CHICAGO — Amtrak will introduce its pre-packaged “Flexible Dining” program on western long-distance trains beginning Friday, April 17, in response to the sharply reduced ridership resulting from the coronavirus pandemic. With the introduction of the program on trains west of Chicago and New Orleans, only the Lorton, Va.-Sanford, Fla., Auto Train will retain full dining […]
The Oklahoma Railway Museum is acquiring two coaches from short line railroad Farmrail. Oklahoma Railway Museum Tuesday afternoon rail news: — With William Flynn set to take over Wednesday as Amtrak president and CEO, outgoing CEO Richard Anderson sent a message to employees today thanking employees for their efforts during his tenure and in the […]
The publicly traded Class I railroads will begin to report first-quarter earnings this week, with Kansas City Southern kicking off results on Friday. Investors may be more interested in learning how railroad management teams expect their systems to weather the economic storm caused by the coronavirus pandemic, which week by week has accelerated already-declining North […]
More Tuesday morning rail news: — The regulatory board that oversees the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is considering whether to renew its contract with commuter rail operator Keolis Commuter Services — or whether it has any choice other than renewing the deal that expires June 30, 2022, at least for two years. Part of the […]
Tuesday morning rail news: — Fifty workers from New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority have now died of coronavirus-related causes, part of a nationwide death toll that has transit employees considering work stoppages. Citylab reports that at least 16 other transit workers who are members of the Amalgamated Transit Union have died in other cities, along […]
An Iowa Northern intermodal train arrives in Manly, Iowa, on Monday for handoff to the Union Pacific, transporting agricultural products for export as part of a new service between Los Angeles and Iowa. Iowa Northern: Brad Sabin Iowa Northern has begun regular service for its new intermodal service — a partnership with Union Pacific, Denver-based […]
AAR President and CEO Ian Jefferies recently published a new op-ed on Fox Business’ website praising railroads and their workers during this unprecedented coronavirus challenge. “Amid the coronavirus pandemic, the flow of groceries, pharmaceuticals and other essential goods is a stark reminder that transportation networks that bring those necessities to people are as vital as […]
Deputies and Emergency Services fire teams responded to a fire last night near railroad tracks north of MM 108. Approximately 10,000 railroad ties were on fire at two separate locations. Train traffic was halted while crews put out the fire. pic.twitter.com/zQLQfyZJ2k — PuebloCounty Sheriff (@PuebloCountySO) April 12, 2020 PUEBLO, Colo. — BNSF Railway police and […]
A Chicago-bound Illinois Zephyr passes through Downers Grove, Ill. Amtrak ridership has dropped from 100,000 passengers a day to about 4,000 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the passenger railroad’s CEO says. TRAINS: David Lassen Monday morning rail news: — Amtrak, which normally handles 100,000 passengers a day, is down to about 4,000 a day because […]
DURANGO, Colo. — The Durango & Silverton is expanding its locomotive roster, adding four diesels with the potential to be tourist attractions in their own right. The D&S has announced it is acquiring four of the White Pass & Yukon Railway’s distinctive Montreal Locomotive Works DL535C diesels, 1,200-hp C-C locomotives built in 1969 and 1971. […]
An NJ Transit Bergen County Line train passes through Ridgewood Junction, N.J., in August 2019. A new executive order limits ridership of all NJ transit equipment to no more than 50% of listed capacity. TRAINS: David Lassen Sunday morning rail news: — NJ Transit must limit railcar, light rail, and bus occupancy to no more […]
Opening of LA Metro’s Crenshaw Line will be delayed until 2021 because of construction issues. LA Metro This Illinois Central equipment on display in Homewood, Ill., shown in 2016, will be relocated as part of a renovation of the city’s Metra and Amtrak station. TRAINS: David Lassen Saturday rail news: — Construction issues will delay […]
