Striking workers to vote on new Santa Clara VTA offer

Light rail train at station

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Members of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 265 will vote Saturday on a new contract proposal from the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, the VTA said today (Friday, March 21, 2025). However, the union’s negotiating team is urging members to reject the offer. The proposal would increase raises over the three-year life […]

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Strong winds gum up BNSF’s Southern Transcon

FORT WORTH, Texas — Persistent, strong winds have caused congestion on BNSF Railway’s Southern Transcon, the railroad said in a customer service advisory on Thursday, March 20. “The BNSF network is currently experiencing challenges, particularly on the Southern Transcon, due to excessive and extended winds exceeding 75 mph that have impacted service consistency, alongside unexpected […]

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Union Pacific names new chief legal officer

OMAHA, Neb. — Union Pacific has named Christina Conlin as senior vice president, chief legal officer and corporate secretary, succeeding Craig Richardson, who is set to retire at the end of March. Conlin will oversee all aspects of the company’s legal affairs, including commercial transactions and litigation, labor and employment and regulatory matters. She will […]

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Cadence consortium signs contract for development of Canadian high speed rail

Logo of Canadian high speed company Alto

MONTREAL — Alto, the Canadian high speed rail project, has signed a contract with the Cadence consortium for development of the Toronto-Quebec City route, the companies have announced. The agreement announced today (Friday, March 21) marks the beginning of design and development for the 300-kilometer-per-hour (186-mph) train system project. The Canadian government committed some Ca$3.9 […]

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Chicago transit agencies paint dire picture of major service cuts

Two commuter trains on three-track main line in golden-hour lighting

CHICAGO — Expanding on a warning issued by Metra’s CEO earlier this month, the Chicago-area Regional Transportation Authority has released a dire picture of potential cuts to area transit if a potential $770 million funding shortfall is not addressed before the current state legislative session ends in May. Metra CEO/Executive Director Jim Derwinski said Metra […]

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More service, lower prices boost Winter Park Express ridership

Passenger train in snow with people waiting to board

DENVER — Increased frequency and capacity and lower prices have led to a significant boost in ridership for Amtrak’s Winter Park Express ski train. Colorado Public Radio reports that one-way tickets were priced as low as $19, thanks to use of a state fee on rental car funds designated for rail projects. Trains were also […]

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MBTA expands free service for launch of South Coast Rail

Map of rail lines in southeastern Massachusetts

<hrL BOSTON — The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s South Coast Rail service, scheduled to launch on Monday, March 24, will offer free weekday service through March 31, the MBTA has announced. The free weekday trial period is in addition to previously announced free weekend service through the end of April [see “Schedule released …,” Trains […]

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Norfolk Southern sees volume skyrocket at Chicago transload center

ATLANTA — Carload traffic has increased 62% at a Chicago transload center that Norfolk Southern acquired a year ago. The Great Lakes Reload facility handles inbound loads of steel, cement, lumber, and other bulk commodities. “Transloading bridges the gap for businesses that aren’t directly connected to rail,” Stefan Loeb, vice president of business development and […]

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STB sets schedule for Metra-Union Pacific trackage rights case

Commuter train passes under bridge with freight train in distance

WASHINGTON — The Surface Transportation Board has set the schedule to address Metra’s request for action compelling Union Pacific to continue allowing commuter rail service on its Chicago-area rail lines, establishing a timeline that will have the matter in the board’s hands for consideration by late June. In a decision released today (March 20, 2025), […]

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