Ridership remains strong at Brightline’s new stations

Train at station in area with construction

MIAMI — Brightline’s new stations in Boca Raton and Aventura continue to be a boon to ridership. Miami Today reports the two stations, which opened in late December, contributed 27% of the passenger carrier’s total ridership in January, according to Brightline’s monthly ridership and revenue report. The two handled 42,391 of the 157,137 total riders; […]

Read More…

Weather leads to cancellations for Southwest Chief, Empire Builder

Passenger train leaves rooster tail of snow as it runs on three-track main line

CHICAGO — Weather is taking its toll on current operations of Amtrak’s western long-distance trains. According to the Amtrak Alerts Twitter feed, the eastbound Chief scheduled to depart Los Angeles today (Wednesday, Feb. 22) has been cancelled due to severe weather conditions, while the westbound Chief that left Chicago on Tuesday, Feb. 21, will terminate […]

Read More…

Washington state legislature considers train-length bill

Mean standing near railroad tracks as train approaches

OLYMPIA, Wash. — The state of Washington has joined the list of those considering legislation to limit the length of freight trains. The Columbia Basin Herald reports that state’s House Transportation Committee heard testimony Tuesday on House Bill 1839, by Rep. Sharon Tomiko Santos (D-Seattle), that would limit the length of trains operating within the […]

Read More…

Siemens to provide maintenance services for Metrolinx rail operations

Commuter train equipment in yard with one train passing on main line

TORONTO — Siemens Mobility will provide track, signal, and right-of-way maintenance for Metrolinx rail operations in the West Region of Toronto, expanding an existing agreement with the provincial agency that oversees public transportation in the Toronto and Hamilton area. “We are excited to continue our partnership with Metrolinx, helping them keep their systems running safely […]

Read More…

UP coal train derails in Nebraska

Union Pacific logo without slogan. UP Bailey Yard explosion appear to be accidental.

GOTHENBURG, Neb. — Approximately 31 cars of a Union Pacific coal train derailed on Union Pacific’s triple-track main line across Nebraska early today (Tuesday, Feb. 21), stopping rail traffic for more than six hours. No injuries were reported and no hazardous materials were involved in the accident that occurred about 1:45 a.m., UP spokeswoman Robynn […]

Read More…

Rail leaders defend industry’s commitment to safety as DOT proposes new regulations

Aerial view of derailment cleanup

Regulators should not impose new safety regulations until the National Transportation Safety Board determines what caused the fiery derailment of a Norfolk Southern train that was carrying hazardous materials through East Palestine, Ohio, rail industry leaders said today. Their remarks came just hours after Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said the Department of Transportation would adopt […]

Read More…

Following referendum, Quebec town plans to fight bypass

Fire-damaged town and derailed train

FRONTENAC, Quebec — The results of a Sunday referendum showing strong opposition to the proposed Lac-Mégantic bypass mean the municipality of Frontenac will do everything it can to fight the rail-line relocation, Frontenac’s mayor said Monday. Mayor Gaby Gendron told the Canadian Press “it’s absolutely certain the municipal council will oppose the project by all […]

Read More…

Metra faces delay in plan for battery conversion of F40s

Locomotive rounds curve at station

CHICAGO — Metra’s plan to convert at least three of its oldest F40PH-3 diesel locomotives to battery power is on hold after the commuter operator was “not able to secure an agreement” on a contract, Metra CEO/Executive Director Jim Derwinski said Friday. Derwinski, responding to a question during a joint presentation with South Shore President/General […]

Read More…

Union Pacific, two unions reach agreement on paid sick leave

Union Pacific logo with Building America slogan

OMAHA, Neb. — Union Pacific has become the second Class I railroad to reach an agreement offering paid sick days to some employees, the railroad has announced. “Union Pacific remains committed to addressing our employees’ concerns and signed a deal with the National Conference of Firemen and Oilers (NCFO) and Brotherhood of Railway Carmen (BRC),” […]

Read More…

Brightline receives last of its Siemens trainsets (with video)

Two locomotives and passenger trainset arrive at maintenance facility

ORLANDO, Fla. — Brightline has received the last of the 10 trainsets for its Florida operation, and the last of the five ordered for its upcoming expansion of service to Orlando. The “Bright Orange 2” train arrived at the company’s Vehicle Maintenance Facility in Orlando on Sunday, Feb. 19, after a 10-day trip from the […]

Read More…