Kansas City Southern asks regulators to reject Canadian Pacific request for information Kansas City Southern has asked the Surface Transportation Board to reject a request from Canadian Pacific for information it seeks for CP’s efforts to merge with KCS, saying that under the termination of the merger agreement between the two railroads, CP no longer […]
Investigation finds husband and wife conductors on LIRR clocked in for each other while one didn’t work
NEW YORK — Husband and wife conductors on the Long Island Railroad received more than $3,400 in pay for not working by clocking in for each other over a period of months, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Office of Inspector General has determined in an investigation. In a report given to the LIRR in April but […]
Civil protests once again block KCS de Mexico main line to busy port
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Protests are once again blocking Kansas City Southern de Mexico’s main line to the Port of Lazaro Cardenas. “The main rail line on the Caltzontzin District has been blocked due to civil protests, completely unrelated to our company, occurring on or near the Kansas City Southern de Mexico’s track, impeding our […]
Amtrak begins project to refurbish Superliner interiors
CHICAGO — Amtrak has begun a two-year project to refurbish interiors of its Superliner fleet, showing off the first car to be completed at an event earlier this week at Chicago Union Station. Along with the coach completely refitted with new seats, carpeting, and curtains, the company provided previews of the look for Sightseer Lounge […]
CSX tells federal regulators it’s hiring and working out service problems
WASHINGTON — CSX Transportation is hiring more conductors and says its service is improving thanks to operational adjustments that have reduced congestion, particularly along the Gulf Coast. “We’re making significant progress and we recognize there is more to be done,” CSX CEO Jim Foote wrote in a letter today to the Surface Transportation Board. “We are […]
Trains, August 2021
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Digest: South Dakota seeks federal funds for RCP&E line upgrade
South Dakota will ask FRA for money for $84 million Rapid City, Pierre & Eastern project The South Dakota Railroad Board will ask the Federal Railroad Administration for $22 million to help rebuild the Rapid City, Pierre & Eastern line between Rapid City and Fort Pierre, S.D. KELO-TV reports the federal money, along with $20 […]
Senate committee advances bill with major funding for Amtrak, rail infrastructure programs
WASHINGTON — The Senate Commerce Committee on Wednesday approved a transportation bill providing $78 million over five years to fund projects including significant rail components, drawing praise from two major freight rail organizations. The Washington Post reports the Surface Transportation Investment Act — the product of efforts led by committee chair Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and […]
Digest: Fernandez confirmed as head of Federal Transit Administration
Senate confirms Fernandez to head FTA The U.S. Senate has confirmed appointment of Nuria Fernandez as administrator of the Federal Transit Administration, becoming the first confirmed administrator in more than a decade and the first Senate-confirmed woman of color to lead the agency. “I am humbled and extremely grateful for the confidence bestowed upon me […]
Maryland’s Purple Line receives funding for project oversight, provides first look at trainsets
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — A Maryland agency has approved more than $180 million for a consultant to continue overseeing contracts for Maryland’s troubled Purple Line light rail project until the companies managing the project can hire a new lead contractor. Also, the Maryland Transit Administration has provided a first look at the equipment for the 16-mile, […]
U.S. rail traffic remains well ahead of 2020 figures
WASHINGTON — U.S. freight rail volume for the week ending June 12 remains well ahead of pandemic-depressed figures for the corresponding week in 2020, and showed a notable increase from the previous week in 2021, as well. Statistics from the Association of American Railroads show traffic for the week included a total of 529,635 carloads and intermodal […]
Interiors near completion on three ‘Mark Twain Zephyr’ cars
TREGO, Wis. — After surviving 62 years in storage and seven previous owners unable to fulfill their plans for the historic Budd-built streamliner, Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad’s restoration of the Mark Twain Zephyr has turned a corner, with three of the five cars nearing interior completion. “I am thankful every day for the individuals and […]