AREMA 2016 Exposition

Joseph (Joe) Riley
Headquarters Track Specialist RWP and RMM
Federal Railroad Administration


Joe began his railroad career in 1974 with the Chicago & NorthWestern Transportation Company after graduating from the University of Illinois with a BS in General Engineering. His area of specialization at Illinois was Railway Engineering under Dr. W. W. Hay. In 1978, he joined Metra’s predecessor organization, the RTA, and served in various capacities including as Metra’s first Asst. Chief Engineer – Maintenance and until his retirement from Metra in 2011 as Engineer of Standards. Joe initiated his new career with FRA in Washington, D.C. after 3 days of retirement, where he oversees the Roadway Worker and Roadway Maintenance Machines Regulations for the nation’s railroads. He is currently serving as the Acting Staff Director Track. Joe chaired the Roadmasters & MOW Association Training Committee and has served as Chairman of AREMA Committee 24 Education and Training. Joe served as the Committee 24 Editor of the Practical Guide to Railway Engineering and is the author of selected materials within the PGRE. Joe's passion at Metra centered on building an effective workforce and furthering the knowledge of the railway engineering community. At FRA, he is equally passionate about building an effective partnership involving FRA, rail management and labor to collectively combat roadway worker fatalities. He is a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Illinois, an ordained elder in the Presbyterian Church USA, married 38 years to Carol and the father of 3 sons.

Sessions :