Monday midday rail news:
Bombardier to build 205 new cars for SkyTrain
Bombardier has signed a contract to build 205 cars for SkyTrain, the rail rapid transit system of Vancouver, British Columbia, agency TransLink. The contract is valued at $565 million, and includes an option for up to 400 additional cars. Cars will be built at Bombardier’s Kingston, Ontario, plant. The contract continues a relationship that has seen Bombardier build the original SkyTrain system, provide electrical and mechanical systems for its 2002 extension, and build three generations of railcars. “This will be the largest fleet procurement order we’ve ever undertaken,” TransLink CEO Kevin Desmond said in a press release. “These new SkyTrain cars will not only help replace our aging fleet, but also prepare Metro Vancouver’s transit system for the upcoming SkyTrain expansion.”
KCS Holiday Express raises $277,000 for Salvation Army
Kansas City Southern’s 20th anniversary Holiday Express charity effort has raised $277,000 to benefit the Salvation Army in 20 communities on the KCS system. “The Salvation Army tells us that the need has always been there, and this year, it’s greater than ever,” KCS Patrick J. Ottensmeyer said in a press release. “The KCS Holiday Express project, combined with gifts earlier in the year to United Way for COVID relief, gifts to the American Red Cross for hurricane relief, and donations of medical equipment in Mexico, bring KCS’ charitable giving for 2020 to well over $1 million for these efforts combined.” The fundraiser benefits the Salvation Army in Kansas City, Joplin, and Mexico, Mo.; Beaumont, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Houston, Laredo, and Port Arthur, Texas; Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Shreveport and Westlake, La.; Gulfport, Jackson, and Vicksburg, Miss.; Decatur, Ark.; East St. Louis, Ill.; Pittsburg, Kan.; and Heavener, Okla.
Golden Spike Historic Park to operate No. 119 Dec. 29-31
Golden Spike National Historic Park will be operating its replica of Union Pacific locomotive No. 119 Dec. 29-31, with the engine running throughout the day on 1 mile of the historic transcontinental railroad route. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, events associated with the annual Winter Steam Festival will be limited. The park store will be open and there will be limited access to visitor center exhibits. More information is available here.
