CP, KCS file merger application

Logos for Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern

WASHINGTON — Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern have filed their merger application with the Surface Transportation Board, meeting the companies’ goal of delivering the document to regulators before the end of October. In a press release sent Friday at 10:40 p.m. EDT, the companies said the application to create new combined company Canadian Pacific […]

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Ohio blocked-crossing bill would levy fines starting at $5,000

Seal of the state of Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio — An Ohio state legislator has introduced legislation that would fine railroads $5,000 or more for blocking grade crossings for more than 5 minutes “to the hindrance of traffic.” The Butler County Journal-News reports state Rep. Thomas Hall (R-Madison Township, Ohio) said House Bill 361 is designed “to get the railroads’ attention,” with […]

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DC Metrorail issues spur FTA inspection advisory (updated)

DC Metrorail train

WASHINGTON — The Federal Transit Administration has issued a safety advisory recommending that rail transit operators inspect wheelsets for “out of tolerance wheel gauges” and to submit records of any railcars that have experienced loosened or shifted wheels. The Washington Post reports the move comes as a result of the derailment and subsequent discovery of […]

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U.S. DOT, California combine to address supply-chain issues

Two trains meet along river while another crosses water on bridge

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The U.S. Department of Transportation and state of California will work together on a program to address supply-chain issues through infrastructure projects under an agreement announced last week. The Emerging Projects Agreement aims to facilitate projects and financing for transportation projects to improve the movement of imports and exports and “bring supply […]

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SEPTA, union reach deal, avoid strike

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority logo

PHILADELPHIA — The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority reached agreement with its largest union on Friday, averting a strike that could have begun today. Philly Voice reports Transport Workers Union Local 234, which represents 5,000 workers, agreed to a deal including a 3% raise; pandemic bonus of up to $2,200, based on hours worked between March […]

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Union Pacific train derails near Des Moines, Iowa

Union Pacific logo with Building America slogan

CARLISLE, Iowa — Cleanup continued through the weekend after one locomotive and about 20 cars of a Union Pacific train derailed Friday night near the town of Carlisle, just southeast of Des Moines. KCCI-TV reports the accident, which temporarily closed the adjacent State Route 5, initially launched a hazmat response from local fire departments, but […]

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Train 4

Steam locomotive with passenger train

Train 4 Pere Marquette’s unnamed Grand Rapids–Detroit train 4 rolls through Trowbridge, Mich., in 1940. Locomotive 712 is one of 12 class SP-3 4-6-2 Pacifics built by Alco’s Brooks works in January 1921. Classic Trains collection […]

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Getting the most out of your overnight Amtrak trip

Objects in Amtrak roomette including computer, cellphone, schedule

In the not-too-distant past, Amtrak provided route guides and timetables with a wealth of information about not only sights and points of interest along its routes, but also what to expect on each train: Is there checked baggage service? Are pillows available for coach passengers? What kind of dining options are offered? Through 2017, Amtrak […]

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