News photos: Metro-North debuts Penn Central unit

Blue locomotive with yellow nose on commuter train

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — Metro-North Railroad has unveiled the fourth locomotive in its heritage series, this time wrapping P32AC-DM No. 217 in Penn Central colors. The locomotive made its debut today on a Hudson Line train departing Croton-Harmon at 7:58 a.m. and arriving at Grand Central Terminal at 8:55 a.m. “Every new wrapped locomotive reminds […]

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Biden budget would provide almost $4 billion for 14 major transit projects

Rendering of elevated transit station

WASHINGTON — Fourteen major transit projects in 11 states would receive almost $4 billion under President Joe Biden’s fiscal 2025 budget request to Congress, according to recommendations from Transportation Pete Buttigieg. Primary funding would come under the Capital Investment Grants and Expedited Project Delivery Pilot programs. “FTA looks forward to working with these communities to […]

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BNSF eliminates management jobs amid uncertain freight outlook

FORT WORTH, Texas — BNSF Railway eliminated several hundred management positions at its headquarters and across the system last week as part of a belt-tightening move. The railroad did not disclose how many jobs were affected, but people familiar with the matter say that BNSF cut 8% of its management workforce. That would translate into […]

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STB chairman disappointed activist investors haven’t agreed to meet regarding their plans for Norfolk Southern

Man gesturing while talking

WASHINGTON — Surface Transportation Board Chairman Martin J. Oberman says he’s disappointed that executives from Ancora Holdings, the activist investor firm engaged in a proxy battle with Norfolk Southern, have yet to schedule a meeting to discuss its goals for the railroad. Ancora Holdings Group Chairman and CEO Frederick DiSanto and Ancora Alternatives President James […]

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Must-see big steam for 2024

261SPUD

From tourist line operations to a transnational tour, see which of these big locomotives will be in steam and a must-see for 2024! Additional locomotives and schedules are expected to be added throughout the year based on upcoming news and announcements. Check back regularly for the most up-to-date list of the must-see big steam for […]

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Exploring types of dynamic brakes

blue metal panel up close

Types of dynamic brakes Dynamic brakes are a supplemental braking system that is the conversion of a locomotive’s traction motors from electric motors to electric generators. This allows a train’s speed to be adjusted by the engineer using a lever in the cab to vary the amount of electricity sent through a series of resistance […]

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Santa Clara VTA awards contract for light rail extension

Map showing 2.4-mile light rail project in San Jose, Calif.

SAN JOSE, Calif. — The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority has awarded a contract for construction of a 2.4-mile extension of its light rail system in East San Jose, despite a contract more than one-third higher than the agency’s original estimate. The VTA’s board last week unanimously approved the extension from the Alum Rock station […]

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No injuries reported as MBTA Green Line train derails

Detail from MBTA rail transit map

BOSTON — No injuries were reported when a Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Green Line B Branch light rail train derailed today (Saturday, March 9) just west of Kenmore Station. The incident occurred hours after the line reopened after an 18-day shutdown for track maintenance. WCVB-TV reports the derailment occurred about 8:55 a.m. and led to […]

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STB passenger advisory committee has no shortage of nominees

Passenger train meets commuter train with station in background

WASHINGTON — When the Surface Transportation Board names the members of its first Rail Passenger Advisory Committee, it will be worth remembering that the competition for places among the panels 18 voting members was fiercer for some seats than for others. As outlined in the January call for nominations, the panel has a very specific […]

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Northstar commuter service to Twins games to return

Trains at station with baseball stadium in background

MINNEAPOLIS — Metro Transit will resume Northstar commuter train service for 38 Minnesota Twins home games this season, the transit agency announced Friday, March 8. Trains will run for the Twins’ home opener April 4, for all Saturday and Sunday games, week day day games, and on Memorial Day and July 4. A complete game […]

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