DC Metrorail gets approval to restore automated operation

Rapid-transit train arrives in station as people wait on platform

WASHINGTON — The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority has received approval to resume use of its automated operating system on one Metrorail line — possibly as soon as Sunday — in a precursor to restoring Automatic Train Operation systemwide in 2025. The Washington Metrorail Safety Commission approved restoration of automated operation on Metro’s Red Line […]

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Supreme Court hears arguments in Uinta Basin Railway case

Trains Washington Watch logo

WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court appears to be willing to find for supporters of the Uinta Basin Railway in their appeal of a decision blocking construction of the Utah rail line — even if they have some issues with the method suggested by a lawyer for determining the adequacy of environmental reviews at the heart […]

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G&W short line to take over local service from Union Pacific in Eugene, Ore.

Genesee & Wyoming short line Central Oregon & Pacific Railroad will take over local service from Union Pacific’s Eugene Yard in Oregon, in a move the railroads said will improve service for local customers. The change allows UP to reduce the number of times a railcar is handled and create greater efficiencies, while providing more […]

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VIA Rail Canada thinks big with plans for new long-distance equipment: Analysis

Yesterday’s news out of Montreal was a stunner: VIA Rail Canada will re-equip its long-distance, regional, and remote-service trains with new single-level equipment — including dome cars for its flagship, the Vancouver-Toronto Canadian. VIA Rail’s 70-year-old Budd-built stainless steel fleet is a testament to durability and design. But nothing lasts forever, and despite all their […]

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Alstom to become contract operator for LA’s Metrolink

Overhead view of commuter train at station

LOS ANGELES — Alstom will become contract operator of Metrolink commuter rail operations, expanding on the company’s current maintenance role and replacing Amtrak, which has provided Metrolink’s crews since 2010. The initial five-year contract, valued at approximately $515 million, begins Jan. 1, with Alstom taking over operations on July 1, 2025. It will  run through […]

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VIA Rail Canada seeks bids for new long-distance trainsets (updated)

MONTREAL— VIA Rail Canada has issued a formal “Request for Qualification” for prospective carbuilders to replace long-distance, regional, and remote-service passenger cars that date from the mid-1950s. This follows a November RFQ for locomotives to power the new single-level equipment. The request issued today (Monday, Dec. 9) follows a commitment earlier this year by the […]

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Nigerian commuter operation using orphaned Wisconsin equipment is halted

Parked Talgo trainset

LAGOS, Nigeria — The commuter rail service in Lagos using Talgo trainsets built for but never used by the state of Wisconsin has been suspended indefinitely because of mechanical issues, the Nigerian newspaper The Nation reports. The trains experienced breakdowns last Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 2-3, the newspaper reports, after which the operator posted a […]

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Mexican president to open final segment of Maya Train

Passenger train on bridge

MEXICO CITY — Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum will open the long-delayed final segment of the Maya Train project on Dec. 15, she said during a press conference last week. Sheinbaum will visit the state of Quintana Roo to open the segment between Palenque and Chetumal. The last portions to be opened were two small segments […]

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Trains.com Insider Exclusive | Tour of Firecrown Wisconsin Office

Tour of Firecrown Wisconsin Office | Trains.com Director David Popp leads this quick, walk-and-talk tour of the new office space hosting all of your favorite railroad and modeling magazines, including Model Railroader, Trains, Classic Trains, Classic Toy Trains, FineScale Modeler, and Astronomy too! Enjoy this first look at the work areas, library, studios, and other […]

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