CSX files new regulatory review schedule for Pan Am acquisition

CSX logo

WASHINGTON — CSX Transportation today proposed a new merger review schedule that would cover its acquisition of New England regional Pan Am Railways. The Surface Transportation Board last week said the transaction should be considered a “significant” deal, not the “minor” transaction CSX had sought, and ordered CSX to submit a new schedule and merger […]

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Several parties ask regulators to judge CP-KCS merger under current rules

Logos for Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern

WASHINGTON — Several trade associations, a major agricultural shipper, and Norfolk Southern today asked the Surface Transportation Board to review Canadian Pacific’s proposed acquisition of Kansas City Southern under the more stringent 2001 merger rules. CP and KCS have said they would seek to have the merger reviewed under the old rules, although executives contend […]

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Duluth, Missabe & Iron Range Railway: A History

Road-switcher diesel locomotive in foreground, articulated steam locomotive in background

No. 231, one of Missabe’s famous 2-8-8-4s, passes two brand-new successor SD9s at Proctor Yard in May 1959. Marvin Nielsen History of the Duluth, Missabe & Iron Range From 1938 until it was purchased by Canadian National in 2004, the Duluth, Missabe & Iron Range Railway was “King of the Iron-Ore Haulers.” Its job was […]

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Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern deal gains early support

Logos for Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern

CALGARY, Alberta — Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern have rounded up broad support for their proposed merger, which would create the first railroad to operate in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The railways announced yesterday that they have received support statements from 259 shippers, other railroads, economic development authorities, and ports. Shipper sentiment will […]

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Biden infrastructure plan may hasten decline of coal

Two rows of coal hoppers

The Biden administration’s proposal to eliminate carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2035, if approved by Congress, would add to railroads’ coal traffic blues. President Joe Biden on Wednesday unveiled his $2 trillion infrastructure plan, which includes the proposal to wean electricity producers from fossil fuels as a way to fight climate change. About 92% […]

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Digest: MTA completes work on last of Sandy-damaged subway tunnels

Workers in subway tunnel

Work on F line tunnel completed, ending Superstorm Sandy repairs The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has completed reapirs on the F line subway tunnel under the East River, concluding work on all 11 MTA under-river tunnels that were damaged by the floodwaters of Superstorm Sandy in 2012. Janno Lieber, president of MTA Construction & Development, said […]

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Weekly rail stats show stable traffic

WASHINGTON — U.S. rail traffic for the week ending March 27 again shows significant increases over same-week levels a year earlier, although the numbers are inflated because 2020 figures were driven lower by the pandemic-related downturn in the economy. The latest stats from the Association of American Railroads show 232,561 carloads for the week, a […]

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Largest short line operator offers support of proposed CP-KCS merger

Genesee & Wyoming logo

WASHINGTON — Canadian Pacific’s proposed acquisition of Kansas City Southern has picked up its first support from another railroad company. Shortline railroad operator Genesee & Wyoming has told the U.S. Surface Transportation Board that it backs the merger of the smallest Class I systems. “From our perspective, the proposed transaction should provide improved service options […]

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Rail groups’ reaction to Biden infrastructure plan is mostly positive

Trains Washington Watch logo

WASHINGTON — Rail and transit groups are offering mostly positive reaction to the transportation aspects of the $2 trillion infrastructure, climate, and jobs plan announced Wednesday by President Joe Biden, with only the Association of American Railroads qualifying its support. The proposal dubbed the American Jobs Plan would devote $621 billion to transportation infrastructure, a […]

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