Reading & Northern hits one million tons in coal traffic

Close view of Reading & Northern hopper car

PORT CLINTON, Pa. — The Reading & Northern Railroad announced today it has moved one million tons of coal this year, reaching that long-sought goal for the first time in its 33-year history. The milestone reinforces the “Road of Anthracite” slogan adopted by owner and CEO Andy Muller since launching the railroad with an initial […]

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Canadian government announces second phase of new brake rules

Transport Canada logo

OTTAWA, Ontario — The Canadian government has announced new rules regarding rail air brake inspection and maintenance, to take effect Dec. 1, 2025. The new changes to the federal Railway Freight and Passenger Train Brake Inspection and Safety Rules, announced on Friday, Dec. 8, require railroads to: — Perform more robust brake inspections for heavy […]

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News photos: Metra operates congressional special

Blue and white locomotives lead commuter train

CHICAGO — In a rarity on a number of fronts, Metra operated a special train today (Sunday, Dec. 10) for members of Congress between Chicago Union Station and the O’Hare Airport station on the North Central Service line. The train, using one of Metra’s decorated holiday train sets generally led by F40PH-3 No. 104, the […]

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Baltimore light rail line shut down indefinitely

Red, yellow, and white light rail trainset

BALTIMORE — The Maryland Transit Administration is halting service on its light rail line in Baltimore because of mechanical issues requiring immediate repairs, officials said at a Thursday press conference. The service suspension is effective today (Friday, Dec. 8) and will be in effect indefinitely. The Baltimore Sun reports that MTA Administrator Holly Arnold said […]

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Federal grant to upgrade Empire Builder route in Montana

BNSF Railway logo

WASHINGTON — BNSF Railway will receive a federal grant for $14.9 million toward infrastructure improvements in and around Malta, Mont., U.S. Sen. Jon Tester announced Thursday. The money, from the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant Program, is to improve service on the route of the Empire Builder. Specifically, it will help with final […]

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Slide activity extends Amtrak closure between Seattle, Portland

Amtrak logo.

SEATTLE — Amtrak service between Seattle and Portland, Ore., remains suspended following a second landslide on the route, KIRO-TV reports. Service had been slated to resume at 8:30 a.m. today (Thursday, Dec. 7), but additional slide activity now means that the closure has been extended through Saturday, Dec. 9, at 7:22 a.m., according to an […]

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Long Bridge, other Virginia passenger projects land $729 million grant

Rendering of twin two-track railroad bridges and pedestrian bridge

WASHINGTON — Construction of a new Long Bridge across the Potomac River will be the largest beneficiary of a $729 million grant for Virginia rail projects announced today by members of the state’s congressional delegation, the latest in a series of major awards nationally under the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passsenger Rail grant program. U.S. […]

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