MOBILE, Ala. — A group of Mississippi cities that would be served by revived Amtrak service along the Gulf Coast are urging the Mobile City Council to join in supporting the effort to begin New Orleans-Mobile passenger operations. The Mobile council is scheduled to vote today whether to pledge its financial support for the proposed […]
Virginia rail investment should have statewide impact NEWSWIRE
While Virginia plans will add a third and fourth track on much of the route between Washington and Richmond, two-track street running will remain in Ashland, Va. Bob Johnston Second of three articles on Virginia rail plans. The first article is available here. ASHLAND, Va. — Since the 1830s, passenger and freight trains have rumbled […]
Age of Steam Roundhouse selling two diesels NEWSWIRE
Nos. 1202 and 1205 Age of Steam Roundhouse SUGAR CREEK, Ohio – The Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum is selling two EMD SW1200 diesels it has deemed surplus, according to an announcement by the organization. The roundhouse is primarily a repository for a large collection of steam locomotives, but also has a fleet of diesels […]
CN expansion plan draws ire of East Chicago residents NEWSWIRE
EAST CHICAGO, Ind. — A Canadian National request to expand facilities in East Chicago is drawing fire from residents and environmental groups, who say the additional tracks will be used to store cars full of petroleum coke, a refining byproduct which can be used as fuel. The Times of Northwest Indiana reports CN said in […]
Colorado company airs plans to build Denver-Longmont commuter rail line NEWSWIRE
A Denver RTD A Line commuter train heads toward the city from Denver International Airport. A private company is proposing to build a commuter rail line to Longmont, Colo., rather than waiting for the RTD to do. TRAINS: David Lassen LOUISVILLE, Colo. — A private company’s pitch to build a long-delayed commuter rail line from […]
Cumbres & Toltec announces schedule for 19th-century locomotive event NEWSWIRE
Privately-owned 4-4-0 Eureka from Nevada will guest star at Cumbres & Toltec’s 50th anniversary celebration. Trains: Jim Wrinn CHAMA, N.M. — Four narrow gauge locomotives built in the 19th century will take center stage at the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad this August for what will likely be one of the highlights of the year […]
Plans take shape for how Virginia-CSX agreement will reshape rail travel (updated) NEWSWIRE
This map shows planned rail improvements under Virginia’s agreement with CSX Transportation. A full-size download is available here. Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation First of three parts ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The $3.7 billion agreement between the Commonwealth of Virginia and CSX Transportation will dramatically expand rail capacity for Virginia Railway Express (VRE) and […]
Durango & SIlverton completes restoration, conversion of K-37 locomotive NEWSWIRE
DURANGO, Colo. — The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has completed the restoration of a K-37 2-8-2, the largest type of locomotive to ever run on the Denver & Rio Grande Western’s famed narrow gauge route. On Jan. 24, D&SNG crews fired up No. 493 after an extensive restoration that saw it converted from […]
Funding shortfall leaves Missouri owing Amtrak $6.5 million NEWSWIRE
Passengers board a Missouri River Runner at Kirkwood, Mo., in 2014. The state of Missouri owes Amtrak more than $6 million in unpaid bills for the train’s operation. Bob Johnston JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The state of Missouri owes Amtrak more than $6 million for operation of the state-supported Missouri River Runner, a debt which […]
In first step of MBTA transformation, board approves increased Fairmount line service NEWSWIRE
MBTA trains await action at Boston’s South Station in April 2015. The board overseeing the commuter railroad has approved a pilot program adding service on the Fairmount line, which originates at South Station. Scott A. Hartley BOSTON — The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s financial oversight board has approved a $1.1 million, one-year pilot program to add […]
J.B. Hunt sees its first annual intermodal decline in 2019 NEWSWIRE
A string of J.B. Hunt intermodal containers head west on a BNSF Railway train at Lemont, Ill., on Dec. 22, 2019. The firm’s intermodal volume suffered a first-ever drop in 2019. TRAINS: David Lassen J.B. Hunt’s intermodal volume sank for the first time ever last year largely due to tougher truck competition in the east. […]
Government report faults FRA oversight of California high speed project (corrected) NEWSWIRE
WASHINGTON — A government report issued Friday says the Federal Railroad Administration provided inadequate oversight of federal funds granted to California’s high speed rail program, and as a result, $2.55 billion in FRA funding “is at increased risk of not achieveing the purpose of the agreements.” The report from the Department of Transportation’s Office of […]