Investigation begins into Caltrain collision and fire

Train on fire with plume of black smoke

SAN BRUNO, Calif. — National Transportation Safety Board officials say they will be trying to determine why positive train control didn’t prevent the accident as part of their investigation of the March 10 collision and fire involving a Caltrain commuter train. Thirteen people were reported injured after the train struck on-track equipment involved in the […]

Read More…

Canadian Pacific trains involved in two derailments

Canadian Pacific Railway beaver logo

Canadian Pacific trains were involved in two derailments on Saturday, one in Saskatchewan and one in Minnesota. An unknown number of cars were involved in the derailment of a train carrying corn near Drinkwater, Sask., but at least 20 cars are visible on their sides or otherwise off the track in a video posted to […]

Read More…

Rail employee group voices support for Amtrak Gulf Coast service

Logo of Railroad Workers United

WASHINGTON — Railroad Workers United, which describes itself as “an inter-union, cross-craft solidarity caucus of railroad workers and their supporters,” has expressed its support for Amtrak’s efforts to launch service on the Gulf Coast — while taking more than a few shots at CSX and other Class I railroads. In a statement filed with the […]

Read More…

Amtrak recognizes Canadian Pacific as top host railroad

Two men on station platform with Amtrak locomotive in background

CHICAGO — In a brief ceremony in Chicago, Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner has recognized Canadian Pacific for its sixth straight year with the industry-leading A grade on the passenger carrier’s annual Host Railroad Report Card. The report card measures the freight railroads’ performance in keeping Amtrak trains on time. Gardner presented a plaque commemorating the […]

Read More…

Transport Canada inches forward with VIA’s ‘High Frequency’ plan: Analysis

Man speaking at podium in front of locomotive

MONTREAL — The Canadian government will seek “world-class knowledge and private sector expertise” for VIA Rail Canada’s proposal to build passenger-only trackage for parts of its Quebec City-Toronto corridor rather than directly financing the project, Transport Minister Omar Alghabra announced Wednesday. Proposal dates to 2015 First unveiled by then-VIA CEO Yves Desjardins-Siciliano in 2015, the […]

Read More…

Wisconsin, Minnesota, receive $31.8 million to upgrade Twin Cities-Milwaukee-Chicago rail route

Illustration showing locations of construction projects on Amtrak route between Twin Cities and La Crosse, Wis.

LA CROSSE, Wis. — Departments of Transportation in Wisconsin and Minnesota will receive a $31.8 million grant for infrastructure upgrades to allow a second Twin Cities-Chicago passenger train, as well as improved freight operation, on the route through La Crosse, Wis.,  and Milwaukee. Federal Railroad Administration Administrator Amit Bose, Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner, and officials […]

Read More…

CP, KCS launch Lazaro Cardenas-Chicago intermodal service

Train with red, yellow, and black diesels operating at night

CHICAGO — In a preview of operations planned if their merger is approved, Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern have launched interline intermodal service between Mexico’s port of Lázaro Cárdenas and Chicago. The first train arrived at CP’s Bensenville Yard in Illinois on Tuesday. CP said in a press release the service was launched “out […]

Read More…

Congress gets an earful about railroad service

Man speaking while seated at microphone

WASHINGTON — A combination of Precision Scheduled Railroading and pressure from Wall Street has prompted railroads to slash costs and raise rates while providing less reliable service, rail shippers and labor told Congress on Tuesday. The House Transportation & Infrastructure subcommittee hearing was focused on the reauthorization of the Surface Transportation Board and how the […]

Read More…