Platform Chats

Host Walt Bleser picks up where AREMA's Emerging Technology panel at the Annual Conference left off, joined by panelists Laide Olambiwonnu, Head of Product at Parallel Systems, and Brett A. Story, PhD, Professor at Southern Methodist University. The trio discusses AI, automation, and the importance of preserving experience and expertise while embracing new tools in rail technology. They also explore new approaches to freight movement on the horizon. Join the conversation. 

In this annual Platform Chats tradition, host Walt Bleser welcomes AREMA President Jerry Specht, EIT, Assistant General Manager South S&C Operations, CPKC, and Senior Vice President David Clark, PE, Director Construction Engineering, CSX Transportation, for a conversation about leadership, collaboration, and what's ahead for AREMA as the Association prepares for its annual leadership transition.

Jerry reflects on a busy year that included efforts to expand the Association's presence in Mexico through Spanish-language publications and stronger connections with railroad professionals across North America.

Looking ahead, David shares his focus on collaboration, strengthening AREMA's international relationships, and building on opportunities to connect railroad professionals worldwide.

The episode also previews the Annual Conference & Expo in Kansas City and highlights what makes AREMA special: bringing together some of the rail industry's brightest minds to share ideas, solve challenges, and learn from one another. 

Bottom line: AREMA's future is built on collaboration, connection, and expanding its impact—one conference, one committee, and, if Jerry and David have anything to say about it, a few more countries along the way.

Platform Chats host Walt Bleser sits down with Metro-North President Justin Vonashek, who turned a last-minute career fair resume into leading one of the nation's busiest commuter railroads. The conversation centers on a key shift: railroads don't just move trains—they move people, and those people don't have time for delays. Vonashek highlights Metro-North's post-pandemic rebound, strong on-time performance, safety culture, and continued operational improvements. He also points to major investments in new locomotives, infrastructure, and system upgrades, while maintaining service continuity. A strong emphasis is placed on workforce development, mentorship, and employee engagement—recognizing that even the most advanced systems depend on the people who keep them running. Bottom line: The future of rail isn't just infrastructure or technology—it's people. 

The 50th episode of Platform Chats marks a milestone as host Walt Bleser sits down with Anamaria Bonilla, former Chief Engineer of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Metro‑North Railroad, to reflect on a career shaped by AREMA and a shared commitment to doing the work the right way as part of North America's largest transportation network. Bonilla recounts her journey into rail engineering, the challenges of modernizing legacy systems, and the pride she takes in building a strong, principled engineering team prepared for the future. It’s an episode about mentorship, knowledge‑sharing, and the lasting impact one leader can have on people and the profession.

In this episode, host Walt Bleser sits down with Jared Hopewell, AVP, Communications & Signals at Norfolk Southern, and Jason Schroeder, Assistant Chief Engineer at CSX, to introduce what attendees can expect at the Communications, Signals & Information Technology (CS&IT) Symposium in Jacksonville, FL, March 3–5. The event will feature immersive field trips and presentations that cover the past, present, and future of the industry. If you're involved in rail technology or curious about where the industry is headed, this Symposium is the place to be. They also discuss the collaborative efforts of CS&IT Committees to advance safety signaling, an industry-wide initiative. Key topics include Positive Train Control and the growing role of AI in inspections, efficiency, and day-to-day operations. This is just a preview. Listen now to hear the full story behind the people and ideas driving these innovations and get all the details you need to join the conversation at the Symposium.

In this special follow-up to the Emerging Technologies panel at the AREMA 2025 Annual Conference & Expo in Indianapolis, host Walt Bleser and panelists Doron Cohadier (RailVision) and Jason Schindler (Object Computing) continue the exploration of how artificial intelligence is transforming the rail industry. The conversation dives into the evolution of the panel and the real-world applications of AI in rail safety, operational efficiency, and data-driven decision-making.

Doron and Jason explain how AI tools are designed to support, not replace, human workers. They emphasize the importance of high-quality data, human-in-the-loop systems, and regulatory collaboration. The episode also addresses industry concerns around job displacement, data ownership, and the future of autonomous rail operations.

With thoughtful insights and real-world examples, this episode encourages listeners to embrace change, understand AI as a tool, and prepare for a future shaped by innovation.

In this episode, host Walt Bleser chats with the two latest Watford Fellowship recipients, Matt Kirby, PE, MLE, M.ASCE, AVP/Director - Rail Public Projects & Programs at Michael Baker International, and Daniel Rappaport, Civil Engineer III – RLE at Chicago Transit Authority. The Watford Fellowship Program gives grants to two young rail or transit professionals for the Watford Conference, an international conference on rail and transit design and operations.  The pair reflect on their experiences from this year’s Conference in London, England. They also share their perspective on global rail projects after field trips to major British rail infrastructure projects as part of the Conference.  If you want to learn more about how AREMA helps professionals advance their careers, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. 

This episode, our host chats with Christopher Barkan, PhD, Professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Director of RailTEC, and Peter Masson, Director at TRC and Chair of Technical Committee 13 – Environmental about the upcoming Railroad Environmental Conference (RREC) and the new Sustainability & Resiliency (S&R) Day. The collaboration through AREMA and the RREC aims to integrate the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals into rail practices, fostering a more sustainable and resilient industry. Dr. Barkan discusses his history of leadership in rail research and education leading up to hosting RREC and the S&R Day. Peter shares his background in environmental planning and railroad compliance, emphasizing how sustainability and resiliency in railroading go beyond environmental issues to include community development, efficiency, and long-term viability. The episode highlights the importance of continuous improvement, supporting your goals, and engaging the next generation.

In what has become an annual tradition, Walt sits down with the incoming and outgoing AREMA Presidents ahead of the AREMA Annual Conference & Expo.  Outgoing AREMA President William S. Riehl, III, PE, F.SAME (Genesee & Wyoming Inc.) reflects on a year of strategic partnerships, expanded member value, and the importance of steady leadership. He will be handing the reins to incoming President and current Senior Vice President Jerry W. Specht, EIT (CPKC), who is ready to take AREMA international, with plans to translate manuals into multiple languages and also highlight AI. Together, they preview the upcoming Conference & Expo in Indianapolis, featuring revamped scheduling, more inclusive education, and a renewed focus on the attendee experience. It’s a discussion of what’s ahead for the organization and the railway industry you won’t want to miss.

This episode, Walt sits down with Theo Vallis, VP Commercial, Luminary Logistics Solutions, and President of The Railway Industrial Clearance Association (RICA), and Greg McComas, Senior Manager Dimensional Clearances, BNSF, and Chair of AREMA’s Clearance Technical Committee. The trio takes a 360-degree view of the world of clearances and the movement of high-visibility cargo across the North American market. From blades to bridges, they cover how oversized cargo gets from A to B without taking out infrastructure. It is an entertaining ride through the world of dimensional freight that is all around us – watch your head.