If it works as intended, the Surface Transportation Board’s proposed reciprocal switching rule just might — emphasis on might — lead to better service for Class I railroad carload customers. Earlier this month the board unveiled the long-awaited rule, which for the first time proposes service standards for railroads. If a railroad fails to meet […]
Train Topic: Railroad Operations
CSX carman killed in accident in Walbridge Yard near Toledo
WALBRIDGE, Ohio – A CSX Transportation carman killed early Sunday morning when he was struck by moving equipment in Walbridge Yard. CSX identified the carman as Fred Anderson, 56, who had worked for the railroad for 19 years. He is survived by his wife and an adult son, CSX CEO Joe Hinrichs wrote in a […]
Swiss Spectacular, Part 9: Bernina and beyond
ZERMATT, Switzerland — The last couple of days on the Trains/Special Interest Tours “Majestic Switzerland” tour have been long but memorable, so it’s going to take a bit of time to catch up. Today, let’s look back on our activity from Saturday, Sept. 16: If you built a model railroad with track like the route […]
Safety consultant identifies ways Norfolk Southern can improve
ATLANTA – Norfolk Southern’s independent safety consultant has made 11 recommendations the railroad should follow in order to improve its safety culture. Atkins Nuclear Secured, in its first report since being hired in May to assess the railroad’s safety efforts in the wake of the disastrous Feb. 3 derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, says NS […]
MBTA is unsafe and service isn’t great either, says poll
BOSTON — A new poll indicates 70% of MBTA riders did not feel safe during a trip. Respondents also gave the MBTA low ratings for its service. This is according to survey conducted in mid-August by MassINC Polling Group and funded by the Barr Foundation, says a report on WBUR. The results indicate 70% of […]
A lengthy UAW strike would curb railroads’ US auto volumes
UAW strike A potential United Auto Workers strike against the Big Three automakers would put a dent in railroads’ motor vehicle and parts volume – the traffic segment that’s shown the most growth this year as overall rail volume has declined. The UAW has set a midnight deadline tonight for a strike at Ford, GM, […]
CPKC touts its premium cross-border intermodal service linking Chicago and Mexico
LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. – Canadian Pacific Kansas City Chief Executive Officer Keith Creel today touted the benefits of the railway’s flagship single-line Mexico Midwest Express service linking Chicago and Mexico. Yesterday Union Pacific announced that it had shaved a day off of its rival cross-border Falcon Premium intermodal trains run in conjunction with Canadian National […]
CSX, NS cited for 99 bridge, property violations
CLEVELAND – The city handed CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern 99 first-degree misdemeanor violations for falling concrete, high weeds, and graffiti issues on railroad-owned bridges and other property within the city, reports WEWS-TV. Cleveland residents have complained about the railroad property conditions previously to the point that Justin Bibb, Cleveland mayor, asked residents to report […]
Parallel Systems unveils its second-generation prototype autonomous battery-electric railcar
LOS ANGELES – Parallel Systems today introduced its second generation battery-electric autonomous container car system, which the company hopes will see pilot testing on Genesee & Wyoming short lines in Georgia as well as with international customers. Parallel says the new prototype is undergoing testing to verify the system’s ability to operate on the conventional […]
Hudson River rail tunnel project starts … again
NEW YORK — Following a 13-year delay, it appears construction will begin in October on the initial steps leading to a new rail tunnel under the Hudson River to Midtown Manhattan, according to a story in the New York Times. The Gateway Program, which will address infrastructure needs on 10-miles of the Northeast Corridor, is […]
Vena’s growth formula at Union Pacific: Great safety plus operations and service excellence
LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. – New Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena says his strategy for the railroad is a simple one: Grow through great safety and excellence in operations and service. Vena, in his first public remarks since becoming chief executive last month, told an investor conference today that UP wants to grow with its customers. […]
Amtrak awards two contracts for Frederick Douglass Tunnel project
BALTIMORE – Clark Construction/Stacy and Witbeck Joint Venture has been selected by Amtrak as the construction contractor for the Southern Approach Package (package B) of the Frederick Douglass Tunnel Program, according to an Amtrak news release. This is one of three major contracts to be awarded in work on the tunnel project. The Frederick Douglass […]