ABILENE, Kan. — The Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad will collaborate with a management subsidiary of American Heritage Railways to expand its operations, strengthen ridership, and advance the non-profit’s mission of education and historic preservation. The collaboration will be in the form of a multi-year agreement with Heritage Rail Management, which provides consulting, management, and […]
Train Topic: Railroad Operations
Amtrak fiscal 2022 report lists accomplishments, masks shortcomings: analysis
WASHINGTON — Amtrak’s announcement of its results for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2022, heralds an overall ridership growth of 89% compared with the period from October 2020 to September 2021. The press release and accompanying report was issued Tuesday, just ahead of a public Board of Directors meeting in St. Louis on Dec. […]
Ed Harris named as new chief operating officer at CN (revised and updated)
MONTREAL — Ed Harris, the most traveled Class I railroad operations chief, has come full circle. Harris on Monday was named chief operating officer at Canadian National, a job he held from 2005 to 2007. Harris also served as chief operating officer at Canadian Pacific from 2010 to 2011, at CSX Transportation from 2018 to […]
Union: Biden decision ‘does not address rail industry disease’
NOVI, Mich. — One of the four unions to vote down a tentative agreement with railroads is decrying President Joe Biden’s decision calling on Congress to impose that agreement and prevent a rail strike, continuing its call for paid sick leave while saying the move will not address rail service issues. Meanwhile, U.S. Sen. Bernie […]
South Shore board hires engineering firm to plan relocation of South Bend airport station
PORTER, Ind. — The agency overseeing South Shore Line commuter rail operation has approved a contract for engineering work to relocate the rail terminal at the South Bend International Airport, as well as design a new rail route into the airport. The Times of Northwest Indiana reports that the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District, at […]
After more than two months, full service restored on Denver-area light rail route
AURORA, Colo. — Full service on the Regional Transportation District’s light rail R Line, halted on a 4-mile segment since a Sept. 21 derailment, is slated to begin today (Tuesday, Nov. 29) at about 4 a.m. MST, the RTD said Monday. The RTD had previously said service would resume the week of Nov. 28, but […]
FRA grants safety waiver, aiding effort to open LIRR terminal under Grand Central
NEW YORK — The Federal Railroad Administration will grant a waiver allowing the Long Island Rail Road to open its route to the new Grand Central Madison terminal without installation of equipment to prevent Amtrak trains from inadvertently taking the wrong route, the New York Post reports. The move should allow the long-delayed terminal, some […]
Biden calls on Congress to impose rail labor settlement
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden has called on Congress to impose the terms of a tentative agreement between railroads and unions, which would prevent a strike that could come as soon as Dec. 9. Biden said he was calling for legislation to be passed “immediately … to avert a potentially crippling national rail shutdown.” House […]
Business leaders urge Congress to prevent national railroad strike
WASHINGTON — With a Dec. 9 deadline looming, a coalition of more than 400 business groups today urged Congress to prevent a national railroad strike that would cripple the economy. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, along with trade groups representing manufacturers and retailers, said a strike would have major economic impacts as railroads curtail shipments […]
CSX seeks FRA approval to use Trip Optimizer’s automatic start and stop feature
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — CSX Transportation is awaiting regulatory approval to become the first railroad to use Trip Optimizer’s Zero-to-Zero function, which allows the advanced cruise control system to automatically start and stop freight trains. The goal, CSX says, is to save fuel as part of the railroad’s effort to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by […]
With few extra trains, Amtrak’s ability to capture heavy Thanksgiving demand is limited
WASHINGTON — Consistent sellouts on Amtrak trains before and after Thanksgiving never get the same media play as TV reporters provide with stand-ups at the airport or on a highway overpass, and 2022 was no exception. The ability to efficiently move masses of travelers is a story that needs to be told. What was different […]
Washington short line receives funds for track work
VANCOUVER, Wash. — The 33-mile Chelatchie Prairie Railroad, owned by Clark County, Wash., and leased to two operators, will receive $4.7 million in state funding for line rehabilitation work, the Columbian newspaper reports. The first $1.5 million will improve the 14-mile section between Vancouver and Battle Ground, Wash., leased to the Portland Vancouver Junction Railroad, […]