Survey finds most Metrolink riders are essential workers NEWSWIRE

Metrolink_Burbank_Lassen

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 […]

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Digest: Texas Central is a railroad, court rules

Texas Central logo

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 […]

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Amtrak to require passengers to wear facial coverings NEWSWIRE

Amtrak_Mask_Lassen

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 […]

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BNSF lays off workers in Glendive, Topeka NEWSWIRE

BNSF Railway logo

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 […]

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AAR: April was challenging a month for US rail traffic NEWSWIRE

Table of US rail traffic commodities and intermodal for the week ended May 2, 2020 Association of American Railroads WASHINGTON — The Association of American Railroads today reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending May 2, 2020, as well as volumes for April 2020. U.S. railroads originated 980,535 carloads in April 2020, down 25.2%, […]

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LIRR third-track project remains on schedule NEWSWIRE

LIRR_MainLine_Lassen

An outbound Long Island Rail Road train meets a New York & Atlantic train on a section of the LIRR Main Line which will eventually be triple-tracked as part of a capacity expansion project. The $2.6 billion project remains on schedule despite challenges created by the COVID-19 outbreak. TRAINS: David Lassen More Wednesday morning rail […]

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Metra to add service on Electric District NEWSWIRE

Metra_Electric_Lassen

An outbound Metra Electric train meets a Canadian National freight at Matteson, Ill., on May 2, 2020. Metra will increase service on the Electric line as part of its PTC implementation effort. TRAINS: David Lassen Wednesday morning rail news: — Chicago’s Metra will increase service on the Metra Electric District as of May 18 as […]

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