Watco announces executive leadership changes

Watco logo, new version as of 2022

PITTSBURG, Kan. – Watco has made several executive leadership changes that the short line holding company says will refine its focus and simplify its mission. “This new structure will better support Watco’s focus on ensuring we have the best possible solutions for our customers and that our team is armed with the tools necessary to […]

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Young Guns in Preservation: Abigail Martinez

Young preservationist in front of a displayed historic railcar.

Even though it’s no longer part of Denver & Rio Grande Western’s narrow gauge empire, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad continues its scenic trek through the San Juan Mountains while serving the communities between Chama, N.M., and Antonito, Colo. This includes Chama resident Abigail Martinez, who grew up in the area with a vocation […]

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Maine enacts new law on rail hazardous-material transportation

View of damaged track and derailed train

AUGUSTA, Maine — Railroads in Maine face new requirements for reporting the transport of hazardous materials in the state after Gov. Janet Mills signed an emergency bill into law on Friday, the Portland Press Herald reports. LD1937 was introduced last year following a Rockwood, Maine, derailment and fire that saw three crew members injured [see […]

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Amtrak seeks information on zero-emissions replacements for diesel fleet

Amtrak logo.

WASHINGTON — Amtrak on Tuesday announced it has released a Request for Information seeking information on zero-emission technologies for the company’s rail fleet as a step toward eliminating its current diesel locomotive fleet. “Finding the cleanest technologies to carry customers across our vast network will be transformative as we deliver a new era of rail,” […]

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Alaska Railroad seeks funding for new Seward passenger dock

Illustration of cruise ship dock with train on adjacent track

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The Alaska Railroad is seeking to replace its passenger dock and terminal building in Seward, Alaska, with a $137 million project proposed by local developer the Seward Co. If funding is approved, the new facility could be opened by spring 2026. “This dock is a vital piece of Alaska’s transportation infrastructure, not […]

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AFL-CIO urges Norfolk Southern shareholders to vote against activist investor’s proposals

WASHINGTON — The AFL-CIO today became the latest organization to oppose an activist investor’s bid to gain control of Norfolk Southern. “In our view, Ancora’s business plan to reduce Norfolk Southern’s operating ratio while improving safety and service is not realistic. Railway labor unions, shippers, and federal regulators have warned that Ancora’s plans may jeopardize […]

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CSX debuts its first hydrogen-fuel cell locomotive (updated)

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – CSX today debuted its first hydrogen fuel-cell locomotive, which was converted from a conventional four-axle unit using a kit supplied by Canadian Pacific Kansas City. The locomotive, GP38H2 No. 2100, was built at CSX’s Huntington Locomotive Shop in West Virginia, which is handling hydrogen fuel cell conversions under a partnership with CPKC. […]

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