Southwest Chief again disrupted by freight derailment (updated)

Amtrak logo.

Amtrak’s Southwest Chief is once again facing cancellations on the central portion of its route because of a freight train derailment, according to the Amtrak Alerts feed on X.com. The westbound train that departed Chicago today will be canceled between Kansas City and Albuquerque, with no alternate transportation provided, while the eastbound train that left […]

Read More…

A Canadian rail strike is likely in late August, CPKC CEO Keith Creel says

CP

CALGARY, Alberta – With labor negotiations at a standstill, a Canadian rail strike is likely to occur in late August, Canadian Pacific Kansas City CEO Keith Creel said today (Tuesday, July 30). CPKC and the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference are still talking but remain far apart on a new contract, Creel said on the railway’s […]

Read More…

Amtrak abruptly cancels Chicago-Quincy round trip for a week

Passenger train with four cars passing through yard area

CHICAGO — Amtrak has cancelled one of two daily round trips between Chicago and Quincy, Ill., as of today (Thursday, July 30) and at least through Wednesday, Aug. 7. So far, the only acknowledgement on Amtrak’s website is that the affected Carl Sandburg trains during the period are shown as “sold out.” Amtrak spokesman Marc […]

Read More…

Justice Department sues Norfolk Southern over Amtrak delays

Passenger train approaches curve with freight train on adjacent track

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Justice Department is taking Norfolk Southern to court, alleging the railroad’s delays of Amtrak’s Crescent violate federal law. The civil complaint, filed today (July 30) in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, alleges NS regularly fails to give the Crescent preference over freight trains as required by statute, leading […]

Read More…

CN operations bounce back after service resumes through Jasper, Alberta

Canadian National’s operations are returning to normal through Jasper, Alberta, where wildfires devastated part of the town and shut down rail traffic last week. CN resumed service on Friday, and by Sunday volume through Jasper had rebounded to nearly pre-fire levels, according to data from RailState, which monitors rail traffic using a network of sensors […]

Read More…

Union Pacific intermodal train derails in Iowa

Stack of derailed containers and intermodal cars in field

GLIDDEN, Iowa — An estimated 36 cars of a Union Pacific intermodal train derailed Monday evening about a mile east of Glidden, Carroll Broadcasting reports on its website. No injuries were reported, and no hazardous materials were involved, a Union Pacific spokesman told the radio stations. The derailment occurred about 5 p.m., blocking both grade […]

Read More…

Amtrak begins management of Washington Union Station

People standing in line in hallway of railroad station

WASHINGTON — Amtrak on Monday announced plans for renovations and operational improvements at Washington Union Station as a result of a court ruling granting it control of the station. As of Monday, July 29, the passenger rail company is responsible for the day-to-day management and operations of the station, and said it will immediately initiate […]

Read More…

Amtrak adds to Texas Eagle capacity with dedicated Sunset through cars: Special report

Two passenger trains at station at night

WASHINGTON — Beginning Sept. 3, the daily Texas Eagle will gain a Superliner sleeping car and coach three days a week in each direction, adding seats, rooms, and revenue on a train that has suffered near-daily sellouts since capacity and amenity downgrades as part of October 2020 cuts driven by the COVID-19 pandemic. The additional […]

Read More…

Milwaukee zoo railroad to run steam locomotive on 10 dates in August

Small-gauge steam locomotive doubleheader

MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee County Zoo, which will close out its history of steam-powered train operations later this year, plans to operate its remaining steam locomotive for its 15-inch gauge railroad, 4-6-2 No. 1924, on 10 days in August, most of them weekends. Scheduled operating dates are Aug. 9-10, 15-18, 23-24, and 30-31. Dates are […]

Read More…

SunRail sets Aug. 12 for start of service to DeLand

SunRail_logo

DeLAND, Fla. — Orlando-area commuter service SunRail will begin operations on its new 12-mile northern extension to DeLand on Monday, Aug. 12, the operator has announced. The station, at 2491 Old New York Avenue, is also served by Amtrak’s Silver Meteor and Silver Star. It hosted the first of two open-house events to familiarize prospective […]

Read More…

Repairs completed after attacks on French TGV network

High speed train in countryside

PARIS — French national rail operator SNCF reported it has completed repairs from Friday’s series of infrastructure tracks, with the high-speed TGV lines operating as planned today (Sunday, July 28) and full service anticipated for Monday. Fiber-optic cables used for system used for signals and switches were cut or damaged in arson attacks at three […]

Read More…

New Jersey members of Congress seek US DOT action on Northeast Corridor problems

Amtrak and NJ Transit trains meet in Elizabeth, N.J.

WASHINGTON — Eight members of New Jersey’s congressional delegation have again written Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, asking for federal intervention in the ongoing service issues on the Northeast Corridor. The letter, dated Friday, July 26, is signed by U.S. Reps. Mikie Sherrill, Robert J. Menendez, Frank Pallone Jr., Josh Gottheimer, Andy Kim, Donald Norcross, Bill […]

Read More…