LOGAN TOWNSHIP, N.J. — SMS Rail Service, the New Jersey short line celebrated for its continuing use of Baldwin locomotives, has been hit by scrap thieves who stole some $135,000 in parts from locomotives and railcars. NJ.com reports parts including high-voltage cables, motor cables, air brake equipment and brass wheel bearings were stolen from seven […]
Magazine: Trains Magazine
Wabtec donates $100,000 to Ukrainian refugee relief
PITTSBURGH — Wabtec Corp.’s philanthropic arm, the Wabtec Foundation, is donating $100,000 to Ukrainian refugee relief, the company announced Tuesday. The donation will be split between the International Rescue Committee, which works in more than 40 countries and 20 U.S. cities to help those devastated by conflict and disaster, and World Central Kitchen, which is […]
Congress gets an earful about railroad service
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 […]
Eastern long-distance trains lack quality control, oversight: trip report
ORLANDO, Fla. — A recent trip from Orlando to Chicago provided a snapshot of the positives and issues that shape Amtrak service during a period that has seen the company reduce service on a number of routes, citing a lack of resources. Tickets were booked using a combination of cash and Amtrak Guest Rewards points […]
Kentucky Steam, Pueblo Railway Foundation swap parts for steam locomotive restorations
RAVENNA, Ky. — Part of a Santa Fe engine is heading East to help return a locomotive to operating condition, thanks to a creative collaboration between two unlikely preservation partners. Two non-profit organizations, the Kentucky Steam Heritage Corp. and the Pueblo (Colo.) Railway Foundation, will swap locomotive components, bringing one 78-year-old locomotive’s restoration closer to […]
Higher federal interest rates should have minimal effect on carloads: analysis
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Americans are expecting the Federal Reserve to quell inflation by increasing interest rates this year, but the Feds’ efforts to reel in inflation shouldn’t curb economic activity or carloads. In fact, uncertainties around higher interest rates may tame spending enough to allow the supply chain to recover after high post-pandemic demand weighed […]
California Coastal Commission threatens action against transit district over safety fence
DEL MAR, Calif. — The California Coastal Commission is now threatening “enforcement actions” against the North County Transit District if it builds a safety fence along its right-of-way on the Del Mar Bluffs without obtaining a development permit from the Commission. The San Diego Union-Tribune reports the latest twist in the dispute between the transit […]
CEO of Texas transit agency resigns
LEWISVILLE, Texas — Denton County Transportation Authority CEO Raymond Suarez has resigned, effective March 31. The Denton Record-Chronicle reports the authority board of directors unanimously accepted the resignation after two hours in closed session and named Paul Cristina, currently deputy CEO, as interim CEO. Suarez did not respond to the newspaper’s request for comment. Suarez […]
Cleanup continues after Union Pacific derailment in Texas
PITTSBURG, Texas — Cleanup continues after at least 20 cars of a Union Pacific train derailed Sunday afternoon in Pittburg, Texas. KLTV reports Pittsburgh Mayor David Abernathy said a train of more than 13,000 feet was involved, with two different portions derailing. No injuries were reported. KXTW-TV reports the accident occurred about 1 p.m., and […]
Analysis: No deal-breakers emerge from barrage of comments about CP-KCS merger
Bash Canadian Pacific Kansas City Day – otherwise known as Feb. 28, the deadline for comments on the CP-Kansas City Southern merger – has come and gone. What have we learned from the flurry of regulatory filings from other railroads, shippers, and lineside communities? The Class I railroads behaved like you’d expect: Following a tradition […]
FTA announces $2.2 billion relief package for transit systems
WASHINGTON — At an event with Vice President Kamala Harris, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) today announced that it will award $2.2 billion to 35 recipients in 18 states through President Biden’s American Rescue Plan. The funds will help public transportation agencies pay for day-to-day operations as they continue to provide […]
South Shore Line’s street running ends as construction advances (VIDEO)
MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. — South Shore Line’s street-running in Michigan City, Ind., dates to 1908 and has long been a favorite of railfans. But as of February 28, 2022, it has essentially come to an end. The South Shore is working to double-track its main line between Gary, Ind., and Michigan City. As part of […]