Wabtec wins award for FLXdrive locomotive, Golden Stevie Award; gains contract for equipment in India Wabtec’s FLXdrive battery-electric locomotive has been named a winner of Fast Company magazine’s World Changing Ideas for 2021 in the transportation category. The locomotive, which recently concluded more than 13,000 miles of testing in Southern California, uses more than 18,000 […]
At least 23 killed in Mexico City subway accident
MEXICO CITY — At least 23 people have been killed in a subway accident late Monday. The New York Times reports an overpass collapsed on an elevated portion of the rapid transit system’s Line 12 about 10:30 p.m. on Monday, sending some cars of a train plunging to the ground while leaving at least two […]
Digest: Texas Central signs $1.6 billion contract for electrical systems
Texas Central, Kiewit announce deal for electrical systems Texas Central, the planned high speed Dallas-Houston rail line, has signed a $1.6 billion contract with Kiewit Infrastructure South Co. and affiliate Mass. Electric Construction Co. to build the electrical systems needed for propulsion, signaling, and communications for the system replicating the Shinkansen technology of the Central […]
Digest: New York City to resume 24-hour subway service
New York subways to resume 24-hour service, more than a year after beginning nightly shutdowns New York City Transit will resume 24-hour subway service on May 17, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced Monday, reflecting increase subway use as the COVID-19 situation improves. The resumption will come at the same time the governor lifts the state’s […]
Navigating Amtrak’s long-distance network this summer
Finally ready to make that long-postponed train trip? Amtrak’s reservation system, both the www.amtrak.com version and the smartphone app, works reasonably well for travelers on East, Midwest, and West Coast corridors only looking for a coach seat on routes with multiple departures. But for anyone planning a longer trip on trains departing only once […]
New releases continue CP, CN efforts to gain support for KCS merger bids
In Monday morning’s latest installment in the regulatory and public-relations efforts to boost their respective bids for Kansas City Southern, Canadian Pacific and Canadian National have each issued new press release. CP’s cites what it terms “mounting opposition” to the CN-KCS merger proposal, while CN has released an open letter to “the Kansas City Southern […]
Buffett talks about Canadian pursuit of KCS, plus BNSF narrowing gap with UP
OMAHA, Neb. — BNSF Railway corporate parent Berkshire Hathaway is closely watching the battle for Kansas City Southern. Canadian Pacific and Canadian National have dueling bids in place for the smallest Class I railroad, with an eye toward creating the first system to link Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. “Either of those companies acquiring Kansas […]
BNSF earnings improve as intermodal and agricultural volume surge
OMAHA, Neb. — BNSF Railway’s first-quarter, pre-tax profit rose due to a surge in intermodal volume, as retailers sought to keep shelves and warehouses full and consumers’ online purchases boosted parcel shipments. BNSF’s pre-tax profit was up 4.7% to $1.7 billion, as revenue declined 0.4% to $5.2 billion. “The increase principally resulted from increased volume […]
Restored CNJ steam locomotive to head benefit excursion
MINERSVILLE, Pa. — Restored Central Railroad of New Jersey 0-6-0 No. 113 will head a special excursion on the Reading & Northern from Minersville to Port Clinton, Pa., and return on June 19. This 37-mile round trip trip is a benefit for popular R&N engineer Chris Bost, who is suffering from a nerve disease and […]
BNSF seeks end to Missouri River bridge preservation efforts, permission to pursue demolition
BISMARCK, N.D. — After five years in which local preservation efforts have delayed efforts to replace the structure, BNSF Railway has asked the U.S. Coast Guard to allow efforts to proceed to demolish the 138-year-old Bismarck-Mandan Rail Bridge over the Missouri River. The Bismarck Tribune reports BNSF Director of Bridge Maintenance Mike Herzog sent an […]
Digest: Amtrak 50th anniversary ticket sale ends Wednesday
Amtrak sale, offering 50% off or $50 for anniversary, ends Wednesday As part of events marking its 50th anniversary, Amtrak is offering a non-refundable “50% off or maximum $50 fare” sale that ends Wednesday, May 5. The offer is good on any train in coach or Acela Business Class for travel between June 2 and […]
Digest: Canadian Pacific seeks to have CN-KCS merger judged by more stringent rules
Canadian Pacific tells STB CN-KCS deal should not receive waiver from 2001 merger rules Canadian Pacific has asked the Surface Transportation Board to rule the proposed merger of Canadian National and Kansas City Southern does not qualify for a waiver from more stringent merger rules adopted in 2001. The STB has already granted that waiver […]