Loan to maintain San Francisco Bay area transit operations in jeopardy

New transit train with mountains in background

SAN FRANCISCO — Transit agencies in the San Francisco Bay Area have become the latest to say they’re facing massive service cuts without state action. The San Francisco Chronicle reports a $750 million loan promised by Gov. Gavin Newsom now appears unlikely to be finalized before the state legislature ends its session on Friday, Sept. […]

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Opening of Toronto light rail line pushed back again

Map of Toronto light rail line.

TORONTO — The opening of the much-delayed Eglinton Crosstown light rail project has been pushed back again, although by how much has yet to be determined. The most recent estimate had projected the 11.8-mile (19-kilometer), 25-station line across Toronto would open this month, but the line has yet to begin its required 30-day revenue service […]

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Washington short line not for sale, port commissioners say

Map of short line in Washington state

DAYTON, Wash. — Commissioners of the Port of Columbia have indicated they will not sell the port’s railroad to its current contract operator, raising the question whether that operator will continue to serve the 37-mile line. The Walla Walla Union-Bulletin reports that two of the port’s three commissioners said at a Sept. 3 meeting that […]

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SEPTA aims to restore service cuts, raise fares on Sept. 14

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority logo

PHILADELPHIA — The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority plans to restore all service it had cut as of Sept. 14, and will also enact its delayed fare increase at that time, the agency said today (Friday, Sept. 5). The agency has asked the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to approve its use of capital funds to pay […]

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Pinsly to acquire Alabama short line from G&W

WASHINGTON — Pinsly Railroad Co. will acquire 36-mile Alabama short line Three Notch Railway from Genesee & Wyoming. The Georgiana & Andalusia Railroad will purchase the track and assume Three Notch’s lease arrangements with CSX. Three Notch Railway has operated the trackage since 2011. “However, the condition of the track deteriorated over time, and no […]

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Amtrak to halt two Michigan routes Sept. 15-19 for coaling tower demolitions

Passenger train on straight track

CHICAGO — Amtrak will halt operations of its Blue Water and Wolverine services Sept. 15-19 to accommodate demotion of two coaling towers that straddle its rail lines. An Amtrak service advisory indicates substitute bus service will be available for the Blue Water, a once-daily round trip between Chicago and Port Huron, Mich. For the Wolverine […]

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Judge orders SEPTA to reinstate all service

White trolley car going uphill on street

PHILADELPHIA — A Philadelphia judge has ordered the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority to restore the service it cut beginning Aug. 24, but will allow a fare increase to move forward. The order on Thursday (Sept. 4, 2025)  from Judge Sierra Thomas-Street of the Court of Common Pleas calls for SEPTA to “immediately cease and desist” […]

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Manufacturers producing large scale trains today

Color photo of large scale steam locomotive, stockcar, and caboose on track.

Manufacturers come and go in model railroading. The large scale market, primarily G gauge, is no exception, with a wide range of scales to choose from, and whether you’re taking the hobby indoors or outside. Let’s explore who is producing for customers today, from those with vast offerings to those specializing in specific products. If […]

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Atlas N EMD GP60 review

Color photo showing side view of N scale hood unit painted scarlet and gray on white background.

An Electro-Motive Division GP60 has joined the Atlas Model Railroad Co. Master Line. The manufacturer acquired the model, originally produced by Life-Like in 2004, when it purchased all N scale locomotive and freight car tooling from Wm. K. Walthers Inc. in June 2018. Features on the four-axle road unit include an injection-molded plastic shell, Scale […]

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Abrupt cancellations hit California’s Capitol and San Joaquin corridors

Cab car leading passenger train at station

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — “Locomotive repair work” is being cited in an advisory to Capitol Corridor passengers this week as the reason two Sacramento-Oakland round trips have been canceled beginning Wednesday, Sept. 3. The cancellations will continue through through Friday, Sept. 19. The Oakland-Bakersfield San Joaquins also lose a round trip during the same period. A […]

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