Illinois legislators return, could address transit funding deficit

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois lawmakers are expected to make another attempt to address the budget deficit facing Chicago transit agencies during a veto session that begins today (Oct. 14, 2025) — although it remains to be seen if the issue will have the same amount of urgency since the size of the deficit has been […]

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Union Pacific awards more than $4 million to nonprofit organizations

Freight train with two yellow locomotives passing under signal bridge

OMAHA, Neb. — Union Pacific has distributed more than $4 million in grants to 430 nonprofit organizations across its system as part of its Community Ties Giving Program, the railroad announced Monday (Oct. 13). Grants range from $5,000 to $30,000, and support what the railroad says are its giving priorities: safety, workforce development, community vitality, […]

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MxV Rail opens registration for AAR’s 2026 Research Review

PUEBLO, Colo. — The Association of American Railroads and MxV Rail have opened registration for the 31st Annual AAR Research Review, a conference that brings together Class I and short line railroads, university faculty and students, early-career engineers, and suppliers from around the world to address the industry’s most pressing technical challenges. The 2026 Annual […]

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Commuter railroads applaud bipartisan House bill on liability insurance

WASHINGTON — Beleaguered commuter railroads — which are being hit by the double whammy of funding cuts and lower ridership since the pandemic — are seeking breathing room regarding liability insurance coverage. The Commuter Rail Coalition is cheering a bipartisan bill that would give commuter railroads 60 additional days to secure additional excess liability coverage […]

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Wilmington & Western says it will resume operations

Logo of Wilmington & Western Railroad

WILMINGTON, Del. — Heritage railroad Wilmington & Western, which shut down suddenly earlier this year, has announced it is returning to operation, with its first trips scheduled for later this month. A pop-up message on the railroad website says, “After a spring and summer dedicated to maintenance and improvements, we’re ready to welcome back riders. […]

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NJ Transit suspends service on two rail lines because of storm

NJ Transit logo

NEWARK, N.J. — NJ Transit has suspended service on two commuter rail lines today (Monday, Oct. 13) because of a storm expected to bring heavy rains, strong winds, and potential flooding. An advisory on the agency’s website says North Jersey Coast Line service is suspended between Bay Head and Long Branch — the 10 southernmost […]

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Virginia’s ‘Long Bridge’ project to require five-hour midday work window (updated)

Passenger train arrives at station

WASHINGTON — Starting early next January, no freight or passenger trains will be scheduled to cross the Potomac River between Washington, D.C., and Alexandria, Va., during an 8:15 a.m.-to-1 p.m. window seven days a week for up to five years. This will accommodate construction on a $2.3 billion, four-track bridge being built to replace the […]

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BLET members ratify new contract on Metra UP lines

Commuter train led by cab car passes intermodal train

CHICAGO — Members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen who operate on Metra’s Union Pacific lines have ratified a new contract, the BLET said on Friday (Oct. 10, 2025). The contract, which calls for a 3.5% wage increase, was ratified by a 60-1 vote. The pay increases will take effect no later than […]

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NJ Transit cautions passengers about approaching storm

Commuter train on multi-track main line

NEWARK, N.J. — NJ Transit has declared a state of emergency beginning at 10 p.m. ET today (Saturday, Oct. 11) in anticipation of a strong storm expected to hit its service on Sunday, Oct. 12, and Monday, Oct. 13, and is advising customers to travel during the storm only if absolutely necessary. Those who are traveling […]

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Age of Steam Roundhouse’s 2-8-2 No. 19 to receive christening in April

Steam locomotive undergoing work under steam outside of roundhouse

SUGARCREEK, Ohio — Former McCloud River Railroad and Yreka Western 2-8-2 No. 19 is slated to return to full operation in 2026, according to its owner, the Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum. The Mikado, famous from its appearance in the movie Emperor of the North, was last under steam in 2020 before undergoing its Federal […]

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