WASHINGTON — U.S. rail traffic for the week ending June 5 remains well ahead of figures for the same week in 2020, although the gap is narrowing compared to the pandemic-related decline in business earlier in 2020. The latest Association of American Railroads statistics show U.S. railroads moved 227,497 carloads for the week, up 18.1%; […]
Train Topic: Railroad Operations
The final Frontier
The final Frontier Central’s Frontier Yard, formally opened on March 14, 1956, replaced eight smaller yards in the Buffalo area, slashing classification time per car from 27 hours to 9. New York Central photo […]
Chemical shippers cite widespread rail service problems, particularly on CSX (updated)
WASHINGTON — The trade association representing chemical shippers has asked federal regulators to put CSX Transportation under increased scrutiny due to what one company called an “operations meltdown.” Members of the American Chemistry Council reported “significant and persistent” railroad service problems, particularly with CSX. But Kansas City Southern and Norfolk Southern also were cited for […]
Analysis: Lengthened Crescent schedule diminishes its usefulness
ATLANTA — As of this week with its return to daily departures from New York and New Orleans, the schedule for Amtrak’s Crescent has been lengthened. This is “to improve customer satisfaction and on-time reliability,” according to a service change advistory. But the adjustments, especially for the northbound train, threaten historically strong patronage on the […]
UP moves forward with closure of Texas car shop, set for June 14
PALESTINE, Texas — Union Pacific is advancing plans to close its Palestine Car Shop even as legal efforts continue by the city of Palestine and Anderson County continue to block the closure The Palestine Herald reports employees were told last week they will be furloughed after their shift on June 14. Closure of the shop […]
U.S. Steel to sell rail subsidiary to Fortress Transportation and Infrastructure
PITTSBURGH — U.S. Steel will sell its subsidiary which operates the company’s six remaining railroads to a subsidiary of Fortress Transportation and Infrastructure Investors for $640 million, the steelmaker announced Tuesday. Trains Wire reported almost a year ago that U.S. Steel was seeking a buyer for Transtar [see “U.S. Steel looks to sell remaining rail […]
Norfolk Southern locomotive conversion program continues to expand A.C. traction fleet
NORFOLK, Va. – Norfolk Southern continues to convert older D.C.-traction locomotives into A.C.-traction units at a pace of just over 100 locomotives per year. Some 54% of the NS road fleet is now A.C. traction, Chief Financial Officer Mark George told an investor conference today. That’s up from a third of the fleet at the […]
STB seeks more detail on CN-KCS merger, sets timeline for voting trust comments
WASHINGTON – Federal regulators today asked Canadian National to provide more detailed financial information regarding its proposed merger with Kansas City Southern. The Surface Transportation Board, saying that it wants to take a cautious approach to CN’s request to put KCS into a voting trust while their $33.6 billion deal is under review, also set […]
Digest: Death toll in Pakistan rail crash rises
Death toll in Pakistan rail accident at least 56 The death toll in Monday’s crash of two passenger trains in Pakistan has risen to at least 56, the Associated Press reports, although some news organizations are reporting a higher figure. Another 23 passengers are still being treated for injuries. The accident occurred when several cars […]
Trio of shipper groups urge STB to reject CN’s voting trust plan for KCS
WASHINGTON – A coalition of shipper groups on Monday urged federal regulators to reject Canadian National’s request to put Kansas City Southern into a voting trust while their proposed merger is under review. The Freight Rail Customer Alliance, National Coal Transportation Association, and Private Railcar Food and Beverage Association said that while they had not taken […]
Pennsy power
Pennsy power A Pennsylvania Railroad M1 4-8-2 and a pair of PA passenger diesels, both assigned to helper service, are seen at Ralston, Pa., on a damp May 4, 1957. Note the crewman climbing the steam locomotive. Jim Shaughnessy photo […]
News photos: NS train derails near Horseshoe Curve
ALTOONA, Pa. — A westbound Norfolk Southern intermodal train has derailed near Horseshoe curve, leading authorities to ask the public to stay away from the area. Photographer D. Collin Reinhart reports the derailment of westbound train 21G occurred Monday afternoon on Main 2 in the area of Allegrippus Curve, blocking all three tracks, and only […]