Saturday Canadian rail and coronavirus news: — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau views aid for Canada’s ailing transit systems as a responsibility of local and provincial governments rather than the federal government, he said during a Friday press conference. “Operation of transit is more of a municipal and provincial responsibility, and we hope to see […]
Magazine: Trains Magazine
Transit agencies seek $32 billion in additional federal aid (updated) NEWSWIRE
A Chicago Transit Authority Blue Line train heads toward downtown from O’Hare Airport. The CTA is among agencies asking for $32 billion in federal aid. TRAINS: David Lassen Saturday morning rail news: — Chief executives of 15 major transit agencies, including New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Los Angeles Metro, and the Chicago Transit Authority, have […]
Final days of steam in western China
Editors’ note: The author and photographers are graduates of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s rail engineering program. This is their first Trains byline. In North America, the days of steam railroading are a distant memory, and coal traffic is slowly headed the way of steam. In Europe and Japan, steam enthusiasts eagerly attend steam […]
Amtrak announces June 1 return for some Acela service NEWSWIRE
A northbound Amtrak Acela Express passes through Elizabeth, N.J., in August 2019. Amtrak will resume some Acela service on the Northeast Corridor as of June 1. TRAINS: David Lassen WASHINGTON — Amtrak will begin restoration of Acela Express service on the Northeast Corridor as of June 1, with three Acela round trips between Washington and […]
Ohio railfan events cancelled over COVID-19 concerns NEWSWIRE
DAYTON, Ohio – Two railfan events scheduled for summer 2020 are cancelled due to the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak. The annual Carillon Park Rail Festival in Dayton is cancelled for 2020. The event, which features miniature train rides with live steam locomotives, historical exhibits, and a swap meet, is traditionally held the weekend after Father’s Day. […]
Most SEPTA service to resume normal levels May 17; Regional Rail remains on ‘Lifeline” schedule NEWSWIRE
More Friday rail news: — The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority will resume regular service on most bus and trolley and some rail lines in the Philadelphia area as of Sunday, May 17, the agency has announced, with fare collection resuming Monday, May 18. Some stations will reopen; COVID-19 measures will remain in effect. Trolley route […]
Survey finds most Metrolink riders are essential workers NEWSWIRE
A Metrolink train arrives at Burbank in January 2020. A survey by Metrolink has found that 70% of those still using the commuter rail system classify themselves as essential workers. TRAINS: David Lassen More Friday morning rail news: — Some 70% of riders using LA-area commuter railroad Metrolink classify themselves as “essential workers,” with more […]
Digest: Texas Central is a railroad, court rules
Friday morning rail news: — Texas Central Railway won a significant court ruling Thursday when a state appeals court said the company is a railroad in legal terms, even though it does not yet operate any trains. The decision by Judge Nora Longoria for the Thirteenth Appeals Court of Texas overturns a lower court ruling […]
Union Pacific, National Parks Service, and foundation, team up on ‘junior ranger’ program NEWSWIRE
WASHINGTON – The National Park Service (NPS), Union Pacific Railroad and the National Park Foundation (NPF) today announced the release of the Junior Ranger Railroad Explorer activity booklet that can be obtained for free from NPS.gov. Issued just ahead of National Train Day and the Golden Spike anniversary on May 9 and May 10, respectively, […]
Amtrak to require passengers to wear facial coverings NEWSWIRE
A masked passenger waits on the North Concourse of Chicago Union Station on April 20, 2020. Beginning May 11, Amtrak will require passengers to wear facial coverings on trains and in stations. TRAINS: David Lassen WASHINGTON — Amtrak will begin requiring passengers to wear masks or other facial coverings as of May 11. The requirement […]
BNSF closing two facilities in Wyoming, cutting 122 jobs NEWSWIRE
Still more Thursday rail news: — BNSF Railway will close two facilities in Wyoming, laying off 122 workers, in part reflecting the declining market for coal. The Casper Star-Tribune reports the railroad will close its Guernsey shops in June and its Donkey Creek facility in July. “Similar to the size of our train, yard and […]
BNSF lays off workers in Glendive, Topeka NEWSWIRE
More Thursday morning rail news: — BNSF Railway will close its Glendive, Mont., diesel shop and is also laying off workers in Topeka, Kan. KXGN-TV is reporting that, in a letter to employees, BNSF’s Gary Grissum, vice president of mechanical, told affected shop employees in a letter that the closure reflected the current business environment […]