Digest: Honolulu gets extension for federal rail funding

HART logo

Still more Wednesday morning rail news: Honolulu gets extension for federal funds withheld because of rail system issues Honolulu has secured a year-long extension for $250 million in federal funding for its troubled light rail system, but must make enough progress in that year to earn the release of that money from the Federal Transit […]

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Digest: BNSF train derails in Washington after hitting truck

A derailed train

More Wednesday evening rail news: BNSF train derails after hitting truck A BNSF train derailed near Mabton, Wash., after hitting a truck carrying farm equipment. KING-TV reports three locomotives and seven cars derailed in the accident at State Route 22 and Phillips Road on Wednesday morning. Some diesel fuel was spilled from two of the […]

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Digest: Metro-North, Long Island Rail Road complete PTC implementation

A train yard

Wednesday afternoon rail news: Metro-North, Long Island Rail Road complete PTC implementation The two commuter railroads of New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority have met the deadline for positive train control deadline. Metro-North Railroad President Catherine Rinaldi and Long Island Rail Road President Phil Eng made the announcement today the MTA’s Mid-Day Storage Yard in Long […]

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Digest: Investigation begins into BNSF derailment and fire

Tanker car

More Wednesday morning rail news: Investigation begins into BNSF derailment, fire Fires were under control but continuing to burn late Monday at the site of a BNSF oil train derailment in Custer, Wash., as a host of agencies began their investigation into the accident. The Bellingham Herald reports those on scene included representatives of the […]

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Germany plans integrated national rail schedule for 2030s, multiple new high speed line

Train in the station

The German government, working with rail operators and regional governments, has unveiled ambitious plans to introduce a national rail timetable designed to make journeys faster for both passengers and freight by 2030. The standardized or regular-interval timetable — known in German as a Taktfahrplan, or just “Takt” — will offer intercity rail services between major […]

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News Wire Top 10 stories of 2020: Nos. 5-7

A train passing under a bridge

Continuing the Trains News Wire countdown of the Top 10 rail stories of 2020: No. 7: Alstom purchases Bombardier Two of the major suppliers of passenger and transit equipment in North America and Europe are combining, with French-based Alstom purchasing the rail business of Montreal-based Bombardier Transportation. The deal, announced in February, creates the second-largest […]

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Digest: Railroad associations granted exemption to trucking hours-of-service laws

Association of American Railroad logo

Wednesday morning rail news: Railroads granted exemption to trucking hours-of-service laws The Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has granted railroads an exemption to the hours of service law for truck drivers. The Association of American Railroads and American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association had requested the exemption for their member railroads […]

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Digest: Sounder commuter service stopped by mudslide

Sound Transit logo

Tuesday midday rail news: Sounder North commuter service halted by mudslide Sound Transit has cancelled Sounder North commuter rail service today and tomorrow because of a mudslide between the Edwards and Mukilteo, Wash., stations. A commuter advisory reports special bus service for Sounder customers is available. With no service scheduled Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, […]

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Amtrak, MTA CEOs react to COVID aid funding

Amtrak logo

Amtrak CEO Bill Flynn and New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority CEO Patrick J. Foye have both reacted positively to the COVID-19 relief funding included in a bill passed by Congress on Monday. Amtrak received $1 billion in relief funds, while transit agencies will receive $14 billion. In a statement issued Tuesday, Flynn thanked Congress for […]

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News Wire Top 10 stories of 2020: Nos. 8-10

A train pulling through a wooded area

Beginning the Trains News Wire countdown of the Top 10 rail stories of 2020, as selected by staff and key News Wire contributors: No. 10: Amtrak on-time performance rules It seemed simple enough back in 2008: As part of that year’s Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act, Amtrak and the FRA were required to set […]

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Orangeville, Ontario, short line faces abandonment

Blue train traveling down tracks

By: Stephen C. Host ORANGEVILLE, Ontario — The Orangeville Brampton Railway, a 34-mile short line between Mississauga and Orangeville, is slated to be abandoned after the line’s customers gave notice of their intent to terminate their contract with the railway. The Orangeville Banner newspaper reports the Orangeville Brampton Rail Access Group, which represents the customers, […]

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