Bill calling for time and a half pay on federal holidays gains rail union support

Commuter trains meet

WASHINGTON — Several rail unions are among organizations that have announced support for the Holiday Pay Act, a bill introduced last week by U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) that would require employers to pay time and a half for working federal holidays. “Many Americans are working holidays because they need the money and giving up […]

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BLET official blasts MTA CEO’s statement that competitive concerns blocked Metro-North service to Albany

Blue and red converted locomotive on end of passenger train.

HAMDEN, Conn. — The union official who represents Amtrak engineers has taken exception to a claim by Metropolitan Transportation Authority CEO Janno Lieber that Amtrak “feared the competition” when it withdrew support for proposed Metro-North service between New York City and Albany, N.Y. “The issue is not about competition,” wrote Patrick W. Darcy Jr., general […]

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Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern to file revised merger application April 30

Two trains, one yellow and one black, approach the camera

WASHINGTON — Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern will submit their revised merger application on April 30, the railroads informed the Surface Transportation Board today. The STB on Jan. 16 rejected the original 6,692-page application as incomplete. The railroads initially expected to file the revised application as early as March. Regulators pointed out that their decision […]

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Connecticut commuter operation could revert from electric to diesel

HARTFORD, Conn. — Connecticut’s Shore Line East commuter rail operation could revert to diesel-powered trains under a budget-saving move, the state’s transportation commissioner told a budget hearing last week. The move would reverse a 2022 switch from diesel-powered trains to the current Kawasaki M8 electric multiple-unit trainsets [see “Connecticut replaces diesel Shore Line East trains […]

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CN productivity efforts to focus on terminals

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — Canadian National’s ongoing effort to operate a “leaner and more productive” railroad is now focusing on terminal operations, CEO Tracy Robinson told an investor conference today (Tuesday, Feb. 17). Chief Operating Officer Patrick Whitehead is currently focusing on those terminals, Robinson said. “That’s where something like 50% of our operating labor […]

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News photo: Norfolk Southern introduces third Landmark Series locomotive

Tuscan red and black locomotive on turntable

ALTOONA, Pa. — Norfolk Southern has introduced the third locomotive in its Landmark Series, ES44AC No. 8184, the Altoona. Unveiled last week in Altoona, Pa., it joins earlier locomotives Birmingham and Atlanta in wearing the special Tuscan Red and black paint scheme [see “Norfolk Southern announces locomotive ‘Landmark Series,’” Trains.com, Nov. 13, 2025]. The locomotives […]

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Seven state attorneys general ask Justice Department to scrutinize UP-NS merger

Coal train with two locomotives

WASHINGTON — Top legal officials in seven Republican states are asking the U.S. Department of Justice to scrutinize the proposed Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger. The group of state attorneys general led by Montana’s Austin Knudsen claim that the east-west consolidation will stifle competition and increase costs for Americans. The coalition in a letter asks Acting […]

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$1.3 million Mott grant to rebuild Crossroads Village steam locomotive

Black steam locomotive pulling yellow excursion passenger cars.

GENESEE COUNTY, Mich. — The Charles Stewart Mott Foundation has granted the Genesee County Parks & Recreation Commission $1.3 million for restoration work on its narrow-gauge 2-8-2 No. 464, according to an M Live report. The locomotive, built by Baldwin Locomotive Works for the Denver & Rio Grande in 1903, is one of two surviving […]

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Brightline unveils ‘Freedom Express’ trainset (with video)

Blue passenger car with image of signing of Declaration of Independence in foreground.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Brightline today unveiled its “Freedom Express” trainset, which wraps 10 cars with designs marking key moments in American history. The train will be regular service through July. The design was created in partnership with America250, the nonpartisan organization established by Congress to mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration […]

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Reading & Northern No. 2102 winter ramble

Black steam locomotive on a curve in a snowy landscape. Reading & Northern No. 2102 winter rambles.

READING, Pa. — A clear, crisp Pennsylvania winter day greeted passengers and enthusiasts for the Reading & Northern’s winter Iron Horse Ramble. The excursion traveled the Reading Division main line between Reading Outer Station and Jim Thorpe, Pa., on Saturday, Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day. This was the second time the former Reading T-1 4-8-4 No. 2102 […]

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