CN and KCS take first step toward merger

Canadian National and Kansas City Southern logos

WASHINGTON — Canadian National and Kansas City Southern today asked federal regulators to approve a voting trust that is the initial step in their plans to merge into the first railroad linking Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. To address competition concerns in the one area where the railroads’ systems overlap, CN said it will sell the […]

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Transit Digest: MBTA, board struggle with fare-evasion policy

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority logo

MBTA, board can’t agree on new fines for fare evasion Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority staff and the agency’s Fiscal and Management Control Board continue to disagree about fines for fare evasion. CommonWealth Magazine reports the staff and board remained at an impasse for the second consecutive board meeting. The MBTA staff initially recommended fines of […]

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Digest: Pacific Surfliner to require reservations on peak summer weekends

Blue and silver-painted locomotive at a station platform surrounding by brown steel work and palm trees. Amtrak Pacific Surfliner renewable diesel.

Pacific Surfliners to require reservations on four weekends; more could be added Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner will require reservations for travel on peak weekends this suffer, a move to manage capacity when more travelers are anticipated. Four weekends have been designated for the reservation requirement — Memorial Day weekend (May 28-June 1), Fourth of July weekend […]

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British government plans major shake-up of rail industry

Blue, white, and yellow passenger train in station trainshed

LONDON — The British Government has announced plans to create a single national ,government-owned rail company to run the railway network and, via mostly private contractors, operate most passenger trains in the UK. That such a move is planned, reversing decades of complex privatization is remarkable, but even moreso is that the government is from […]

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Digest: Industrial development firm launches rail affiliate, announces first operation

Agracel Rail Holdings logo

Agracel Rail Holdings launches with agreement at Ohio industrial park A company providing industrial development services to rural communities is launching a rail affiliate. Agracel Rail Holdings, a subsidiary of Agracel, Inc., will begin operations by redeveloping and operating rail infrastructure at The Point Industrial Park in South Point, Ohio. “Our goal in becoming a […]

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Digest: News report says official leaves California high speed rail agency after investigation

California High Speed Rail Authority logo

No. 2 official departs from California high speed agency The No. 2 official at the California High-Speed Rail Authority has left the agency as the result of an investigation, the Los Angeles Times reports. Chief Operating Officer Joe Hedges left the agency as of Tuesday following an investigation that began last year with an anonymous […]

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Rapido HO scale 40-foot double-sheathed United States Railroad Administration boxcar

Three Rapido USRA double-sheathed 40-foot boxcars, clockwise from top left Spokane, Portland & Seattle; New York Central; and Pere Marquette

With about 25,000 built, the United States Railroad Administration 40-foot double-sheathed boxcar is one that deserves a place on any transition-era or earlier model railroad. Rapido’s model will help you fill your roster with highly detailed examples fitted with the correct style of brake for the paint schemes offered. War babies The double-sheathed boxcar was […]

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Digest: UP train derails in New Mexico

Union Pacific logo with Building America slogan

UP train derails near Lordsburg, N.M., disrupting Sunset Limited No injuries were reported when about 50 cars of a Union Pacific intermodal train derailed Monday afternoon near Lordsburg, N.M. The Grant County Beat website reports the accident occurred about 3:30 p.m. local time. Sunset Limited service in both directions was disrupted, with trains holding in […]

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