From the editor:

Railroads in the 21st century and contests galore

by Michele Regenold

Railroads seem like such a 19th century form of transportation, but innovations such as greener, cleaner locomotive power and electronic signal systems have pushed railroads firmly into the 21st century.

Even the jobs we typically associate with railroads, like the engineer and conductor, are different now thanks to computers.

The 21st century also brings some challenges to railroads that motivated young people can help solve, particularly

• an aging railway infrastructure, and
• an aging workforce.

Tom Lange with Union Pacific says 95 percent of their employees (about 49,000 people) are involved in maintaining tracks and trains. Their prime need right now is for diesel mechanics and diesel electricians.

Railroad companies and engineering firms that consult with railroads also need civil/structural engineers, electrical engineers, and mechanical engineers.

To learn more about what it's like to work for the railroad, check out “What do they DO?” and “Locomotive engineer for a day.” “School spotlight” also has some interesting info on the need for conductors.

Enter Go! magazine's writing contest

Do you like to write? Want to try your hand at writing for Go!?

If you're 16 or older, then I encourage you to submit your transportation-related short story or non-fiction article to Go! magazine's writing contest. You could win $1,000 cash and/or a $500 gift card to the Iowa State University Book Store (purchases can be made online).

The deadline for submissions is January 15, 2009. Download the full guidelines (190 kb pdf).

Good luck!

Contests encouraging safe teen driving

Keep the Drive

High school journalists, take note. A contest called Keep the Drive is open to you. The focus is articles on smart teen driving that have been published in your school newspaper between August 1, 2008 and March 1, 2009.

Vote in Holiday Holla

Vote for your favorite teen-created video about safe driving at Holiday Holla by November 21, 2008. This contest promotes safe driving during the deadly winter holiday season.

Other contests

EngineerGirl!

Imagine That! Engineering Innovation Essay Contest
This contest has 3 different levels for kids and teens ages 8 to 18. The deadline is March 1, 2009.

If you know of any other teen-oriented contests related to driving or transportation, let me know: editor@go-explore-trans.com.