WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 30, 2026) — Today, the rail supply industry released the latest edition of its economic impact report for the rail supply industry. Produced in partnership with Oxford Economics, this latest study is supported by the Railway Supply Institute (RSI), the Railway Engineering-Maintenance Suppliers Association (REMSA), the Railway Tie Association (RTA) and Amtrak.
This report underscores the industry’s substantial role in the national economy. The rail supply industry contributes $127 billion annually to the U.S. gross domestic product and directly employs an estimated 338,000 workers. When accounting for indirect and induced effects throughout the broader economy, total employment supported by the industry rises to approximately 906,000 jobs.
The report includes a new, expanded analysis of the industry across key market segments, offering a clearer picture of the distinct economic contributions of both freight rail and passenger rail suppliers. It also highlights how increased federal investment in rail programs has driven growing demand for rail suppliers and strengthened domestic manufacturing and service capacity.
In partnership with Amtrak, the report quantifies the railroad’s economic footprint. The analysis finds that Amtrak’s procurement and capital investment activity supported approximately 45,800 jobs and generated $6.5 billion in U.S. GDP in 2024, along with $3.8 billion in labor income and $1.4 billion in tax revenue across federal, state, and local levels. These impacts, driven by a nationwide network of manufacturers, engineering firms, and construction and service providers, underscore how Amtrak’s investments sustain domestic supply chains, support high-quality jobs, and drive economic activity in communities across the country.
The full 2026 economic impact report is available now. In addition, detailed state impact sheets for all 50 states and D.C. provide localized insights into the industry’s far-reaching economic contributions, highlighting jobs supported, economic output, and the vital role rail suppliers play in communities nationwide, including those not directly served by rail.
Looking ahead, RSI and its partners will actively promote the report throughout the year to reinforce the rail supply industry’s significant economic impact and national footprint. Through targeted outreach to policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the media, these efforts will elevate awareness of the industry’s role in supporting jobs, strengthening domestic manufacturing, and enabling critical freight and passenger rail investments. This sustained engagement will ensure the report serves not only as a snapshot of the industry today, but as a strategic tool to inform policy discussions and highlight the value of a strong, resilient rail supply network.
Quotes from Rail Supply Study Partners
Ashley Shelton, Acting President, Railway Supply Institute:
“The Railway Supply Institute (RSI) is excited to once again work with our industry and Oxford Economics to publish the latest findings of the economic impact of the rail supply industry. Across the country, companies at every level of the rail supply chain support hundreds of thousands of jobs and drive critical manufacturing activity in communities nationwide. From specialized component manufacturers producing bearings, couplers, braking systems and advanced electronics, to original equipment manufacturers building railcars and locomotives, our industry forms the backbone of America’s freight and passenger rail network. Behind the data in this report are the stories of a dedicated workforce powering and sustaining America’s rail network every day. RSI is proud to serve as the industry’s advocate and unified voice in Washington and remains committed to advancing policies that support and strengthen the industry in the years ahead.”
Urszula Soucie, President, Railway Engineering-Maintenance Suppliers Association:
“The rail supplier industry is the quiet yet powerful backbone of the U.S. economy. This report highlights just how far-reaching and vital our industry is and quantifies the positive impact of rail across our country.”
Nate Irby, Executive Director, Railway Tie Association:
“The Railway Tie Association (RTA) is proud to support this study, which highlights the significant impact of the rail supply industry and the essential role freight rail plays in a thriving U.S. economy. For RTA, that includes treated wood ties, one of the fundamental track components that helps keep the nation’s rail network safe, efficient, reliable, and sustainable.”
Roger Harris, President, Amtrak:
“These numbers reaffirm what we see every day: rail investment strengthens domestic supply chains, supports local economies and drives America’s transportation future. As we modernize our fleet, upgrade stations and advance major infrastructure projects nationwide, Amtrak remains committed to creating jobs, expanding opportunity and delivering the world-class passenger rail network Americans deserve.”
Quote from Oxford Economics on the 2026 Rail Supply Economic Impact Study
Hamilton Galloway, Head of Americas Consultancy, Oxford Economics:
“Oxford is proud to partner once again with the rail supply industry on a new report measuring the sector’s substantial economic impact. The results continue to underscore the industry as a powerful economic engine in every state. Excitingly, this year’s expanded analysis also delivers new, segment-level insights—including breakdowns of freight vs. passenger rail suppliers and a dedicated look at Amtrak’s procurement and capital investments. These new research enhancements offer a clearer, more comprehensive view of how the industry drives jobs, investment and growth across the United States.”
Industry Quotes on the 2026 Rail Supply Economic Impact Study
Ian Jefferies, President & CEO, Association of American Railroads (AAR):
“RSI’s report highlights the strength of a rail ecosystem that delivers real, measurable value across the American economy. Freight rail alone generates more than $233 billion in economic output and supports hundreds of thousands of jobs nationwide, with every dollar invested producing $2.50 in broader economic activity. Together, railroads and their suppliers are not only sustaining high-quality domestic jobs, but powering the industries and supply chains that keep America competitive.”
Chuck Baker, President, American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA):
“The rail supply industry is crucial to the success of short line railroads and the thousands of customers we serve. Members of RSI, REMSA and RTA are critical in enabling short lines to solve operational issues, complete infrastructure upgrades efficiently and serve customers safely and effectively. This study further demonstrates the tremendous economic impact of the rail supply industry on the nation’s economy.”
Paul Skoutelas, President & CEO, American Public Transportation Association (APTA):
“The Railway Supply Institute’s new Oxford Economics report comes at a pivotal moment as Congress begins writing the next surface transportation bill. It makes clear that America’s passenger rail supply chain—from manufacturers to construction firms—is a powerful economic engine supporting more than 333,000 jobs and nearly $46 billion in GDP across all 50 states. It’s American workers building the infrastructure that moves people and powers our economy. APTA commends RSI for quantifying this impact and urges lawmakers to recognize that investing in passenger rail means investing in a domestic workforce that delivers returns in every congressional district.”
Jim Mathews, President & CEO, Rail Passengers Association (RPA):
“Investments in our rail network are about moving people and goods more safely and efficiently, but they’re also about sustaining the domestic industrial base that makes modern transportation possible. RSI’s report helps underscore what many of us have been saying for years: when we invest in passenger rail, we’re investing in American factories, skilled workers and supply chains in communities far from any station platform. As Congress considers the next phase of federal transportation programs, this analysis underscores this essential point: strengthening passenger rail isn’t just mobility policy, it’s industrial strategy.”
Devon Barnhart, Director, OneRail Coalition:
“The new economic impact report provides clear evidence of the railway supply industry’s essential role in sustaining and advancing America’s vital freight and passenger rail systems. The data confirm that the industry’s economic footprint has grown in recent years, supporting rail’s enduring purpose: to efficiently, reliably and safely move goods and people.”
Contact:
- Christina Howerton, RSI Marketing and Communications Manager
- chowerton@rsiweb.org
- (202) 367-2368
About the Railway Supply Institute (RSI)
The Railway Supply Institute (RSI) is dedicated to advancing safety, innovation, technology, and sustainability within the freight and passenger railway supplier industry, both in North America and global markets. As the voice of the industry, RSI strategically engages in critical and urgent industry matters by leveraging the technical expertise of our members to advocate in the legislative and regulatory arenas, foster education, host impactful events, and facilitate networking opportunities. For more information visit www.rsiweb.org, follow RSI on Twitter and LinkedIn.