KEARNY, N.J. — NJ Transit announced it had received Federal Railroad Administration certification for its positive train control system, ending doubts the agency could meet the Dec. 31, 2020, deadline for implementation. As recently as last month, the FRA said NJ Transit was in danger of missing the deadline. NJ Transit said the certification came […]
Digest: Amtrak Inspector General sees few flaws in handling of COVID relief funds
More Friday morning rail news: Amtrak inspector general says railroad has been mostly effective in handling CARES funds, but some flaws exist Amtrak has been effective in its use of and accounting for Federal CARES act relief funds, according to a report by the Amtrak Office of Inspector General, but there were some flaws in […]
Digest: Metra introduces new schedules on four lines as of Jan. 11
Friday morning commuter rail and transit news: Metra sets schedule changes for four lines, will make two stations flag stops Metra will introduce new schedules on four lines as of Jan. 11, moves the agency says are intended to improve travel options and train operations across its system. Extensive changes are planned for the Milwaukee […]
Digest: NJ Transit resumes full operations after winter storm
Friday morning rail news: NJ Transit set to resume regular service following storm NJ Transit is slated to return to regular service today following a severe winter storm that brought rail service to a halt Wednesday night and limited operations on Thursday. NJ.com reports commuter rail service was partially restored at midday Thursday, with four […]
News Photos: An impromptu ‘Winter Spectacular’ at East Broad Top
By: Dan Cupper ROCKHILL FURNACE, Pa. — Thursday, Dec. 17, saw a one-day-only mini-revival of the East Broad Top Railroad’s “Winter Spectacular,” a popular feature held each February from 1966 through 1981. The historic narrow gauge railroad usually steamed up three or four of the railroad’s six Baldwin 2-8-2 steam engines for those events. A […]
Canadian Pacific announces plan to develop hydrogen-powered road locomotive
CALGARY, Alberta — Canadian Pacific has announced a program it says will develop North America’s first line-haul hydrogen-powered locomotive, retrofitting a current locomotive with hydrogen fuel cells and batteries to drive the traction motors. “This is a globally significant project that positions CP at the leading edge of decarbonizing the freight transportation sector,” Keith Creel, […]
Digest: Wabtec, Keolis announce partnership
Still more Friday morning rail news: Wabtec, Keolis announce partnership Wabtec Corp. and Keolis Group have announced an international agreement to partner on commercial activities and product development, which will combine Wabtec’s products and Keolis’ transportation experience to address transit needs such as HVAC system, brakes, rolling stock monitoring, pantographs, and passenger information systems. “This […]
Frank W. Christopherson — railroader, legislator, museum volunteer — dies at 93
By: Steve Glischinski DULUTH, Minn. — It’s a cliché when a person passes away to say “they had a life well lived.” But the life of Frank W. Christopherson meets that definition. Christopherson, who died in Duluth on Dec. 15 at 93, was one of the last surviving engineers who ran steam locomotives on the […]
Report: CN to sell Algoma Central Railway
Canadian National is in the process of selling Ontario’s Algoma Central Railway, according to a published report. The Manitoulin Expositor reports the railroad has confirmed the company has initiated the sale process. “Interested parties have been contacted and the process is ongoing,” a company representative told the newspaper. “Since it’s a commercial process, we will […]
Progress Rail to close Tacoma, Wash., locomotive facility
TACOMA, Wash. — Progress Rail will close its Tacoma locomotive rebuilding facility early in 2021. In a statement issued this morning, the company said it will move the work currently being performed at Tacoma to other rebuild facilities, including Mayfield, Ky., and Patterson, Ga. “This consolidation will help eliminate excess capacity and gain necessary efficiencies,” […]
Canadian National, Canadian Pacific seek alternatives to diesel-electric locomotives
Canadian National and Canadian Pacific, which are under investor pressure to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, are exploring the use of alternatives to the diesel-electric locomotive. The Canadian Class I railroads have been working with the Railway Association of Canada and Transport Canada on a range of ways to reduce emissions, including electrification and using […]
Digest: RCMP opens investigation into fatal 2019 Canadian Pacific derailment
Thursday morning rail news: RCMP begins investigation of fatal Canadian Pacific derailment The major crimes unit of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police has opened a criminal investigation into the fatal derailment of a runaway Canadian Pacific train near Field, British Columbia, in February 2019. The CBC reports the investigation is being opened after consultation between […]