Canada’s TSB finds miscommunication, error by driver of hi-rail vehicle led to 2020 collision with CN train

Illustration showing situation leading to collision between freight train and hi-rail vehicle

GATINEAU, Quebec — A hi-rail vehicle parked outside the area specified in its track occupancy permit — reflecting miscommunication between the vehicle’s driver and the rail traffic controller, as well as the driver’s inexperience in requesting such permits — led to a Canadian National train striking the vehicle in a Nov. 28, 2020, accident near […]

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Disruptions to Manitoba remote passenger service leaves passengers stranded

Photo from locomotive of mixed train

THE PAS, Manitoba — Disruptions to the remote train service between The Pas and Pukatawagan in northern Manitoba, along with the train’s limited capacity, have left some people stranded in The Pas for extended periods, the CBC reports. The problems were highlighted last Monday, Dec. 5, when the train — which only operates only twice […]

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News photos: Siemens Amtrak car heads to Canada for testing

Freight locomotive and passenger car pass ornate white two-story passenger station

A single Siemens Venture car, part of the Amtrak Midwest operations, traveled over Canadian Pacific and Canadian National lines in Ontario on Saturday, Dec. 3., en route from Sacramento, Calif., to Canada’s National Research Uplands Campus in Ottawa for testing The special train, Union Pacific SD70ACe No. 8821 and the Siemens car, SIIX 4301, is […]

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Former Korean SW1001s to replace GE centercabs at Ontario freight car plant

Three white end-cab switchers outside industrial plant

HAMILTON, Ontario — After 68 years of service, National Steel Car’s venerable GE centercab switchers will soon be replaced by former Korail EMD SW1001s from National Railway Equipment. Freight car manufacturer National Steel Car has received three locomotives. Delivered as NREX 2109, 2114, and 2118, and are now numbered 8504, 8604, and 8704, all three […]

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LPG tank cars involved in Canadian Pacific derailment and fire

Canadian Pacific Railway beaver logo

MACOUN, Saskatchewan — Two cars carrying liquefied petroleum gas were involved in the fire following the derailment of a Canadian Pacific train near Macoun on Thursday, CP has reported. The news site Saskatchewan Today says the railroad reports no injuries occurred in the accident about 10 a.m. on Thursday. The fire continued to burn as […]

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Canadian content requirements contributed to Ottawa light rail issues, report says

Red and white light rail trainset in station

OTTAWA — Regulations requiring a set percentage of Canadian content and a lack of local, qualified manufacturing workers played a part in the delays building the light rail vehicles for Ottawa’s Confederation Line, the report from the inquiry into that line has concluded. The 664-page report from the Ottawa Light Rail Transit Public Inquiry, released […]

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Canadian Pacific train derails, catches fire in Saskatchewan

Canadian Pacific Railway beaver logo

MACOUN, Saskatchewan — A derailment and fire involving a Canadian Pacific train near the town of Macoun has closed a highway and led to the evacuation of a small number of homes, the Regina Leader-Post reports. At least four homes were evacuated and Provincial Route 39 was closed because of the fire involving an unknown […]

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Report from Ottawa light rail inquiry blasts city officials, transit consortium

Red and white light rail train

OTTAWA, Ontario — City officials and the companies that built Ottawa’s problem-plagued light-rail Confederation line were guilty of “egregious violations of public trust” that included instances of “deliberate malfeasance,” according to the 664-page report from a public inquiry into the light rail project released Wednesday. The CBC reports that the document from Justice William Hourigan, […]

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CN makes $100,000 donation to remote air-rescue service in Canada

Canadian National logo

REGINA, Saskatchewan — Canadian National Railway has made a C$100,000 donation to Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service, which provides emergency medical car to remote locations in Western Canada. The donation will help fund STARS’ operations in Saskatchewan, providing direct support to communities along CN’s network. “The service STARS provides often means the difference between life […]

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IT firm CGI to manage new VIA Rail Canada reservation system

VIA Rail Canada logo

MONTREAL — Information technology and business consulting firm CGI will manage a new online reservation system for VIA Rail Canada to be launched in 2023, the companies announced Wednesday. Under a long-term agreement, CGI will manage critical business applications, building on the business relationship that began in 2020 when CGI was selected to build VIA’s […]

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Transport Canada opens application process for climate-change infrastructure program

Transport Canada logo

OTTAWA — Transport Canada is now accepting applications for up to C$10.5 million in rail projects to be funded under the Climate Change and Adaptation to Extreme Weather Infrastructure Initiative, part of the Rail Safety Improvement Program. Applications are being accepted through Jan. 6, 2023; information the program and application process is available here. “We […]

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Amtrak Auto Train, VIA offer big discounts through Cyber Monday — with exceptions

Long passenger train with auto racks at back on double track main line

WASHINGTON AND MONTREAL — U.S. and Canadian national passenger rail operators are joining the Black Friday markdown blitz for travel beginning as early as next week and as late as June 30, 2023, depending upon the route. For both Amtrak and VIA Rail Canada, the deals are available only through Monday, Nov. 29, at midnight. […]

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