NJ Transit, SEPTA, MTA continue storm recovery

Two commuter trains in snow

NJ Transit commuter rail operations will remain on a Severe Weather Schedule-Level 2 today (Tuesday, Jan. 27), while other transit systems in the Northeast continue to move toward or have restored regular operations following the severe winter weather last weekend. NJ Transit commuter rail schedules and other updates are available here. As of 8 a.m. […]

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Caltrain to resume electrified operation to San Jose’s Tamien station

Caltrain logo

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Electrified Caltrain operations to San Jose’s Tamien station, suspended since last June because of a bridge project, will resume Jan. 31 when Caltrain introduces a new weekday and weekend schedule. Other than the return of electrified operating, replacing substitute VTA bus service, most schedule changes are minor. The new schedules are […]

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Equipment issues spur extended Capitol Corridor cancellations

Aerial view of train at station

OAKLAND, Calif. — Amtrak’s Capitol Corridor service will cancel seven trains for a month beginning today (Jan. 26) because of ongoing equipment issues, the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority has announced. Canceled through Feb. 27 are five weekday trains and two on weekends: On weekdays: Sacramento-Oakland trains 531, an 8:53 a.m. departure, and 537, a […]

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UP Big Boy 2026 tour to begin with trip to California

A black steam locomotive leads a train through a rural farm setting

CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Union Pacific’s Big Boy will return to California this spring in the first leg of its planned coast-to-coast trip for America’s 250th anniversary, the railroad has announced. The first segment of the trip will be a round trip from Cheyenne, Wyo., beginning March 29 and concluding April 24, with two major public […]

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BNSF announces $3.6 billion capital plan for 2026

Double-stack container train passing maintenance equipment

FORT WORTH, Texas — BNSF Railway will spend $3.6 billion under its 2026 capital plan, the railroad announced today (Jan. 26), with the majority — $2.8 billion — ticketed for infrastructure maintenance. “Our 2026 capital plan focuses on strengthening and modernizing our network so we can continue to meet our customers’ evolving needs,” CEO Katie […]

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How to choose a toy train command system

Power pack, straight track section, and power connection.

Command control systems allow more ways than ever to operate your toy train today, and if you’re new (or you’ve been away from the hobby), choosing a system might seem overwhelming. Don’t worry; we’re here to help! Let’s review the choices, along with their pros and cons.  Conventional “Conventional” operation means you use a transformer […]

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Tri-Rail to consider 10% fare increase to address deficit

Light blue locomotive with images of clouds and palm trees on its side at grade crossing

MIAMI — Commuter operator Tri-Rail will consider the possibility of a 10% fare increase later this year as part of its effort to address a looming budget deficit. At a Jan. 23 meeting of Tri-Rail’s governing board, the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority, board members asked staff to review the potential increase. The Palm Beach […]

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Amtrak weather cancellations continue

Passenger train behind electric locomotive in snow

NEW YORK — Amtrak is not offering an overview on service cancellations for today (Monday, Jan. 26) in the wake of the weekend’s winter storm on its website or social media, but here is the initial information gathered by Trains.com as of 7:45 a.m. CT. The train status feature of Amtrak’s website shows these cancellations […]

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Northeast transit systems recovering from storm (updated)

Snow blower clearing railroad tracks

Transit systems in the northeast continue to alter operations as a result of the severe storm that reached the area on Sunday, with large-scale suspensions on some systems and lesser impacts elsewhere. Here is the situation as of 7:15 a.m. CT today (Monday, Jan. 26): NJ Transit commuter rail service will resume at noon ET […]

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Amtrak experiences significant cancellations in Northeast

Amtrak logo.

NEW YORK — Amtrak continues to add to train cancellations as a major winter storm moves across the Midwest and Northeast. Although it no longer offers a comprehensive summary on its website, it has acknowledged these cancellations in the Midwest as of 11:30 a.m. CT on the Amtrak Alerts social media feeds. All are attributed […]

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SEPTA to halt Regional Rail, bus service as of Sunday afternoon

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority logo

PHILADELPHIA — The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority will halt all Regional Rail and bus operations, and the G1 Metro trolley line, as of 2 p.m. today (Sunday, Jan. 25) because of extreme weather, the agency has announced. Other Metro rail lines will continue to operate. The T1 trolley line has been suspended, and other T […]

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