control, wireless communications, suicide prevention, security and safety at highway grade crossings. The systems and tools developed through the RRF projects are intended to be used throughout the industry.

The RRF provides proposal development services, program and project management, federal regulations compliance, financial and technical reporting, and federal agency interface for sponsored projects. Since its inception, the RRF has been successful in obtaining funding in support of research important to the railroad industry.

Funding for RRF research efforts has been has been received from a number of sources including the Federal Railroad Administration, the Department of Homeland Security and the Environmental Protection Agency. By virtue of its close relationship with the Association of American Railroads, the RRF benefits from AAR members who provide opportunities for collaborative projects. The RRF looks forward to securing public as well as private funding and donations to continue its work in the public interest.

The affairs of the Railroad Research Foundation are managed by its Board of Directors. Its Senior Program Director is Sharon Stewart Cole.