The Association of American Railroads (AAR) has developed a safety tool for first responders. The AskRail mobile app provides accurate, timely data about railcars carrying hazardous materials on a train. Using this app will keep first responders well prepared and informed about how to respond to a rail emergency.
AskRail combines emergency training and response planning and supplements the flow of information and specifics between railroads and first responders in communities along the nation’s 140,000-mile freight-rail network.
Launched in 2014, AskRail is part of the standard training first responders receive from North American Class I railroads, fire-service organizations and other partners. The app is available in French and English in the United States, Canada and Mexico and can be downloaded from Apple’s App Store and Google Play.
AskRail is a collaborative effort among all North American Class I railroads, the AAR, Railinc Corp., and the Transportation Technology Center, Inc.
For security reasons, only certified and qualified first responders are allowed access to the app. It's an easy three-step process:
- Download the app to your mobile device.
- Register with AskRail in the app.
- Follow the instructions in the email notification you receive.
This process may take up to several weeks.
To learn more, visit AskRail.us or watch a short video describing the app’s features.