CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Cheyenne’s newly formed Passenger Rail Commission held its first meeting Friday, with Front Range Passenger Rail District General Manager Andy Karsian offering a presentation on the efforts to launch a new passenger route in Colorado that could eventually be extended into Wyoming. Cheyenne Mayor Patrick Collins announced creation of the 10-member commission […]
Zone & Region: Mountain West
BNSF sued over grizzly-bear deaths in Montana
MISSOULA, Mont. — Wildlife conservation groups have sued BNSF Railway, saying the railroad’s trains are violating the Endangered Species Act by hitting and killing grizzly bears. The lawsuit filed Thursday in U.S. District Court in Missoula by WildEarth Guardians and the Western Watersheds Project says 63 grizzly bears have been killed by BNSF trains in […]
City of Cheyenne creates group to pursue passenger rail service
CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Cheyenne’s mayor has launched a new group to aid in efforts to bring passenger rail service back to Wyoming’s largest city. Mayor Patrick Collins announced creation of the 10-member Cheyenne Passenger Rail Commission on Monday, saying the group’s first meeting is set for this Friday, Dec. 15, at 10 a.m. It will […]
Federal grant to upgrade Empire Builder route in Montana
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 […]
Dome car in the Rockies
In a view from one of the California Zephyr’s five regularly assigned dome cars, another dome curves through the Rocky Mountains during the streamliner’s trip over the Denver & Rio Grande Western. Gordon Odegard photo […]
Routes from Chicago join list of selections for FRA Corridor Identification program
WASHINGTON — Ten more routes — almost all of them radiating from Chicago — have joined the list of those selected for inclusion in the Federal Railroad Administration’s Corridor Identification and Development program, according to announcements today from a variety of sources. Selection, the first step in the process of gaining or increasing Amtrak service, […]
Snow arrives on the Norfolk Southern Bristol Line
Norfolk Southern’s Bristol Line, departing from the mainline at Walton, Virginia, west to Bristol is a vital cog in the Class One railroad’s system. Originally, the Norfolk & Western mainline routed from the coast at Norfolk to a connection with the Southern Railway at Bristol. These days the route handles a lot of freight moving […]
Legislators announce selection of nine more passenger routes for FRA Corridor ID program (updated)
Five routes in Wisconsin — including both the state’s existing Amtrak lines, which seek increased service — are among those selected for the Federal Railroad Administration’s Corridor Identification and Development Program, according to members of Congress across the country. Selection provides funding for studies that are a prelude to new or expanded Amtrak service. In […]
Federal appeals court turns down request to rehear Uinta Basin Railway case
WASHINGTON — A federal appeals court has turned down a request to rehear its decision blocking approval of the Uinta Basin Railway project, the Salt Lake Tribune reports, leaving the Surface Transportation Board to address issues with its environmental report raised by the court’s decision in August. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District […]
Colorado seeks information on equipment for Denver-Craig rail passenger route
DENVER — The Colorado Department of Transportation isn’t prepared to start shopping for passenger trains just yet, but it’s at least ready to look at brochures. The state DOT on Friday issued a “request for information” for rolling stock for possible passenger service between Denver and Craig, Colo., and has asked manufacturers and vendors to […]
Explore Nevada Northern Railway’s rich heritage
Explore Ely, Nevada, and experience the rich history of the Nevada Northern Railway, one of the best-preserved tourist railroads in the United States. Originally built for copper ore transport, this 140-mile railway, now operating under the White Pine Historical Railroad Foundation, showcases various steam locomotives. With ongoing restoration projects and a recent $10 million grant, […]
Tickets now on sale for 2024 season of Winter Park Express ski train
DENVER, Colo. — Tickets are now on sale for the 2024 season of Amtrak’s Winter Park Express ski train service, which will operate on weekends beginning Jan. 12. Trains will operate Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays on weekends beginning Jan. 12-14 and concluding the weekend of March 29-31. Added this year are service on two holiday […]