Some GO Transit workers could strike Oct. 31

Commuter train equipment in yard with one train passing on main line

TORONTO — The union representing 2,200 GO Transit bus drivers, station attendants, safety officers, and maintenance workers says they will go on strike Oct. 31 if they do not reach a deal on a new contract. CityNews Toronto reports Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1587 President Rob Cormier said the union will walk out at 12:01 […]

Read More…

MBTA adds weekend pre-Halloween commuter rail service to Salem, Mass.

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority logo

SALEM, Mass. — The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority and its contract commuter rail operator, Keolis, have added additional commuter rail service between Boston’s North Station and Salem, Mass., and between Salem, Beverly, and Newburyport, for the final two weekends of Salem’s Haunted Happenings event. “With historic crowds visiting Salem this Halloween season, we’re pleased to offer […]

Read More…

Iowa City buys land for possible Amtrak station

Map showing rail line between Iowa City, Iowa, and Chicago

IOWA CITY, Iowa — The Iowa City City Council  has approved the purchase of three residential properties for the site of a possible Amtrak station, the Daily Iowan newspaper reports. The three parcels are being purchased for $475,000. They would provide the location for a station should Amtrak launch a long-discussed Chicago-Quad Cities passenger service, […]

Read More…

As CSX earnings grow, executives see service improvements on horizon

Train on bridge along river

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — CSX Transportation today posted double-digit growth in revenue and earnings for the third quarter and maintained its financial outlook despite high inflation and signs that the economy might be softening. Executives said they were confident that the railroad could regain volume as service improves, which would help offset a potential decline in […]

Read More…

CSX site selected for Alabama beverage facility

CSX logo

MONTGOMERY, Ala — A Kentucky-based beverage firm has chosen a Montgomery site served by CSX Transportation for a new 180-acre, $600 million production and distribution facility for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The facility owned by the minority-owned Manna Capital Partners affiliate Manna Beverages & Ventures is expected to begin operations in early 2025. CSX assisted […]

Read More…

Railroads reject maintenance of way workers’ request for additional paid sick time

BMWEDlogo

The union representing railroad maintenance of way employees, who rejected their tentative contract agreement earlier this month, are seeking additional sick leave benefits in negotiations with the U.S. Class I railroads. The National Carriers’ Conference Committee, which represents the railroads in collective bargaining, on Wednesday told the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division of […]

Read More…

News photo: Preparing for Amtrak’s return to Montreal

Passenger train on bridge near water, with high-rise apartments in background

MONTREAL — Operating as Amtk 694 (the train number Canadian National has always assigned to the southbound Adirondack while on CN rails), an Amtrak requalification run heads to Montreal’s Central Station on Thursday as it passes the mostly drained Peel Basin. While Amtrak service to Vancouver and Toronto was restored earlier this year, there is still […]

Read More…

Unifor, CN begin talks on new contract

Logo of Canadian union Unifor

MONTREAL — Unifor, Canada’s largest union, has opened bargaining with Canadian National for a new contract, the union said Wednesday. The union says it represents about 3,600 workers at CN terminals and headquarters across Canada, including mechanics, crane operators, machinists, electricians, and clericial, administrative, and customer-support workers. The current agreement expires on Dec. 31. “The […]

Read More…

Residents file class-action suit over CSX coal-dock explosion

Smoke rising from coal facility

BALTIMORE — Residents of Baltiimore’s Curtis Bay area have filed a class action lawsuit against CSX Transportation over the Dec. 30, 2021, explosion at the railroad’s Curtis Bay Coal Piers, claiming negligence led to the blast that released “poisonous and carcinogenic chemicals” including lead and arsenic. WJZ-TV reports the residents are seeking $5 million in […]

Read More…