Solutionary Rail is thrilled to present this conversation on the recently completed Nevada State Rail Plan, featuring with Michael Sussman of Strategic Rail Finance & OnTrackNorthAmerica. 

State Rail Plans must be reworked every 4 years. The 2021 Nevada State Rail Plan raises the bar for state rail plans across the country. Utilize this conversation as a guide in your advocacy for meaningful rail plans that set the stage for concrete actions that leverage rail transport for the public interest. 

Listen and learn from Michael and the great questions from many Solutionary Rail advocates across the country. 

Unlike the many pro forma rail plans of other states, the Nevada State Rail Plan is one that takes the future role and public interest in vital railroads seriously:

• It takes mode shift to rail seriously.
• It acknowledges the inextricable link to trucking and data.
• It includes consideration of interstate partnerships - such as with the Port of Oakland - to facilitate meeting regional goals. 
• It even has a section on electrification, with input from the Rail Electrification Council of the National Electric Manufacturers Association, NEMA. 

From the introduction:

"The Nevada State Rail Plan is a document that shall set forth policy involving freight and passenger rail including commuter rail in the state, set recommendations and strategies to enhance rail service in the state that benefits the public, and serve as the basis for federal and state investments within Nevada. This plan brings forth an innovative approach to rail planning designed to help move the state forward in rail planning and towards a more efficient freight transportation system.  After working with over 200 stakeholders and identifying over 500 shippers combined with deep data analysis, the plan uncovered that 70% of the trucks on Nevada roads are going to and from California. In creating a rail forward mentality this plan identifies ways to advance the state forward in rail freight for the next 40+ years."

About our guest, Michael Sussman:

Michael began his career in transportation in 1994 by launching Strategic Rail Finance, a North American transportation-industry consulting firm. He and his associates have been busy ever since, advising private and public sector clients in 44 states and Canada. Michael entered the rail industry with the intention to improve how we invest capital in infrastructure and industrial systems. In addition to their client work, Strategic Rail Finance and their nonprofit arm On Track North America have invested considerable time and energy to educating, and learning from, government officials and staff at all levels.

I began my career in transportation in 1994 by launching Strategic Rail Finance, a North American transportation-industry consulting firm. My associates and I have been busy since then, advising private and public sector clients in 44 states and Canada. I entered the rail industry with the intention to improve how we invest capital in infrastructure and industrial systems. In addition to our client work, I have contributed considerable time and energy to educating, and learning from, government officials and staff at all levels.

Read more HERE.

More about the Nevada State Rail Plan:

Check out the extremely impressive table of contents for the section of the plan titled BLUEPRINT FOR ACTION. 


Check out the plan at https://www.nevadadot.com/mobility/rail-planning/state-rail-plan