SACRAMENTO — Virgin Trains USA has received preliminary approval from a California state agency for the issuance of tax-exempt bonds to finance its Xpress West high speed rail project between Southern California and Las Vegas, Nev. On Wednesday, the state Debt Limit Allocation Committee recommended that the company receive the first $300 million of its […]
MASON, Ohio — The cancellation of a local GOP group’s fundraiser train ride in Ohio has prompted differing explanations from the host group and the railroad which would have operated the special trains. The Dayton Daily News is reporting that the Republican Women of Warren County’s “Trump Train” fundraiser train rides, which had been set […]
Trains editors discuss rail topics posted to our News Wire section from the week prior. This week, Jim and Steve talk about Richard Anderson’s rare appearance, Wabtec closing a locomotive shop, intermodal operations, and rail-side real estate. Watch the video for more! […]
Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller greets AAPRCO members before touring the private cars at the Albuquerque Transportation Center. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Amtrak was at the head end of topics discussed this week in Albuquerque for the American Association of Private Rail Car Owners’ 42nd annual convention. The convention opened on Tuesday with members of the Southwest […]
The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen has transferred many of its short line and regional railroad members into a new National Division and raised the profile of small railroad members in the largest U.S. railroad union. The move follows the BLET’s decision at its 2018 Fourth National Convention to expand organizing activities on short […]
A Metra Electric train departs the 47th Street/Kenwood Station in May 2019. Chicago’s mayor has come out against a plan that would lower fares and increase service on the Electric and Rock Island lines, saying it would hurt Chicago Transit Authority ridership. TRAINS: David Lassen CHICAGO — Mayor Lori Lightfoot has come out against a […]
Western Maryland Scenic No. 734 pulls a photo freight through Helmstetter’s Farm around the iconic horseshoe curve. Kevin Gilliam CORRIGANVILLE, Md. — One of the best-known railroad landmarks east of the Mississippi and one of the most frequently-photographed locations along the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad is for sale. The iconic Helmstetters’ Farm, located in Corriganville, […]
Amtrak CEO Richard Anderson discusses his vision for the passenger railroad during a Thursday appearance at a travel industry conference in New York. Ralph Spielman NEW YORK — Amtrak President and CEO Richard Anderson made a rare public appearance Thursday at the Skift Global 2019 Travel Industry Conference, voicing many of the themes that have […]
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — After a five-month delay, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is scheduled to begin a pilot program of commuter rail service to Foxborough on Oct. 21. The 11-month trial, approved last November, was originally slated to begin in May [see “MBTA to begin Foxborough service on trial basis,” Trains News Wire, Nov. 30, […]
ERIE, Pa. — It seems the struggles of the former GE locomotive plant in Erie have come to an end and now it may have a brighter future with an announcement that Wabtec intends to move its Motive Power Industries operation to the Erie Plat plant. The announcement was made Wednesday that it will be […]
N&W 611, shown at Jamestown, N.C., in September 2018, will move to N.C. Transportation Museum after its tour at Strasburg, Pa. Trains: Jim Wrinn SPENCER, N.C. — Norfolk & Western Class J No. 611, restored to life at the N.C. Transportation Museum in 2015, will return to Spencer in 2019 for special events this fall […]
SAN FRANCISCO — San Francisco-area transit agencies will study the possibilities of integrating their fares to reduce commuting costs. The San Francisco Examiner reports that the Clipper Executive Board, representing transit executives from the region, has approved the study, which will take 12 to 14 months. The $599,839 cost will be covered by residual funds from […]
