State Rail Network

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Class I Railroads

No Class I railroads reported.

Short Line Railroads

Providence and Worcester Railroad 143
Total 143
2022 Source: Association of American Railroads (AAR). Data represents most recent available annual reporting. AAR Logo

Moving Rhode Island's Economy. Connecting Communities.

In addition to playing a direct role in the revitalization of the Ports of Providence and Davisville, rail infrastructure and service improvements have also created cost effective options for other businesses and industries in the Ocean State.

Originating

Top Commodities Originating
Waste & Scrap N/A
Chemicals N/A
Nonmetallic Minerals N/A
Other N/A
0 Total Cars
0M Total Tons

Received

Top Commodities Received / Terminated
Chemicals N/A
Petroleum Products N/A
Motor Vehicles & Equipment N/A
Waste & Scrap N/A
Lumber & Wood Products N/A
Other N/A
0 Total Cars
0M Total Tons
RHODE ISLAND'S

State Grants

State Transportation Improvement Program 2026-2035

Grant
RHODE ISLAND'S

Rail Heritage

A stone viaduct in Canton, Massachusetts did as much for Rhode Island’s economy as anything built within its own borders. The Boston and Providence Railroad, chartered in 1831 and completed in 1835, connected Providence directly to Boston by way of the Canton Viaduct, one of the more significant engineering works of the era, becoming one of the earliest rail corridors in New England. That connection tied Rhode Island’s port and manufacturing economy to Boston’s larger markets, spurring commerce and development along the route on both sides of the state line. The corridor those early trains ran on remains one of the busiest rail lines in the country today.

Rhode Island Outline

Join the movement in support of freight rail in your state and across North America.

Why Freight Rail Matters

Supports Manufacturing Icon

Supports Manufacturing

Rail connects manufacturers with suppliers and customers across North America, efficiently moving raw materials and finished goods.

Strengthens Agriculture Icon

Strengthens Agriculture

Rail helps move crops, forest products, fertilizers and other agricultural goods efficiently and affordably.

Reduces Congestion Icon

Reduces Congestion

Moving freight by rail removes trucks from highways, helping reduce traffic and wear on road infrastructure.

Protects the Environment Icon

Protects the Environment

Freight rail is significantly more fuel efficient than moving freight by truck, helping reduce fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions.

Rail at Work

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Safety

FRA Data Shows Major Rail Safety Gains in 2025

Washington, D.C. – New data from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) shows 2025 was a historic year for freight rail safety. Accident and injury rates…

Policy Issues

Rail Policy Landscape in the 117th Congress

Washington, D.C. — As the 117th Congress dives into its work—and committee assignments and leadership roles have been finalized—we now know more about the key…

Economic Impact

Three Reasons to Love America’s Freight Trains

Washington, D.C. — The allure of railroading in America is undeniable. It’s an intrinsic part of our nation’s history and identity—steel wheels on steel rail…

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44 percent
decrease
in rail rates on average from 1981 to today.

That means the average rail customer today can ship significantly more freight for about the same price they paid 40 years ago. 

Featured Rail Supply Companies

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