Nomination of Feinberg as MTA chairwoman in jeopardy as legislators balk at plan New York legislators have indicated they will not vote on a proposal that would make Sarah Feinberg, the current interim president of New York City Transit, the new chairwoman of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority board. The New York Times reports the legislature […]
Western Maryland Scenic names interim executive director
CUMBERLAND, Md. — The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad board of directors has appointed Wesley Heinz as interim executive director and granted current director John Garner a 60-day sabbatical to address health and family concerns. Heinz is the current executive director of the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum in Portland, Maine. He brings experience […]
U.S. rail traffic remains ahead of 2020 weekly figures, but gap is narrowing
WASHINGTON — U.S. rail traffic for the week ending June 5 remains well ahead of figures for the same week in 2020, although the gap is narrowing compared to the pandemic-related decline in business earlier in 2020. The latest Association of American Railroads statistics show U.S. railroads moved 227,497 carloads for the week, up 18.1%; […]
Brightline CEO urges more private investment in high speed rail
MIAMI — Brightline CEO Michael Reininger is more optimistic than ever about the prospects for high speed rail in the United States but wants to see more opportunities for the private sector to get involved. In building the Brightline Florida system, the company accessed private activity bonds, which are tax-exempt bonds issued by city or […]
Chemical shippers cite widespread rail service problems, particularly on CSX (updated)
WASHINGTON — The trade association representing chemical shippers has asked federal regulators to put CSX Transportation under increased scrutiny due to what one company called an “operations meltdown.” Members of the American Chemistry Council reported “significant and persistent” railroad service problems, particularly with CSX. But Kansas City Southern and Norfolk Southern also were cited for […]
Analysis: Lengthened Crescent schedule diminishes its usefulness
ATLANTA — As of this week with its return to daily departures from New York and New Orleans, the schedule for Amtrak’s Crescent has been lengthened. This is “to improve customer satisfaction and on-time reliability,” according to a service change advistory. But the adjustments, especially for the northbound train, threaten historically strong patronage on the […]
Digest: Amtrak relaunches USA Rail Pass with $299 special
Amtrak offering USA Rail Pass at $200 savings Amtrak is relaunching its USA Rail Pass by offering the 10-ride pass for $299 through June 22, a savings of $200 over the regular price. The electronic pass allows up to 10 segments of coach travel in a 30-day period; trips involving a connection will count for […]
UP moves forward with closure of Texas car shop, set for June 14
PALESTINE, Texas — Union Pacific is advancing plans to close its Palestine Car Shop even as legal efforts continue by the city of Palestine and Anderson County continue to block the closure The Palestine Herald reports employees were told last week they will be furloughed after their shift on June 14. Closure of the shop […]
U.S. Steel to sell rail subsidiary to Fortress Transportation and Infrastructure
PITTSBURGH — U.S. Steel will sell its subsidiary which operates the company’s six remaining railroads to a subsidiary of Fortress Transportation and Infrastructure Investors for $640 million, the steelmaker announced Tuesday. Trains Wire reported almost a year ago that U.S. Steel was seeking a buyer for Transtar [see “U.S. Steel looks to sell remaining rail […]
New York MTA changes see Feinberg nominated as board chair, Lieber appointed CEO
NEW YORK — Sarah Feinberg has been nominated as board chair of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and Janno Lieber has been appointed as the agency’s CEO to fill positions to be vacated by the departure of Patrick J. Foye. Foye, who has been MTA president, chairman, and CEO for four years, will depart July 30 […]
Digest: Florida county makes deal on crossing upgrades, ends suit against Brightline
Indian River County ends Brightline lawsuit, reaches agreement on $31.6 million in crossing improvements Longtime Brightline opponent Indian River County, Fla., has agreed to drop its lawsuit against the passenger service over grade crossing improvements along the Florida East Coast rail line used by the passenger carrier. WPBF-TV reports the agreement calls for cooperative efforts […]
Norfolk Southern locomotive conversion program continues to expand A.C. traction fleet
NORFOLK, Va. – Norfolk Southern continues to convert older D.C.-traction locomotives into A.C.-traction units at a pace of just over 100 locomotives per year. Some 54% of the NS road fleet is now A.C. traction, Chief Financial Officer Mark George told an investor conference today. That’s up from a third of the fleet at the […]