WILLIAMS, Ariz. — The 2024 summer season has concluded at Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel, yet its steam season presses on with 2-8-2 No. 4960. The Mikado-type was at the head end on Sept. 7 for its seventh “First Saturday” excursion of the year — between Williams and Grand Canyon National Park. “Overall, No. 4960 […]
Section: News Wire
Tampa streetcar looks to maintain free fares as ridership soars
Tampa streetcar TAMPA, Fla. — Ridership on Tampa’s TECO Line Streetcar System is growing double-digit percentages every fiscal year, thanks in part to a state grant subsidizing its operations and allowing it to offer free fares. However, funding has expired and to sustain the ridership momentum, streetcar operators are looking for a new solution. In […]
News Photos: UP’s Heartland of America Tour
Heartland of America Tour ROCHELLE, Ill., — UP’s Heartland of America Tour took a large leap through Illinois Monday with No. 4014 and train departing from Rochelle, Ill., traveling east over former Chicago & North Western trackage to Provo Junction where it ran over the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad from Bellwood to Dolton, Ill. At […]
News Photos: UP Big Boy 4014 circumnavigates Chicago
UP Big Boy 4014 LA GRANGE, Ill. — Having a Union Pacific 4-8-8-4 steam locomotive pass through the Chicago area doesn’t happen every day (or maybe for the last seven decades). So it is no surprise hundreds of onlookers turned out at multiple locations to watch “Big Boy” 4014 make its way over the Indiana […]
In remarks to regulators, rail shippers reveal preference for trucks
WASHINGTON — More regulatory oversight is needed to keep rail volumes from shifting to trucks and limiting the railroads’ growth potential, rail customers have told the Surface Transportation Board. Their testimony, along with that of railroads, unions, industry consultants and others, has been filed with STB ahead of a two-day hearing at the agency next […]
First US high-speed rail production facility to set up shop in Horseheads, New York
US high-speed rail HORSEHEADS, N.Y. – The United States’ first high-speed rail production facility will reside in New York state, according to a joint announcement by U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Brightline West, and Siemens Mobility today (Monday Sept. 9). The press releases, provided to Trains.com News Wire, states that the new 300,000 sq […]
Analysis: Amtrak flexes its legal muscles against host railroads
You can’t blame Amtrak for being disappointed with the on-time performance of its long distance trains, which roll off the vast majority of their mileage on host railroads. In the 12 months ending June 30, 2024, just 57% of long distance passengers arrived on the advertised. Amtrak’s No. 1 culprit for late trains: Freight train […]
Norfolk Southern confirms investigation of alleged CEO misconduct (updated)
ATLANTA – Norfolk Southern confirmed late Sunday night that its board has opened an investigation into allegations of conduct by CEO Alan Shaw that is “inconsistent with the company’s Code of Ethics and company policy.” The Wall Street Journal reported this afternoon that Shaw is expected to leave the company by the end of the […]
Report: Norfolk Southern board probing CEO over allegations of inappropriate relationship
ATLANTA – The Norfolk Southern board of directors is investigating allegations that CEO Alan Shaw had an inappropriate workplace relationship, CNBC reported today, citing three unnamed people said to be familiar with the matter. The investigation is in its early stages, the network reported, and it is possible that no misconduct may be uncovered. Norfolk […]
Los Angeles light rail project gains $893 million in federal funding
WASHINGTON — The Federal Transit Administration on Friday signed a $893.3 million grant agreement for LA Metro’s planned light rail line in the San Fernando Valley. The 6.7-mile, $3.57 billion East San Fernando Valley Light Rail project will largely follow Van Nuys Boulevard, and connect the bus rapid transit Orange Line to two Metrolink lines, […]
News photos: UP Big Boy arrives in the Midwest
ROCHELLE, Ill. — The vast expanse of Union Pacific’s Ike Evans Global III terminal just west of Rochelle played host to a “Family Days” event for Chicago area UP employees today (Saturday, Sept. 7) prior to a public display featuring Big Boy 4-8-8-4 No. 4014 on Sunday at the same location. It proved to be […]
News photo: Passenger cars make move to Indiana Rail Experience
SOUTH BEND, Ind. — The newest additions to the Indiana Rail Experience passenger fleet are nearing the end of the journey to that operation. Heavyweight Pullman Kitchi Gammi Club and former Union Pacific sleeper Pacific Island are shown in South Bend this morning (Saturday, Sept. 7) on the rear of the Lake Shore Limited as […]