Digest: LA Metro releases $8 billion budget for fiscal 2022

LA Metro light rail train on curving bridge

LA Metro budget will restore service to pre-pandemic levels LA Metro has released an $8 billion budget for fiscal 2022 including restoration of rail and bus service to pre-pandemic levels and the start of testing for two projects: the 8.5-mile Crenshaw/LAX light rail line, also known as the K line, and the 1.9-mile Regional Connector, […]

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Digest: Pioneer Railcorp changes name to Pioneer Lines

Pioneer Lines Logo

Short line company Pioneer Railcorp becomes Pioneer Lines Holding company Pioneer Railcorp, which operates 15 railroads in 12 states as well as related services such as transloading and storage, has changed its name to Pioneer Lines. The change comes as the company marks 35 years in business, and two years after it was acquired by […]

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April rail traffic stats show continued strength

Weekly table of U.S. rail traffic statistics

WASHINGTON — U.S. railroads saw major traffic increases in April 2021 over the same month a year earlier, reflecting the traffic recovery from the economic slump triggered by COVID-19 related shutdowns in 2020. Traffic for the most recent week remained on pace with recent showings. Figures from the Association of American Railroads show overall U.S. […]

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Union Pacific says autonomous trains are the answer to driverless trucks

Semi truck on highway

OMAHA, Neb. — How can railroads compete with autonomous or electric trucks that would dramatically reduce the cost of trucking? “Ultimately, our answer to autonomous trucks is autonomous trains,” Union Pacific CEO Lance Fritz says. A first step toward automation is reducing crew size where feasible, Fritz said during the railroad’s investor day Tuesday. UP […]

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Union Pacific sees battery-electric locomotives as the future

Yellow diesel brings train in to junction

OMAHA, Neb. — With a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 26% by the end of the decade, Union Pacific is working to improve locomotive fuel efficiency, plans to roll out battery-electric locomotives soon, and is exploring alternatives to the diesel-electric. “We do not plan on buying any new locomotives — unless it’s battery-electric locomotives […]

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Digest: Ontario railcar builder extends COVID closure

Workers leaving manufacturing plant

National Steel Car extends closure to address COVID-19 outbreak Hamilton, Ontario, railcar builder National Steel Car has extended its manufacturing shutdown for an additional week, and now plans to resume operations on Monday, May 17. The company halted manufacturing work because of a COVID-19 outbreak on April 23 [see “Digest: Canadian freight car company halts […]

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