Legislation would allow Amtrak to sue over freight train interference

Passenger train passes freight

WASHINGTON — Two Pennsylvania Congressmen on Friday introduced a bill which would allow Amtrak to address freight train interference issues by taking railroads to court over the issue. The bill, dubbed the “Rail Passenger Fairness Act,” was introduced by U.S. Reps. Chris Deluzio (D-Aspinwall, Pa.) and Brendan Boyle (D-Philadelphia), would allow Amtrak to sue railroads […]

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UP derailment in Arizona leads to acid spill

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

GREEN VALLEY, Ariz. — Twenty-four cars of a Union Pacific train derailed Friday morning, resulting in a spill of sulfuric acid from one tank car, the Arizona Republic reports The incident occurred about 25 miles south of Tucson. No injuries were reported, and the railroad said in a statement to the newspaper that “no waterways […]

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Patriot Rail names Tisa, Turnauckas to executive positions

Patriot Rail logo

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Thomas J. Tisa will join Patriot Rail as chief commercial officer while Robert Turnauckas will move from chief commercial officer to a new position, president, Scenic Rail Excursions, the company has announced. The changes are effective Nov. 1. Tisa, with more than 30 years of industry experience, has held sales and marketing […]

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CSX, short lines in recovery mode after Hurricane Milton

Train with blue and yellow locomotive in yard

TAMPA, Fla. — Freight railroads from the Gulf Coast to Miami are still assessing damages and making repairs after Hurricane Milton made landfall near St. Petersburg, Fla., late Wednesday as a Category 3 hurricane. According to CSX’s most recent customer advisory, all routes north of Jacksonville, Fla., are open with no anticipated issues, as is […]

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Metra unveils proposed 2025 budget, capital plan

Two commter trains meet

CHICAGO — Commuter rail operator Metra has unveiled a proposed 2025 operating budget of $1.135 billion and a $366.5 million capital plan, saying it will avoid fare increases by relying on sales tax revenues and a decreasing allotment of federal COVID relief aid to cover projected increases in expenses. The Thursday, Oct. 10, release of […]

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NJ Transit names new customer advocate

Head shot of man in coat and bow tie

NEWARK, N.J. — NJ Transit has named Franck Beaumin as the agency’s customer advocate, filling a position vacant for four years. Beaumin, a native of France, brings diverse international experience to the position. He has been a consultant on a bus rapid transit project in Bangladesh; was customer service project manager and customer experience manager […]

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Kawasaki ceremony marks 5,000th railcar for U.S. market

Man at podium with officials seated in background in front of subway car

YONKERS, N.Y. — Kawasaki Rail Car Inc. this week marked delivery of its 5,000th railcar in the United States since entering the U.S. market in 1979, holding a ceremony at its Yonkers plant featuring Metropolitan Transportation Authority CEO Janno Lieber and state and local elected officials. An R211 subway car for New York City Transit […]

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Rapido Trains HO GE Dash 8-40CM

Color photo showing front end of HO scale diesel locomotive

The General Electric Dash 8-40CM diesel locomotive is back in the Rapido Trains product lineup. The redesigned six-axle road locomotive features a newly tooled fuel tank, cab interior, and trucks; railroad-specific details; and full underbody details. Prototype history General Electric (GE) produced the Dash 8-40CM from February 1990 through March 1994. During the course of […]

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Norfolk Southern donates an additional $400,000 for hurricane relief

Norfolk Southern logo

ATLANTA — Norfolk Southern has donated an additional $400,000 to the American Red Cross to add in relief efforts following Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, the company announced today (Oct. 10). The company had previously donated $100,000 to the organization for Helene relief on Oct. 1 [see “Norfolk Southern donates …,” Trains News Wire, Oct. […]

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Passenger, commuter rail operations resuming in Florida

Passenger train meets commuter train with station in background

MIAMI, Fla. — Passenger and commuter rail services in Florida are making plans to resume now that Hurricane Milton has passed through the state — although the storm has left significant damage in its wake. Amtrak, Brightline, and South Florida commuter operator Tri-Rail will all resume at least some service on Friday, Oct. 11 Tri-Rail […]

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