The Railroad Systems Issues (RSI) research program comprises the advanced strategic initiatives that ensure RD&T alignment with national priorities and areas of technological need. The program supports industry transformation by investing in research and innovation to meet the challenges of the present and modernize the transportation system for the future. RSI activities include projects aligning with congressional, DOT and FRA strategic objectives as well as exploratory research areas. The principal goal of the RSI program is safety, but the program’s activities contribute to all DOT Strategic Goals — advancing Equity, Climate and Sustainability, Economic Strength and Global Competitiveness, Transformation, and Organizational Excellence. Near-term strategic priorities are:

• Develop and use a safety risk model to help identify RD&T priorities
• Build FRA capabilities for program evaluation to ensure that projects have the highest probability of delivering benefits
• Continue to fund projects to address DOT's Climate and Sustainability goal
• Maintain the Rail Research and Development Center of Excellence Grant Program
• Provide opportunities for university funding to develop the future railroad workforce
• Provide technical support for improved accommodations for travelers with disabilities
• Provide technical support for Buy America Issues