Inbound Logistics | January 2025

LEADERSHIP Conversations with the Captains of Industry

Riding the Rails

Marlon Taylor, president of New York & Atlantic (NYA) Railway, knew from his rst day on the job with Pacic Harbor Line that he wanted to build his career in the rail industry. In part, the passion and drive of his colleagues sparked his own interest. “I thought it was cool,” he says. Also driving Taylor’s decision was the critical role rail can play in moving goods quickly and sustainably. “I saw rsthand how impactful railroads can be in supporting economic growth and connecting communities,” he says. Over the past 25 years, all spent with NYA’s parent company, Anacostia Rail Holdings, Taylor advanced to his current role. “I came from entry level to where I’m at now,” he says. “That says something positive about the experience, the people, and the culture.” NYA provides short line freight services over the Long Island Rail Road, which runs about 700 trains daily. “The LIRR provides the passenger portion and we provide the freight portion,” Taylor says. Because the two operations share the same tracks, and given the volumes moving each day, not everything goes as planned. “When they adjust, we have to adjust, shift by shift, day by day,” Taylor says. On top of the complicated scheduling, the trains run through urban areas. “There’s the environmental piece, and making sure we are good neighbors,” Taylor says. “We’re in New York City and that brings its own sets of challenges.” Taylor talked with Inbound Logistics about his leadership style and the vital role short line rail plays in the economy. IL: What are your responsibilities as president of NYA? I oversee the day-to-day operations, including managing relationships with key stakeholders, like the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and customers across Long Island and the New York City metropolitan area. I also help set the strategic vision for the railroad, ensuring safety and operational efciency, and driving nancial performance. One initiative I’m currently focused on is capital improvements, such as upgrading the rail yard infrastructure and our locomotives to improve reliability and service delivery. Additionally, I am concentrating on aligning our operations with New York State’s climate goals, including addressing Long Island’s landll closure and transitioning to more sustainable practices in rail transport.

Marlon Taylor, President New York & Atlantic Railway

Marlon Taylor found a career with a short line railroad too cool to resist. Today, he navigates challenges, sustainability, and innovation at New York & Atlantic Railway by emphasizing adaptability, resilience, teamwork and communication, and leading with empathy.

by Karen Kroll

36 Inbound Logistics • January 2025