FORT WORTH, Texas — Persistent, strong winds have caused congestion on BNSF Railway’s Southern Transcon, the railroad said in a customer service advisory on Thursday, March 20. “The BNSF network is currently experiencing challenges, particularly on the Southern Transcon, due to excessive and extended winds exceeding 75 mph that have impacted service consistency, alongside unexpected […]
CHICAGO — Expanding on a warning issued by Metra’s CEO earlier this month, the Chicago-area Regional Transportation Authority has released a dire picture of potential cuts to area transit if a potential $770 million funding shortfall is not addressed before the current state legislative session ends in May. Metra CEO/Executive Director Jim Derwinski said Metra […]
DENVER — Increased frequency and capacity and lower prices have led to a significant boost in ridership for Amtrak’s Winter Park Express ski train. Colorado Public Radio reports that one-way tickets were priced as low as $19, thanks to use of a state fee on rental car funds designated for rail projects. Trains were also […]
<hrL BOSTON — The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s South Coast Rail service, scheduled to launch on Monday, March 24, will offer free weekday service through March 31, the MBTA has announced. The free weekday trial period is in addition to previously announced free weekend service through the end of April [see “Schedule released …,” Trains […]
WASHINGTON — The Surface Transportation Board has set the schedule to address Metra’s request for action compelling Union Pacific to continue allowing commuter rail service on its Chicago-area rail lines, establishing a timeline that will have the matter in the board’s hands for consideration by late June. In a decision released today (March 20, 2025), […]
DENVER — Although seasonal revenue round trips between Denver and Salt Lake City won’t debut until April 2026, Rocky Mountaineer single-level SilverLeaf equipment will make a six-day training round trip to the Utah capital next week. It will also be the tour train’s initial departure from Denver Union Station. Beginning this year, passengers will leave […]
DALMENY, Saskatchewan — Cleanup continues after 13 cars of a Canadian National Railway train derailed Monday night between Dalmeny and Langham, Sask., CJWW Radio reports. No hazardous materials were involved, the Dalmeny Police Service reported. CN said in a statement to the station there were no injuries, and no leaks of cargo or fires occurred. […]
CHICAGO — Improvements and 52 stations and replacement of 43 grade crossings are part of Metra’s planned capital projects during its 2025 construction season, the commuter rail operator announced Tuesday, March 18. Track, bridge, and signal work is also on the agenda. “We plan to take full advantage of the construction season to address projects […]
Delays are hampering intermodal operations at several container ports in North America as weather and rail woes hit gateways on both coasts, according to a DHL port update for March. On the east coast, Canada’s Port of Halifax is seeing significant vessel delays due to harsh North Atlantic weather conditions. Compounding this issue is an […]
DENVER — Luxury train Rocky Mountaineer is transitioning to a new name in the U.S. — Canyon Spirit — as of 2026, when it will also expand its current route from Denver to Salt Lake City as part of a three-day excursion. The U.S. excursions have operated “Rockies to the Red Rocks” trips under the […]
I’ve been around long enough to have caboose memories. Am I really that old? I guess so. When I transferred to Amtrak after 10 years with Seaboard Coast Line, my former freight railroad, we still employed full crews of five persons — an engineer, fireman, and brakeman on the head, with a conductor, and flagman […]
SAN JOSE — The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority has asked California Gov. Gavin Newsom to intervene in the strike that enters its second week today (March 17, 2025). In a letter released on Saturday, March 15, the VTA has asked Newsom to appoint a Board of Investigation, which, under a section of the state […]
