Photographer John Dziobko Jr. dies at 89

Man with camera waving with train in background

MADISON, Wis. — Rail photographer John Dziobko Jr., whose work covered the transition from steam to early diesel power, as well as documenting foreign steam after the end of the U.S. steam era, died Aug. 5, 2022, in Madison. He was 89. Nicknamed “The Godfather,” Dziobko began 35mm black-and-white photography in 1949, using a Bolsey […]

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GO Transit union votes for strike

Toronto GO Transit logo

TORONTO — A union representing GO Transit station attendants, maintenance workers, and bus drivers has voted to strike if it fails to reach agreement on a new contract. The vote comes as the train and bus operator has said it will have to cancel some trains this week because of a worker shortage. The CBC […]

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O-Train western extension could be a year behind schedule

Map of Ottawa light rail system

OTTAWA — An extension to the problem-plagued O-Train light rail Confederation Line could be up to a year behind schedule, according to a memo sent to the Ottawa city council last week. Meanwhile, the existing portion of the Confederation Line is preparing for two extended maintenance shutdowns this month. The CBC reports the western extension […]

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Five receive R&LHS scholarships

Logo of the Railway & Locomotive Historical Society

Five students have received scholarship awards for 2022 from the Railway & Locomotive Historical Society. The awards, to graduate or upper-level graduate students studying railroad history, engineering, or operations, are each worth $3,000. They are given in the name of railroad historians who endowed the awards: Professor George W. Hilton, Edward T. Myers, and Bruce […]

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Deadline for Lac-Mégantic land negotiations pushed back again

Map of Lac-Megantic Bypass

LAC-MÉGANTIC, Quebec — The negotiation period to purchase land for the planned Lac-Mégantic rail bypass has been extended a second time, allowing public consultation on hydrology of the route. Transport Minister Omar Alghabra said the negotiation period between landowners and Public Services and Procurement Canada will run through Nov. 4, following the consultation on hydrology […]

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Patriot Rail to acquire Pioneer Lines, creating company with 31 short lines

Black locomotive with yellow trim

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Short line operator and rail services company Patriot Rail will acquire rail holding company Pioneer Lines, nearly doubling Patriot Rail’s operations to 31 railroads. Patriot Rail, which currently operates 16 railroads freight railroads in 14 states, will add 15 in 12 states, expanding into Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, […]

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News photo: San Diego commuter diesel moved to museum

Blue, teal, and white locomotive on special wheeled trailer next to highway

CAMPO, Calif. — The newest piece of equipment for the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum is arriving at the museum’s Campo location by truck, since there’s no active rail access between the site and San Diego. Recently retired Coaster F40PHM-2C No. 2103 is shown on Interstate 8 at El Cajon, Calif, on Sunday, Aug. 7, during […]

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Busing plan changes for South Shore line construction

South Shore Line cars parked on railroad track

GARY, Ind. — South Shore Line commuter rail service has entered a new phase of busing as part of the continuing project to double track the main line between Gary and Michigan City, Ind. As of Saturday, Aug. 6, a bus bridge is operating between the Gary Metro station and Carroll Avenue station in Michigan […]

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