FORT WORTH, Texas – BNSF Railway has laid off a portion of its technology services staff as part of a departmental restructuring effort, per the Forth Worth Star Telegram. While BNSF did not disclose specific numbers, the cuts are believed to have affected between 140 and 175 workers.
The Fort Worth-based carrier is creating a new division called “bnsf | tech” as part of what it describes as “a strategic initiative to transform the future of rail operations through innovation.” According to a prepared statement, this new organization “will be infused with new investment and an expanded team of software engineers focused on building a safer, smarter railroad.”
The company noted that “some Technology Services positions are being repurposed or eliminated” as the restructured technology division will have “a reduced reliance on contractors and third-party vendors over time.”
BNSF stated it “remains committed to supporting employees affected by personnel changes,” and is providing “applicable resources and career transition services” to those impacted by the layoffs.
The technology department restructuring comes amid mixed financial performance for the carrier. While BNSF reported higher earnings in the first quarter of 2025, it continues to face financial challenges. At Berkshire Hathaway’s annual meeting on Saturday, outgoing CEO Warren Buffett acknowledged these difficulties, stating: “The railroad is earning a little more than last year, but it’s not earning what it should be earning at the present time. But that’s solvable and is getting solved.”
This is not BNSF’s first significant workforce reduction in recent times. The railroad laid off over 360 mechanical employees in March 2024.
The blogs are saying Katie Farmer is not far behind. The cost cutting to the point you cant pay your UP track sharing maintenance is kind of self defeating.
Perhaps that is why she is joining other boards. Job security.