NS and CPKC are trying to iron out differences over Meridian Speedway

Map of eastern U.S. highlighting route between Meridian, Miss., and Shreveport, La.

WASHINGTON — Norfolk Southern told federal regulators this week that it hopes to smooth over its dispute with Canadian Pacific Kansas City regarding operations over their joint Meridian Speedway. But NS also said it disagrees with nearly everything CPKC has told the Surface Transportation Board about service over the 302-mile corridor that runs from Meridian, […]

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BLET ratifies contracts with CPKC, SEPTA

Logo of Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen union

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio — Members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen have ratified new contracts with CPKC’s former Soo Line territory in the U.S. and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, the union has announced. Ballots were counted on Thursday, Dec. 11, in both ratification votes, but details of the voting were not released. The […]

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Amtrak’s union workers to receive $900 bonus

Bilevel train at station platform

WASHINGTON — More than 18,000 union workers at Amtrak will receive $900 holiday bonuses to mark the company’s record year of ridership and revenue, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has announced. The worker bonuses announced today (Dec. 11) come as Amtrak executives have agreed to forgo 50% of the bonuses that would have been paid out […]

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VIA passengers stranded overnight on corridor trains (updated)

VIA Rail Canada logo

BROCKVILLE, Ontario — Cascading delays following a mechanical issue with one train led to VIA Rail Canada passengers being stuck on Ottawa-Toronto trains overnight before finally being transferred to another train, arriving at their destination more than 12 hours late. The problems that began Tuesday night continued into Wedesday, with some trains arriving more than […]

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Sierra Northern, Operation Toy Train bring holiday toy drive to Southern California

Open-platform private car with Christmas Lights at back of train

FILLMORE, Calif. – Sierra Northern Railway’s Ventura Division hosted a Dec. 6 toy drive in partnership with Operation Toy Train on its line from Piru to Ventura, Calif., operating a train between Ventura and Santa Paula and using trucks from Fillmore to Piru. A specially decorated train consisting of a genset locomotive, open-air car, and […]

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FRA issues safety alerts to warn railroads about grade crossing incidents

Rail workers riding on hopper car

WASHINGTON — The Federal Railroad Administration on Thursday issued a pair of safety alerts related to recent grade crossing accidents that killed railroaders or motorists. In a safety advisory, the FRA emphasized the importance of crews determining that track is clear prior to making shove movements through crossings that are not protected by gates. “This […]

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Washington flooding spurs Cascades, Empire Builder cancellations

Passenger train in snow

SEATTLE — Flooding in parts of Washington state have disrupted the Seattle section of Amtrak’s Empire Builder, as well as Amtrak Cascades service. Both Cascades round trips between Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia, have been canceled today and tomorrow (Dec. 11-12) “due to the anticipated flooding of the Skagit River through Mount Vernon,” Amtrak said […]

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Amtrak, LIRR update work on East River Tunnel project

Interior of railroad tunnel

NEW YORK — Amtrak and Metropolitan Transportation Authority officials say the East River tunnel rehabilitation project is on schedule after six months, with repairs on the first of two tunnels to be completed by July. The operators addressed progress on the tunnel project with local media on Wednesday (Dec. 10), with Laura Mason, Amtrak executive […]

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Low visibility left operator no chance to avoid hitting tree, says NTSB report on NJ Transit light rail fatality

Aerial view of site of NJ Transit light rail fatality, with inset photo of train with smashed windshield

WASHINGTON — Predawn low-light conditions made it impossible for the operator to stop in time to avoid hitting a downed tree, the National Transportation Safety Board says in its final report on the Oct. 14, 2024, collision that killed the operator of an NJ Transit River Line light rail train. The train’s operator was later […]

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Operation North Pole train returns to Metra

Commuter train wrapped with predominantly white holiday design

CHICAGO — For the first time in six years, the Operation North Pole train for seriously and terminally ill children and their families is set to operate on Metra on Dec. 20, with Metra and Operation North Pole encouraging area residents to come view the train to show support for those on board. The train […]

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Amtrak mechanical issues hobble departing Chicago trains

Passenger train at grade crossing in snow

CHICAGO — More evidence of the toll Amtrak’s aging locomotive and passenger car fleet is taking on operations was provided in recent days when long-distance and regional trains were canceled or suffered hours-long delays, most shortly after leaving Chicago. The common thread? Problems with electrical head-end power. On Monday, both the westbound California Zephyr and […]

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