Caltrain names Bouchard as executive director

Caltrain logo

SAN CARLOS, Calif. — Michelle Bouchard, who has been acting executive director of Caltrain since April 2021,  has been named as the commuter operator’s first permanent executive director. The Caltrain board of directors announced Bouchard’s unanimous appointment on Thursday, Nov. 3. “Michelle has been a dynamic and engaged leader for Caltrain,” Caltrain Board Chair Steve […]

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American Z Line ALCO PA1

Model of dark green and gold streamlined diesel locomotive

American Z Line ALCO PA1 Scale: Z (1:220) Price: Contact manufacturer Era: Late 1940s+ Manufacturer: American Z Line, 6142 Northcliff Blvd., Dublin, OH 43016; 614-764-1703; americanzline.com ALCO PA1 features: prototype specific details 7mm can motor dual flywheels directional controlled light-emitting diode lighting six-axle trucks with blind middle axle blackened metal wheels traction tires optional snowplow, optional […]

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House Republicans ask Amtrak to explain executive bonuses

Amtrak logo.

WASHINGTON — Republican members of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure have asked Amtrak board chairman Tony Coscia for a briefing to explain “six-figure bonuses to top executives paid largely from taxpayer funds, even while the company experienced historic financial and ridership losses.” A letter released by Missouri Rep. Sam Graves, ranking member of […]

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Cass Scenic Railroad set for Rail Heritage Weekend, December steam excursions

Shay locomotive in snow

Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad, operator of the Cass Scenic Railroad, has announced a series of special events: — Steam Rail Heritage Weekend trains Nov. 4-6; — Rare steam winter excursions Dec. 2-4 and 9-11, 2022; — The return of West Virginia Central Railroad excursions, powered by classic diesel locomotives, from Elkins to Tygart Junction and […]

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BNSF near permission to replace Bismarck-Mandan bridge

BNSF train crossing river bridge in winter

BISMARCK, N.D. — BNSF Railway’s long-delayed effort to replace its aging bridge between Bismarck and Mandan, N.D., is on the verge of getting federal and state approval — but the preservation group that wants to save the structure is considering mounting a legal effort to stop demolition of the existing structure. The Bismarck Tribune reports […]

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Canadian government, Lac-Mégantic agree on land acquisition

Map of Lac-Megantic Bypass

LAC-MÉGANTIC, Quebec — The Canadian government has reached an agreement in principle with the town of Lac-Mégantic on the purchase of land needed for construction of a rail bypass around the community, Transport Canada has announced. The agreement will allow both parties to prepare the deed of sale for the land owned by the town. […]

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U.S. rail traffic slips slightly in October

Weekly table showing carload traffic by commodity plus intermodal totals

WASHINGTON — Overall rail traffic was down slightly in October compared to the same month in 2022, while traffic for the week ending Oct. 29 showed a slight increase, according to the Association of American Railroads. Monthly totals had combined U.S. carload and intermodal traffic down 0.5% compared to October 2021,with carload traffic up 0.5% […]

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