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 […]
Magazine: Trains Magazine
Young Guns in Preservation: Abigail Martinez
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 […]
Maine enacts new law on rail hazardous-material transportation
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 […]
Jim Foote, who led CSX to record operating and financial performance, dies at 70 (updated)
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Former CSX CEO Jim Foote, who helped turn the railroad from industry laggard into a leader, died yesterday. He was 70. “Jim’s leadership was instrumental in guiding CSX through a transformational period in our company’s history, advancing CSX to new heights, marked by record operating and financial performance,” CSX CEO Joe Hinrichs […]
Plan for express trains between Toronto airport and downtown quickly cancelled
TORONTO — Toronto’s UP Express won’t be introducing express trains after all. A day after provincial transit agency Metrolinx announced plans to make every other Union Pearson Express train an express between Toronto Union Station and the city’s Pearson Airport, Ontario’s transportation minister has cancelled that plan in the face of immediate and significant opposition. […]
Amtrak seeks information on zero-emissions replacements for diesel fleet
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,” […]
South Shore to close ticket offices at stations in Chicago and Michigan City
CHICAGO — The South Shore Line will permanently close its ticket offices at Chicago’s Millennium Station and at its Carroll Avenue station in Michigan City, Ind., as of Friday, April 26. The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District announced the move on Tuesday, April 16, saying in a press release that it will “allow the SSL […]
Alaska Railroad seeks funding for new Seward passenger dock
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 […]
Canada pledges funds for rebuilding Ukraine transportation network at G7 meeting
MILAN, Italy — The Canadian government will provide C$300,000 to the International Transport Forum to help rebuilding of Ukraine’s road and rail network, Transport Minister Pablo Rodriguez announced last week at a meeting of the G7 Transport Ministers. The funding, under the Clean Transportation System program, will focus on aiding greener intercity and international travel […]
Canadian National improves contract offer to engineers, conductors in Canada
MONTREAL — Canadian National last week improved its contract offer to the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference, which represents engineers and conductors in Canada. The railway said it offered the union better wages, more job security, and guaranteed earnings during talks held April 10-12. Both CN and Canadian Pacific Kansas City have proposed abolishing the traditional […]
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 […]
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. […]