Progressive Railroading Reader's Choice Awards 2025

It's time to vote! We want your input on how these products rank as innovative, standing out and meeting rail-industry needs.

Rank your top 3 below from 1 to 3. 1 being the best, 2 your second best pick and 3 your third best pick.
Only subscribers to Progressive Railroading's daily eNewsletter can vote. You can only vote once.

Winners will be announced in Progressive Railroading magazine, the Daily News eNewsletter and on ProgressiveRailroading.com.

UNIVERSAL HST (Hollow Switch Tie)

voestalpine Railway Systems Nortrak - Designed to work for any switch size or hand by utilizing adaptable switch plates mounted to a permanent, insulated shim plate. This allows customers to easily stock items to convert the HST as needed, and eliminates the need to handle insulation during conversion, improving signal reliability.

Spike Tee - Smarter approach to Spike Setting

FTS Tools, LLC - The Spike Tee solves major railroad spike setting issues. It fits on a spike, securing spikes for stable, vertical driving by one worker. Made with slits for a snug fit, it eliminates hand injuries and flying spike risks. Used in rail track maintenance, it increases production by 37%, reduces labor costs, and minimizes downtime, targeting railroads aiming to improve safety

Signal Inspection & Testing Efficiency (SITE)

TekTracking - Mobile/Desktop application used by railroads to effectively plan, schedule, and prioritize system-wide signal/crossing testing. SITE ensures testing of signal/crossing assets occurs per the frequency prescribed by FRA Part 234 & 236 requirements, and optimizes the process by providing Management, Administrators, and Sinal Maintainers with real time inspection information.

Rail Vehicle Asset Management Platform

TekTracking LLC - TekTracking’s Revamp enhances locomotive and passenger car management with a powerful mobile solution that ensures compliance with 49 CFR Parts 229 & 238. It streamlines inspection scheduling, and configuration management. Revamp automates Blue Card generation, Out-of-Use credit calculations, and customizable checklists while delivering a comprehensive suite of features.

Unistar HR

voestalpine Railway Systems Nortrak - Two in one for enhanced availability and safety: The UNISTAR HR with integrated zentrak Object Controller Point merges control and monitoring, increasing reliability, and cost-efficiency. It detects vital and non-vital conditions, setting new standards. Supporting existing and new interfaces, it paves the way for future digital systems with flexible customization.

GREENBRIER TRAINING TANK CAR

The Greenbrier Companies - The GBX Training Tank Car provides a state-of-the-art safety training program to customers and employees. The cutting-edge rolling classroom has all major top fittings, and safety appliances with full roof access. The interior has classroom seating with LED lighting, cooling and heating systems for full year use, along with a display rack of all valve and gauge types.