An MBTA commuter train crosses one of two drawbridges over the Charles River as it leaves North Station. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation is developing plans for expansion of Boston-area commuter service as it might look by the year 2040. Scott A. Hartley BOSTON — To see what commuter rail in Boston might look like […]
INDIANAPOLIS — Noted Indiana railroad historian and university professor Dr. Francis Parker, 80, died March 27 in Muncie, Ind. He authored or co-authored two books on Indiana railroads: “Railroads of Indiana” (with Richard Simons) and “Indiana Railroad Depots: A Threatened Heritage.” He came to Muncie in 1976 as one of four founding professors for Ball […]
Wal-Mart is testing a direct intermodal relationship with U.S. railroads and now rosters a fleet of purpose-built 53-foot containers. Wal-Mart BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart is expanding its use of rail intermodal and doing it with new custom containers. Walmart launched a new rail strategy in 2018 when, with its own specially-designed containers, the big retailer […]
DENVER — The first project director of Colorado’s Southwest Chief and Front Range Passenger Rail Commission is ready to help move forward plans to link Denver by rail to cities north and south. Randy Grauberger, a 28-year veteran of the Colorado Department of Transportation, joins the rail commission after a stint with WSP Parsons Brinckerhoff. […]
Black Hills Central No. 108 comes together in July 2018. Trains: Jim Wrinn No. 108 in service at Weyerhaeuser in Washington state. Martin E. Hansen collection HILL CITY, S.D. — While American steam fans have focused their attention on the amazing restorations of 2-4-4-2 Skookum, 2-6-6-2 No. 1309, and Union Pacific Big Boy 4-8-8-4 No. […]
President Donald Trump The White House WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s threat to close the border with Mexico this week would quickly have an impact on railroads and wreak economic havoc on both sides of the Rio Grande. Cross-border traffic represents about 11 percent of Union Pacific’s total volume and nearly 30 percent of volume […]
CN CEO Jean-Jacques Ruest Canadian National MONTREAL — Canadian National CEO Jean-Jacques Ruest made sweeping changes to the railway’s management team last month with an eye toward broadening their experience and forging tighter links between operations and the technology and marketing teams. The changes, which went into effect on Monday, were announced in an internal […]
Passengers await the arrival of a Denver A Line train at the 40th Avenue-Airport Boulevard station in October 2018. Denver will open its second commuter rail line, the G Line, later this month. TRAINS: David Lassen DENVER — Denver RTD’s long-delayed G Line commuter rail operation is scheduled to open April 26, more than two years […]
BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — A Battle Creek police officer is questioning Amtrak’s decision to remove a 13-year-old girl traveling alone from a train, but the passenger railroad says acted within its ticket policies and with safety in mind. WOOD-TV reports the incident in question occurred March 26, when the 13-year-old boarded a train in Lapeer, […]
OTTAWA — Aircraft industry executive Cynthia Garneau has been appointed as the new president and CEO of VIA Rail Canada, replacing Yves Desjardins-Siciliano, who had held the position for five years. Her five-year term begins May 9. Her appointment, as well as the appointment of three members of VIA’s board of directors, were announced Friday […]
An illustration from Brightline’s “announcement” of Convertible Class. Brightline/Virgin Trains USA April Fools Day did not pass unnoticed in the railroading world, as some organizations reported “news” in the spirit of the day. Among the highlights: — The San Antonio Zoo announced that its narrow gauge zoo train, the Eagle Train in Brackenridge Park, would […]
An electronic display at MiamiCentral station in May 2018 features the Brightline logo. An event this week featuring Virgin Group founder Richard Branson will provide a look at the station’s rebranding as Brightline transitions to Virgin Trains USA. Bob Johnston MIAMI — Two events this week could provide insight into the look and expansion efforts […]
