Amtrak combines Capitol Limited, Silver Star to create the new Floridian (updated)

Locomotive and caboose on display next to passenger station

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 […]

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California’s Tehachapi Loop

Steam locomotive with passenger train on broad curve

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 […]

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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, […]

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RTA to assume ownership of Detroit QLine streetcar

Advertising-wrapped blue streetcar on city street

  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 […]

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Michigan City Quiet Zone approved on South Shore Line

Bilevel electric train approaches banner strumng across tracks

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 […]

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Short Line Safety Institute completes its first decade of operations

Three locomotives lead train reflected in water

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 […]

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Alstom lawsuit challenges waivers approved by FRA for Brightline West’s trainset order: Analysis

Shell for passenger train car under construction inside factory

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 […]

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Denver light rail to resume Downtown Loop service Sept. 29

Railroad tracks in Denver ready to resume Downtown Loop service

  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 […]

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