Railroads Move People: A Conversation with Justin Vonashek

Platform Chats

Platform Chats
Railroads Move People: A Conversation with Justin Vonashek
May 27, 2026 Season 6 Episode 3
AREMA

Platform Chats host Walt Bleser sits down with Metro-North President Justin Vonashek, who turned a last-minute career fair resume into leading one of the nation's busiest commuter railroads. The conversation centers on a key shift: railroads don't just move trains—they move people, and those people don't have time for delays. Vonashek highlights Metro-North's post-pandemic rebound, strong on-time performance, safety culture, and continued operational improvements. He also points to major investments in new locomotives, infrastructure, and system upgrades, while maintaining service continuity. A strong emphasis is placed on workforce development, mentorship, and employee engagement—recognizing that even the most advanced systems depend on the people who keep them running. Bottom line: The future of rail isn't just infrastructure or technology—it's people. 

Episode Artwork Railroads Move People: A Conversation with Justin Vonashek 37:36 Episode Artwork Episode 50: A Career Built on Mentorship and Meaningful Work 42:46 Episode Artwork Inside the CS&IT Symposium: What’s Ahead for Rail Technology 37:13 Episode Artwork The Emerging Technologies Panel Continued: Exploring the Future of Rail 52:43 Episode Artwork Building Better Rail: Lessons from Watford and AREMA's Rising Leaders 36:54 Episode Artwork Sustainability & Resiliency Take Center Stage at RREC 35:54 Episode Artwork Rolling Forward: AREMA’s Next Chapter Starts in Indy 41:05 Episode Artwork Mind the Overhang 46:22 Episode Artwork Engineering Leadership in Action: Kate O’Connor on SEPTA’s Front Lines 37:44 Episode Artwork From Résumés to Results: Host-Turned-Guest Walt Bleser Shares His AREMA Journey 53:27 Episode Artwork Building Bridges (Literally) with Bridges to Prosperity 43:59 Episode Artwork On Track with the League of Railway Women 41:47 Episode Artwork Building Connections: The AREMA 2025 Railroad Bridge Symposium Preview 36:18 Episode Artwork Rails to Success: Navigating FRA Grants and Funding 51:43 Episode Artwork From Concept to Construction: A New Guide for Steel Railway Bridge 38:16 Episode Artwork AREMA Leadership Transition: Insights from Ray Verrelle and Bill Riehl 35:35 Episode Artwork Engineering Collaboration: How AREMA Student Chapters Shape the Future of Rail 39:44 Episode Artwork Mastering Communication with Keith Bailey 45:37 Episode Artwork Rails and Rising Stars: A Journey with Luv Sehgal 33:17 Episode Artwork Meet the 2023 Railway Woman of the Year, Kari Gonzales 52:40 Episode Artwork 2024 Hiring Trends 43:41 Episode Artwork A Sneak Peek at the AREMA 2024 Sustainability & Resiliency Symposium 34:39 Episode Artwork What Does NRC Have in Store for 2024? 36:41 Episode Artwork 2023 Hay Award Winners Discuss Merchants Bridge 43:34 Episode Artwork Setting Goals and Leveraging Opportunities for Success 40:40