STB extends mediation for Union Pacific, Metra

Commuter trains meet on curve

WASHINGTON — The Surface Transportation Board on Tuesday, Oct. 15, granted Union Pacific a 30-day extension to the mediation period in its effort to reach an agreement with Chicago’s Metra regarding some financial aspects of an agreement to continue commuter rail service on three Metra routes on UP lines. The mediation period was to have […]

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Rail projects in Alaska, South Dakota, Wyoming receive federal funds

Logo for Federal Railroad Administration

WASHINGTON — Nine projects in Alaska, South Dakota, and Wyoming have received more than $108 million in federal funding under a program for states that do not have Amtrak passenger service or are not connected to the national rail network. Six of the projects are in South Dakota, two are in Alaska and one is […]

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Commuter rail systems along the Northeast Corridor

Electric train arriving at a station

In addition to Amtrak’s long-distance, regional, and high-speed Acela trains, the Northeast Corridor (NEC) hosts multiple commuter entities across different sections. From Boston to Washington D.C., find out where each of these services travel along this highly active main line. These are the commuter rail systems along the Northeast Corridor. It’s important to note that […]

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New York MTA sets first Open House meeting on five-year capital plan

TRN_Grand_Central_Lassen

NEW YORK — The Metropolitan Transportation Authority will hold the first of a series of Open House meetings on its 2025-29 Capital Plan next Monday, Oct. 21, at Grand Central Terminal’s Vanderbilt Hall. The open house, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., will feature posters, pamphlets, and videos explaining elements of the plan. MTA representatives […]

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CN imposes axle-count restriction on VIA’s Venture trainsets (corrected)

Passenger train on multi-track main line adjacent to highway

MONTREAL — Apparently triggered by one or more incidents in which a VIA Rail Canada Venture trainset failed to activate highway crossing warning devices, Canadian National is now requiring that all of VIA’s Venture-equipped trainsets operate with 32 axles. The edict came late Friday, at the beginning of Canada’s Thanksgiving Day holiday weekend. It also […]

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UP, Ferromex limit grain traffic into Mexico following derailment

EAGLE PASS, Texas — Union Pacific and Mexican partner Ferromex have suspended permits for grain shuttles as a result of a derailment in Mexico, UP said in a notice to customers issued Saturday, Oct. 12. The suspension of permits for two active Ferromex embargos reflects “the high volume of ag unit trains in the pipeline […]

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San Diego agency asks STB to dismiss case over long-running fight on Del Mar bluffs

People jumping off rail linee as train approaches

SAN DIEGO, Calif. — San Diego’s North County Transit District will abandon its original plans to build safety fencing along the Del Mar bluffs under a settlement reached last month with the California Coastal Commission, and as a result will end its long-running case before the Surface Transportation Board regarding the fence and bluff-stablization work. […]

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Two charged in looting of UP freight train

Screen-shot image of container on Union Pacific freight train being looted on Oct. 11, 2024

CHICAGO — Two people have now been charged in connection with the looting of a Union Pacific intermodal train Friday on the city’s West Side, WLS-TV reports. Derrick Weathers, 53, and Lemar Hollingsworth, 21, are facing misdemeanor charges for theft. Weathers is also facing a felony charge for drug possession. At least six individuals were […]

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CPKC opens new US operations center

Aerial view of four-story office building

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — CPKC on Friday, Oct. 11, marked the opening of its new U.S. Operations Center at Knoche Yard in Kansas City, Mo. Mayor Quinton Lucas and CEO Keith Creel participated in the ribbon-cutting for the four-story, 46,000-square-foot tower completed in just 15 months. The structure is home to the U.S. Network Operations […]

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Canadian government announces funding for grade crossing projects

Woman speaking at podium near grade crossing as four men look on

LONDON, Ontario — The Canadian government on Friday announced it would fund more than Ca$45 million in grade crossing safety projects and programs across the country, including infrastructure improvements and educational programs. The funding will Ca$44 million for 231 projects under the Rail Safety Improvement Program. The government has now announced more than 400 such […]

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Six arrested after looting of UP train in Chicago

Screen-shot image of container on Union Pacific freight train being looted on Oct. 11, 2024

Chicago Austin: CPD dispatched that several freight trains were being burglarized between Cicero and Lockwood. Lots of merchandise taken off trains and loaded into vehicles NBCSky5 has witnessed this. @metra and CPD in the area. Also @Metra delays. Live #NBCSky5 @nbcchicago pic.twitter.com/8zJQhQonqc — Mike Lorber (@NBCSky5) October 11, 2024 CHICAGO — At least six people […]

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Legislation would allow Amtrak to sue over freight train interference

Passenger train passes freight

WASHINGTON — Two Pennsylvania Congressmen on Friday introduced a bill which would allow Amtrak to address freight train interference issues by taking railroads to court over the issue. The bill, dubbed the “Rail Passenger Fairness Act,” was introduced by U.S. Reps. Chris Deluzio (D-Aspinwall, Pa.) and Brendan Boyle (D-Philadelphia), would allow Amtrak to sue railroads […]

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