The University Transportation Center for Railway Safety (UTCRS) will develop knowledge, diverse human resources, and innovative technology in support of strategic safety plans for the U.S. rail transportation industry. The center will engage and focus its partners’ established expertise and leverage and expand their existing resources to establish comprehensive programs of rail safety research, education, technology transfer and implementation, and workforce development. The UTCRS aims to reduce the number of accidents and equipment failures experienced in rail transportation systems. This will result directly in reduced fatalities and injuries in addition to reduced economic losses to stakeholders. New technology and associated workforce development will lead to improved safety assessments, safety counter measures, decision-making tools, and greater long-term safety gains.