BERLIN — InnoTrans – the largest rail trade fair in the world, held every two years in the German capital city opened its doors for its 2024 edition on Sept. 24. Exhibitors number 2,940 representing 59 countries are occupying the entire exhibition grounds at the Berlin trade fair exhibition centre which is also equipped with […]
Type of Train: Passenger/Transit
Amtrak combines Capitol Limited, Silver Star to create the new Floridian (updated)
WASHINGTON — Amtrak is temporarily combining the Capitol Limited and Silver Star trains to create the new Floridian. Amtrak says the change is due to the upcoming East River Tunnel Rehabilitation Project in New York. During this project, one tunnel tube will be closed at a time, minimizing service impacts, maximizing construction access and modernizing the tunnel infrastructure to […]
Railroads gear up for safety week activities across North America
WASHINGTON – The “See Tracks, Think Trains Week,” which kicks off today and runs through Sunday, aims to enhance public safety by raising awareness about the importance of staying safe around railroad tracks. More than 95% of all rail-related deaths involve drivers going through grade crossings or a person on the tracks, according to the […]
California’s Tehachapi Loop
When it comes to showmanship in mainline mountain railroading, California’s Tehachapi Pass can be described as a grand theater. Located between Bakersfield and Mojave, historic Tehachapi Loop is at center stage, an impressive helix stretching three-quarters of a mile while looping over itself to gain 77 feet in elevation. The loop itself sits at about […]
Evans Auto-Railer to join National Capital Trolley Museum’s collection
COLESVILLE, Md. — A unique predecessor to the renowned hi-rail vehicle has recently hit the road for a renewal in its preservation odyssey. The National Capital Trolley Museum announced in a Sept. 17 post on Facebook and Instagram the acquisition of Evans Auto-Railer No. 109. The 1936-built vehicle was transported on Sept. 9 on a […]
Canadian National to move operations from Jasper
JASPER, Alberta — Canadian National plans to move operations from Jasper 60 miles east to Hinton, Canada’s Global News reports. A wildfire burned through Jasper in July 2024, burning about one-third of the city and displacing thousands of residents. Caught in the fire was CN’s crew bunkhouse, which the railroad has since rebuilt. On Monday, […]
RTA to assume ownership of Detroit QLine streetcar
DETROIT – The Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan will acquire ownership and control of the Detroit QLine streetcar, Detroit Free Press reports. The deal was approved on Sept. 19 and will be effective Oct. 1. The QLine began as M-1 RAIL, a non-profit organization formed in 2007 to lead the design, construction, and […]
Michigan City Quiet Zone approved on South Shore Line
MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. — The Federal Railroad Administration has approved the pending South Shore Line Michigan City quiet zone. Horns in the city will cease on Oct. 21. “We are pleased to finally have the approval for the Quiet Zone,” Michigan City Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch says. “This is something I helped champion for our […]
Short Line Safety Institute completes its first decade of operations
This month, the Short Line Safety Institute enters its tenth year of operations, having marked 155 completed safety culture assessments, and numerous introductions of programs and resources to benefit the short line industry in continuously improving safety culture. Founded in response to the tragic 2013 Lac-Megantic rail accident in Quebec, Canada, on regional Montreal, Maine […]
Alstom lawsuit challenges waivers approved by FRA for Brightline West’s trainset order: Analysis
WASHINGTON — Its offer rejected in a years-long competitive bidding process, an Alstom lawsuit challenges waivers for the construction of new Brightline West equipment. The Federal Railroad Administration approved waivers of the “100% Buy America” provisions granted to winning bidder Siemens. Brightline West selected Siemens over Alstom to build 186-mph Las Vegas-Southern California trainsets by […]
Denver light rail to resume Downtown Loop service Sept. 29
DENVER — Three Denver light rail lines will resume Downtown Loop service on Sept. 29 following the completion of significant construction. The three lines, D, H, and L, had been detouring to Denver Union Station. After nearly 30 years, RTD is investing in its oldest rail infrastructure to ensure the long-term integrity of […]
Kansas Belle dinner train cars find temporary home at Abilene & Smoky Valley
ABILENE, Kan. — Nearly five years after the last run out of Baldwin City, six passenger cars of Bruce Eveland’s Kansas Belle dinner train have found a new owner and a temporary home. A Sept. 16, 2024, Facebook post by the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad (A&SV) announced the recent acquisition with American Heritage Railways […]