SCHENECTADY, N.Y. — Two weeks ahead of schedule, Schenectady’s new Amtrak station has opened. The $23 million facility opened Wednesday, with Lt. Gov Kathy Hochul participating in a ribbon-cutting ceremony and saying, “This telegraphs to the world that we’re prepared for the future,” according to the Albany Times-Union. It is the third new station on […]
Magazine: Trains Magazine
Alaska Railroad expands winter passenger service NEWSWIRE
The Alaska Railroad’s winter schedule includes expanded operation of its Aurora Winter Train. Glenn Aronwits, courtesy Alaska Railroad ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The Alaska Railroad’s 2018-19 winter schedule includes increased operation of its Aurora Winter Train, as well as new Thanksgiving holiday service and increased operations for spring break travel. The Aurora Winter Train, which began […]
CSX Transportation employee injury and train accident figures continue to improve NEWSWIRE
CSX Transportation safety chart CSX Corp. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — CSX Transportation is making safety improvement strides. The railroad’s personal injury rate improved for the fifth straight quarter, while the train accident rate declined compared to last year and the second quarter, CSX noted in its third-quarter earnings call on Tuesday. “The safety of our employees […]
Metra releases proposed Rock Island schedule for PTC operation NEWSWIRE
A Metra Rock Island District train curves from the main line onto the Beverly Branch in August 2018. Metra has released a proposed schedule for the Rock Island District including adjustments for operation with positive train control. TRAINS: David Lassen CHICAGO — Metra has unveiled its proposed schedule revision for the Rock Island District, incorporating […]
MBTA calls for plans to replace drawbridge bottleneck NEWSWIRE
An MBTA commuter train crosses one of two drawbridges over the Charles River as it leaves North Station. The commuter agency is beginning the process of replacing the drawbridges, which are a bottleneck for trains entering and leaving the station. Scott A. Hartley BOSTON — The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority has begun the process of […]
Brookville delivers 50th PCC rebuild; three streetcar systems to open soon NEWSWIRE
BROOKVILLE’s 50th PCC Streetcar Restoration departs from the company’s main manufacturing facility on Oct. 10, 2018. Brookville BROOKVILLE, Pa. – On Oct. 14, 2018, the fifth of six PCC streetcars to undergo a complete overhaul and modernization program arrived at its destination in El Paso, Texas, marking the 50th PCC streetcar vehicle Brookville Equipment Corp. […]
Kentucky Steam organization closes on CSX shop property NEWSWIRE
The Kentucky Steam Heritage Corp., now owns the railroad shop in Ravenna, Ky. KSHC RAVENNA, Ky. — The Kentucky Steam Heritage Corp., a Kentucky-based nonprofit, announced Sunday that it has finalized a transaction with CSX Transportation and has taken possession of a large portion of the former Louisville & Nashville decommissioned rail yard in Ravenna, […]
Trespasser escapes oncoming freight train, but is killed by coming Amtrak train NEWSWIRE
SEATTLE — A South Carolina man leapt from in front of an oncoming freight train, only to succumb to a passing Amtrak train south of Seattle on Sunday, the News Tribune reports. The Tacoma, Wash., news outlet cites a local public safety official saying that a transient man in his 20s was trespassing on railroad […]
UP to close Nebraska locomotive shop, transferring or furloughing railroaders NEWSWIRE
OMAHA, Neb. — Union Pacific is closing its locomotive shop in South Morrill, Neb., in January. UP representative Kristen South confirmed the closure in an email to Trains on Monday. She says the railroad is working with labor unions so railroaders have the opportunity to relocate within the railroad’s network, based on seniority. Workers who […]
Western Maryland Scenic offers 1309 behind-the-scenes event NEWSWIRE
Western Maryland Scenic’s No. 1309 steams for the first time in 61 years. Chase Gunnoe CUMBERLAND, Md. — Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, fresh on the heels of test firing the boiler of Chesapeake & Ohio 2-6-6-2 No. 1309 on Oct. 3, is offering a chance to visit the shop and see the live boiler. The […]
Union stations
A CSX Transportation freight passes Marion (Ohio) Union Station. The site is now a museum with a restored interlocking tower. Brian Schmidt Q Why is the word “Union” used so often in the names of passenger stations and terminals? For example, Cincinnati Union Terminal, St. Louis Union Station, or Denver Union Station. Is there a […]
Age of Steam Roundhouse acquires W&LE 0-6-0 NEWSWIRE
W&LE No. 3960 departs Minerva, Ohio, for its trip to the Age of Steam Roundhouse on Oct. 9. Age of Steam Roundhouse: John B. Corns SUGARCREEK, Ohio – Former Wheeling & Lake Erie 0-6-0 No. 3960 has arrived at the Age of Steam Roundhouse in Sugarcreek. The arrival of the locomotive concludes nearly a decade […]