Amtrak’s Empire Builder again cancelled

Amtrak logo.

CHICAGO — Departures of the Empire Builder have been cancelled in both directions today (Sunday, Feb. 16), for a second straight day, according to Amtrak’s website. No information on either cancellation was provided on the website or the Amtrak Alerts social media feed. However, the westbound Builder that was due in Portland at 11:17 a.m. […]

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Major storm hits NS operations in southeast

Weather map showing storm along entire U.S. East Coast.

A deadly storm that that has brought significant flooding and other damage to at least five southeastern states has hit Norfolk Southern operations. CSX has also been impacted, although details are not currently available. An NS advisory of midday today informed intermodal customers that the route between Portsmouth, Ohio, and Bluefield, W.Va., is currently impassable, […]

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UP train derails near San Antonio

Union Pacific logo without slogan. UP Bailey Yard explosion appear to be accidental.

KIRBY, Texas — Approximately 15 cars of a Union Pacific train derailed today (Feb. 15, 2025) in Kirby. No injuries or hazardous materials spills were reported. The derailment occurred about 1 p.m., a Union Pacific representative told KSAT-TV. The city said in a Facebook post that Gibbs Sprawl Road on the city’s northeast side will […]

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VIA equipment issues lead to service cuts in Ottawa-Toronto corridor

Cab car leads train into station

OTTAWA, Ontario — VIA Rail Canada has trimmed trains from its Ottawa-Toronto schedule until at least March because of equipment availability issues, the transportation advocacy group Transport Action Canada reports. In a post on its website, the group lists these trains as currently suspended: — Daily trains No. 42 (a 12:17 p.m. departure from Toronto) […]

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Empire Builder again cancelled because of weather

Passenger train in snow

CHICAGO — Amtrak has cancelled Empire Builder departures in both directions scheduled for today (Feb. 15, 2025), as well as the eastbound Borealis and one westbound Wolverine. Two Northeast Corridor trains have also been cancelled. The reasons for the cancellations differ. According to posts on the Amtrak Alerts feed on X.com, the Empire Builder slated […]

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Most of Montreal light rail system to open by October

Map of Montreal light rail syste

MONTREAL — Most of the Réseau express metropolitain light rail network will be open in October, according to the head of the company overseeing construction of the Montreal-area system. But before then, the portion of the REM that is currently operating will be shut down for six weeks as part of systemwide testing. The CBC […]

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Amtrak independence at stake, status of approved FRA infrastructure grants uncertain: Analysis

Train of two locomotives and one passenger car stopped on siding

WASHINGTON — Historically, passenger rail funding has had legislative champions from each party in the House and Senate that successfully counteracted executive branch funding cuts. When President Donald Trump called for deep reductions aimed at Amtrak’s long-distance network during his first term, those budget proposals were eventually rebuffed in bipartisan transportation spending deals. But this […]

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Cando Rail opens new Alberta rail yard

Logo of Cando Rail & Terminal

EDMONTON, Alberta — Cando Rail & Terminals has opened its latest facility, the Cando Southlands Rail Yard in Strathcona County, Alberta. The new facility helps serve the Imperial Oil Strathcona Refinery in Sherwood Park, Alta., just east of Edmonton, adding operational and storage capacity for more than 600 railcars. Cando will provide rail service at […]

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Amtrak releases financial data behind decision to forego Miami airport station: Analysis

Blocked-off platform at passenger station

MIAMI — Amtrak’s decision not to move to a station adjacent to Miami International airport was based on estimates that relocating its existing station at Hialeah would generate an additional 20,000 riders and $2 million in yearly revenue but would cost $5 million annually to execute, according to information it released in response to a […]

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Derailment of SW9 on Kentucky tourist railroad was a runaway: news report

Green end-cab switcher with four passenger cars

STEARNS, Ky. — McCreary County Heritage Foundation officials, owners of the Big South Fork Scenic Railway right-of-way, have confirmed the Jan. 28 derailment of a locomotive was the result of a runaway incident. No one was injured in the incident on the 14-mile tourist railway [see “Big South Fork Scenic locomotive derails …,” Trains News […]

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Sound Transit cancels some morning commuter rail service (updated)

Sounder_Tacoma_Lassen

SEATTLE — Sound Transit has significantly revised its announced suspension of Sounder commuter rail service this morning (Feb. 13, 2025) and is now operating some trains. In a news release sent at 6:47 a.m. PT, the agency said three S line trains would operate, departing from Lakewood, Wash., at 6:06, 6:26, and 6:46 a.m.. N […]

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