The approach with which most nations addressed the spread of the coronavirus — one of regional and national lockdowns, and border closures — took a heavy toll on rail systems around the world. The pattern began after the COVID-19 virus was first detected in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Most rail traffic in China, especially […]
Rio Grande Pacific reaches agreement with UP to lease Tennessee Pass line (updated)
EAGLE COUNTY, COLO. — The former Denver & Rio Grande Western Tennessee Pass line will apparently live again. Rail holding company Rio Grande Pacific has announced it has reached agreement with Union Pacific to lease the Colorado route, and its Colorado Midland & Pacific Railway has filed a request with the Surface Transportation Board for […]
News Photos: Last runs for Montreal’s Deux-Montagnes commuter line
Today is the final day of operation for the Deux-Montagnes line of Montreal commuter railroad Exo. The shutdown marks the end of more than 100 years of service on the electrified route, which, for most of its history, ran through the Mount Royal Tunnel to Montreal’s Central Station. The line will be replaced by a […]
Preservation’s overlooked stories
By: Jim Wrinn News in the preservation world wasn’t entirely about COVID-19. There were other significant stories: — Wisconsin Great Northern purchases and begins the restoration of the Mark Twain Zephyr trainset. The long-neglected train will have a new life in northern Wisconsin. — Kentucky Steam expands: The home of leased Chesapeake & Ohio 2-8-4 […]
Digest: Charlotte light rail extends reduced schedule because of staffing shortage
Thursday midday rail news: Charlotte light rail line, short on staff, extends reduced schedule The Charlotte Area Transit System light rail Blue Line will remain on a Sunday schedule until further notice because of a COVID-19-related staffing shortage. The Charlotte Observer reports the light rail system began operating on the Sunday schedule seven days a […]
Digest: MBTA places first new Red Line trainset in service
Thursday morning rail news: MBTA places first new Red Line trainset in service The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority has put its first train of new equipment for the rapid transit Red Line in service, the first new rolling stock for the line since 1994. The Boston Globe reports the equipment is part of an order […]
iCon Infrastructure becomes 40% partner in Iowa Interstate
PITTSBURGH — iCon infrastructure is becoming a 40% partner in Iowa Interstate Railroad, a move majority owner Railroad Development Corp. of says positions the regional railroad as “a platform for growth.” “RDC’s business model is based on partnerships, a model that originates from the business acumen of my father, Henry Posner Jr,” Railroad Development Corp. […]
International rail’s overlooked stories
Notable developments that may not received their due because of the pandemic: Plans were announced or trials began for automated trains, especially in Europe While multiple subway and airport people-mover systems around the world use driverless trains, mainline operation without drivers has until now been restricted to Western Australia, where heavy iron ore trains operate […]
Virus will have long-term impact on preservation, tourist railroads
By: Jim Wrinn North American railway preservation hit its most difficult foe — more potent than time, rust, and neglect — in the deadly COVID-19 pandemic that closed tourist railroads and museums across the continent. Nobody could have seen such a major impact coming. No place was prepared. And no venue was spared. For-profit and […]
News photos: Ribbon-cutting provides first look inside Moynihan Train Hall
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and other officials held a ribbon-cutting earlier today marking the completion of the Moynihan Train Hall, providing the first look inside the $1.6 billion facility across 8th Avenue from New York Penn Station that provides new waiting rooms and access to Amtrak and Long Island Rail Road trains. One entrance […]
Latest rail traffic statistics show continued intermodal strength
WASHINGTON — Boosted by an increase of more than 20% in intermodal units, U.S. rail traffic for the week ending Dec. 26 showed an 8.4% increase over the same week in 2019. The latest statistics from the Association of American Railroads show U.S. Class I railroads moved 220,082 intermodal units for the week, up 20.8%. […]
COVID-19 fallout put passenger rail’s relevance on the brink
If a train isn’t ready to leave when you are, you probably won’t take it. That’s the reality confronting Amtrak management and the states who sponsor passenger service as they attempt to chart a course for 2021 and beyond. Until last March, the number of departures on rail corridors across the U.S. had been on […]