EAST DUBUQUE, Iowa — BNSF Railway confirms in a customer advisory that one of its trains derailed on the Aurora Subdivision Monday morning. The advisory says both BNSF main tracks were affected after a derailment at 10:53 am. Central time. The Dubuque Telegraph-Herald newspaper reports that more than five cars derailed and that some landed […]
NJ Transit’s rail manager dies from coronavirus NEWSWIRE
Sunday morning rail news: — Raymond P. Kenny, 69, NJ Transit’s senior vice president and general manager of rail operations, has died of complications from the COVID-19 virus, NJ Transit announced Saturday. NJ.com reports that Kenny, who came to NJ Transit in January 2019 after 50 years at the Long Island Rail Road, was praised […]
MTA seeks another $3.9 billion in federal aid NEWSWIRE
Saturday morning rail news: — New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority is seeking another $3.9 billion in federal aid to offset losses caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The MTA received $4 billion as part of the coronavirus relief act passed in March, but Newsday reports that MTA chairman Patrick Foye says the agency’s original estimates of […]
Connecticut approves funding for commuter coaches NEWSWIRE
A Metro-North Waterbury Branch train approaches the station in Bridgeport, Conn., in August 2019. The branch will not be among the Metro-North operations receiving new passenger cars funded by Connecticut. TRAINS: David Lassen More Friday morning rail news: — The planned purchase of new passenger cars for Metro-North commuter rail service in Connecticut will include […]
CSX joins in Operation Gratitude effort for medical workers NEWSWIRE
Still more Friday morning rail news: — Nonprofit organization Operation Gratitude and CSX Transportation are teaming to deliver supplies and gifts of gratitude to frontline medical workers today for a network of 11 hospitals in eastern Pennsylvania. The newly formed Coalition to Support COVID-19 Frontline Responders was formed with Operation Gratitude by companies including CSX, […]
Fundraising for No. 576 passes $1 million mark NEWSWIRE
No. 576 is moved from its longtime display location in a Nashville park in January 2019. Fundraising for restoration of the locomotive has passed the $1 million mark. TRAINS: Jim Wrinn Friday morning steam and preservation news: — The fundraising campaign to restore Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis steam locomotive No. 576 has passed the […]
KCS first-quarter gains overshadowed by virus uncertainty NEWSWIRE
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Kansas City Southern reported higher-first quarter volume, revenue, and profits today but withdrew its outlook for the year in light of ongoing uncertainty related to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. KCS also scaled back this year’s capital spending plans by at least 10% due to anticipated volume declines, which are […]
San Diego scraps plans for transit ballot initiative NEWSWIRE
San Diego Trolley trains meet at the Middletown station in January 2020. The Metropolitan Transit System has scrapped plans for a ballot initiative this year because of the coronavirus. TRAINS: David Lassen Transit and coronavirus-related rail news for Friday morning: — San Diego’s Metropolitan Transit System has officially abandoned its plans for a November ballot […]
Disney places video of ‘Thunder Mountain’ train-themed roller coaster ride on YouTube NEWSWIRE
Disney via YouTube. First reported by LaughingPlace.com ORLANDO, Fla. — As part of its virtual tour of rides and attractions at its properties in Florida, Disney uploaded a new video of one of its long-enduring rides at the Magic Kingdom — Thunder Mountain. The 1-minute, 57-second video gives viewers a front-row seat in the roller […]
Judge rules for Maryland’s Purple Line project in environmental suit NEWSWIRE
More Thursday morning rail news: — A federal judge has ruled against an attempt to block Maryland’s Purple Line light rail project on environmental grounds, finding that the Maryland Transit Administration “clearly demonstrated” the design for the 16-mile, $2-billion project “was the least evinromentally damaging practicable alternative.” The Engineering News-Record reports that U.S. District Judge […]
Metra official says ridership may never fully recover from virus losses NEWSWIRE
Inbound and outbound Metra trains meet in Elmwood Park, Ill., in March. A Metra official expects a long-term loss of ridership after the coronavirus pandemic. TRAINS: David Lassen Thursday morning rail news: — It may take one to three years for Metra ridership to return to 2019 levels after the coronavirus pandemic — if it […]
MTA will require passengers to wear face masks NEWSWIRE
Long Island Rail Road trains meet at Divide interlocking in Hicksville, N.Y., in August 2019. The LIRR and other MTA operators will require passengers to wear face masks beginning Friday. TRAINS: David Lassen More Thursday morning rail news: — New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority will require subway, commuter rail, and bus passengers to wear face […]