A Metra BNSF train stops at Highlands station in Hinsdale, Ill., on Nov. 15, 2019 as Amtrak’s Southwest Chief approaches. Highlands is among the 31 stations to be upgraded by Metra in the next five years. TRAINS: David Lassen CORONADO, Calif — Metra’s “Big Ask” received a medium-sized answer. That’s good news for the Chicago […]
In January 2020, Classic Trains is celebrating the history, heritage, and splendor of the Pennsylvania Railroad. Enjoy this photo gallery, originally published online in May 2016, as the perfect salute to the Pennsy. Return each week for another salute to the railroad of the month! See what we did last week for the PRR! […]
NEW YORK — New plans were announced Monday for New York Penn Station, during a speech to New York Civic leaders by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat. To augment the new Moynihan Train Hall and existing Pennsylvania Station, buildings and land on the south full city block adjacent to the current facility will be acquired […]
BERLIN — German national passenger rail operator Deutsche Bahn has dropped fares for intercity travel for the first time in 17 years, with a 10% on tickets for intercity travel of more than 31 miles (50 kilometers). The lower fares reflect a decrease in the German government’s value-added tax on rail travel, from 19% to […]
Bombardier’s contract to operate and maintain the AirTrain system at New York’s JFK Airport has been renewed. Bombardier NEW YORK — Bombardier Transportation and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey have renewed Bombardier’s contract to operate and maintain the automated AirTrain system at John F. Kennedy Airport, which connects airport terminals with […]
BOSTON — Preliminary indications are that a low-speed derailment of a Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority commuter train on Dec. 26 came when the train crew attempted to pass through a switch that was not properly aligned, a finding that is sparking plans for more crew training. The MBTA, contract operator Keolis Commuter Services, and the […]
MOBILE, Ala. — As expected, the Mobile City Council has delayed its vote on providing funding support for the restoration of Amtrak service to the Gulf Coast. Fox 10 News reports the vote is now set for Jan. 28. Mobile is asked to being commit to providing $2 million to $3 million to match a […]
VIA Rail Canada’s train from Churchill, Manitoba, to Winnipeg derailed on Tuesday, injuring five people on board. Manitoba RCMP, via Twitter KATRIME, Manitoba — VIA Rail Canada’s remote-service train from Churchill, Man., derailed Tuesday morning near Winnipeg, sending two passengers and three crew members to the hospital. Train No. 692 derailed at 6:44 a.m. at […]
Pennsylvania Railroad class I1s 2-10-0 Decapod steam locomotive works its way around famous Horseshoe Curve with a westbound freight train in the 1940s. The train is ascending Allegheny Mountain 5 miles west of Altoona, Pennsylvania, location of the PRR’s system shops. C. E. Starr History and major events of the Pennsylvania Railroad The original Pennsylvania […]
Florida East Coast’s single-track right-of-way through downtown Melbourne, Fla., shown in 2014, is being converted to two tracks to support Virgin Trains USA passenger service. An appeals court decision has upheld Virgin Trains’ right to use private activity bonds as part of the funding package for that project. Bob Johnston WASHINGTON — The U.S. Court […]
MOBILE, Ala. — The Mobile City Council, which had been expected to vote today on funding to support the return of Amtrak service to the city, is now likely to delay that decision. AL.com reports that the vote is likely to be delayed because council members learned a deadline to submit matching funds for a […]
SEATTLE — Sound Transit’s Link light rail service will see service reductions for a 10-week period beginning Jan. 4, including three weekends when bus service will substitute for part of the route. The reductions will allow construction connecting existing tracks to the new 19-station East Link line to Redmond, Wash. Trains will run on 12-minute […]
