By Railfan & Railroad Staff

The Federal Railroad Administration is planning on holding a public hearing on March 12, to consider a proposal by Genesee & Wyoming to use autonomous rail cars on two Georgia short lines. 

In 2023, G&W asked the FRA for permission to test technology developed by Parallel Systems on the Georgia Central Railway and Heart of Georgia Railroad. G&W wants to use the technology on short sections of track initially with oversight by the FRA. Proponents of the battery-powered rail vehicles have said it could provide short lines with an easier (and cheaper) way of providing service to local customers. Proponents have said it would also allow more freight to be moved by rail instead of on highways.