SunRail airport connection to Orlando attractions, Brightline Tampa route has $4 billion price tag

Commuter train at Spanish-style passenger station

ORLANDO—A Florida Department of Transportation study released Thursday projects improvements necessary to build a rail link from Orlando International Airport into the Interstate 4 corridor adjacent to convention facilities and theme parks would cost $4 billion. But the report to the board of directors for commuter rail operator SunRail’s indicates the investment would generate huge […]

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Norfolk Southern loses support of engineers’ union in proxy battle with activist investor (updated)

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio — The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen is now backing activist investor Ancora Holdings and its call for management change at Norfolk Southern. The union’s decision, announced today, is the second in as many days: The union representing maintenance of way workers yesterday swung its support to Ancora. The unions represent 41.5% […]

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CP 2816 begins Final Spike tour

Steam locomotive surrounded by people

CALGARY, Alberta — After its first public display on Wednesday, Canadian Pacific No. 2816 begins the CPKC “Final Spike Steam Tour” today, traveling from Calgary to Medicine Hat, Alta., on the first leg of a two-day trip to Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, where its next display event is scheduled. The first U.S. display date is April […]

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MBTA extends contract of commuter operator Keolis by one year

Commuter train at station platform

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority has extended the contract of Keolis Commuter Services, which operates the agency’s commuter trains, by one year to mid-2027, the CommonWealth Beacon reports. The agency said the extension allows time to develop a new contract arrangement for its future operator that would help provide private-sector funding to help […]

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MBTA extends current Blue Line maintenance closure

Portion of MBTA rail transit map

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority will extend the current maintenance closure of the Blue Line by two days, to April 30, to complete work needed to eliminate 16 speed restrictions, the agency announced Thursday at a board of directors meeting. The current Blue Line project began April 17, first involving a closure between […]

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New York MTA releases ‘Climate Resilience Roadmap’

Commuter train rounds sharp curve

NEW YORK — The Metropolitan Transportation Authority on Thursday released its Climate Resilience Roadmap, outlining steps the agency has identified to protect New York’s transit system from the effects of climate change. The 130-page report, unveiled in an event at Metro North Railroad’s Mott Haven Yard, outlines 10 goals to address the impacts of flooding, […]

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The Trains Interview: A Q&A with Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena

Trains News Wire spoke with Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena after the railroad’s first quarter earnings call this morning. [See Union Pacific profits improve despite drop in coal.] UP introduced a Service Performance Index that showed how well the railroad met customer commitments during the quarter. The Intermodal Service Performance Index was 95%, while the […]

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Preview May and June Trains 2024 content

Trains Magazine logo

Up in May … We’re always adding new content to our website! Here’s a sneak peek at a few items coming up soon. Travel: Exploring London by rail Exploring London by rail unlocks the best the metropolis has to offer. As one of the world’s great cities, London is a popular destination for American travelers […]

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BNSF dispatchers join FRA’s Confidential Close Call Reporting System

FORT WORTH, Texas — BNSF Railway’s train dispatchers will participate in the Federal Railroad Administration’s Confidential Close Call Reporting System under an agreement announced today. BNSF becomes the second Class I railroad to participate in the Confidential Close Call Reporting System, or C3RS. Norfolk Southern joined the program in March. The American Train Dispatchers Association, […]

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Union Pacific profits improve despite drop in coal traffic

Two yellow diesel locomotives pulling a coal train. Progress Rail files antitrust suit against Wabtec

OMAHA Neb. — Union Pacific’s first-quarter profits rose despite flat revenue and lower freight volume. “We are pleased to be able to report earnings growth in a tough environment,” CEO Jim Vena told investors and analysts on the railroad’s earnings call this morning. Operating income rose 3%, to $2.3 billion, on flat revenue of $6 […]

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