Holiday layout display event in Delaware

man standing next to holiday train layout

The Standard Gauge Module Association (SGMA) has announced the schedule for its annual display at the Winterthur Museum, Garden, & Library in Winterthur, Delaware. The display is part of the museum’s Yuletides at Winterthur event. Watch a preview video of the display. Members of the SGMA will operate both new and vintage Standard gauge equipment. […]

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Canadian high-speed operation envisions up to 72 trains daily

Dark green high speed train in snowy landscape

MONTREAL — Internal documents of the company developing Canada’s planned high-speed rail route say the planned line between Toronto and Quebec City could see up to 72 trains per day. A Canadian Press report says the figure comes from draft versions of a 2023 technical briefing, which the news organization obtained through an access-to-information request. […]

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MBTA approves $253 million program to overhaul 40 commuter diesels

Purple and black locomotive at station platform

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority will spend about $253 million to overhaul 40 commuter-rail diesel locomotives following approval of the expense Thursday, Dec. 18, by the agency’s board. The overhaul will cover HSP46 locomotives built by Motive Power Inc. of Boise, Idaho, in three orders placed between 2010 and 2013. The first of […]

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South Dakota to consider eliminating state Railroad Board

Logo of the South Dakota Department of Transportation

PIERRE, S.D. — South Dakota’s governor is proposing legislation that would fold the state’s Railroad Board and two other commissions into a single organization addressing all transportation matters. KELO-TV reports state Transportation Secretary Joel Jundt outlined the proposal from Gov. Larry Rhoden’s administration at the Dec. 17 meeting of the Railroad Board. It would fold […]

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Schultz confirmed for second term on STB

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate today confirmed the nomination of Surface Transportation Board member Michelle Schultz for a second term, the board said in a brief press release. Schultz was re-nominated by President Donald Trump on Sept. 10. Her second term will expire on Nov. 30, 2030. Schultz joined the board for her first term […]

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MBTA narrows field of potential commuter rail operators to three

BOSTON — Three consortia have been shortlisted as the most qualified to submit proposals to operate the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority commuter rail system, the MBTA announced today. Current contract operator Keolis, whose contract expires on June 30, 2027, is part of one of the three teams selected, based on a Request for Qualifications issued […]

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Rail regulation bill advances in Pennsylvania legislature

The pennsylvania state seal

HARRISBURG, Pa. — A bill including a limit on freight train lengths and a prohibition on blocking grade crossings for more than five minutes has advanced in the Pennsylvania General Assembly. HB 1191, sponsored by state Rep. Robert Matzie (D-Beaver, Pa.) passed the Consumer Protection, Technology, and Utilities Committee of the House by a 23-3 […]

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Colorado steel mill halts rail shipments to BNSF and UP

BNSF Railway and Union Pacific have filed lawsuits against North America’s largest producer of rail, arguing that Orion Steel’s Rocky Mountain Steel Mills broke long-term supply deals by refusing to ship more rail unless the railroads agree to price increases of more than 50%. The railroads say Rocky Mountain’s halt in rail shipments threatens safety […]

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Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern to file merger application on Friday

OMAHA, Neb. — Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern will file their merger application with federal regulators on Friday, the railroads said today. The document, which will be filed with the Surface Transportation Board, will allow the railroads to show how their combination will deliver economic benefits, enhance competition, and protect union jobs, the railroads said. […]

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