Union Pacific working to shift Ferromex crew swap to U.S. soil at Eagle Pass, Texas

Train on bridge approaching small building covering tracks

OMAHA, Neb. — Union Pacific is working to finalize agreements with Ferromex and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol to shift cross-border crew changes from the International Railroad Bridge to UP’s yard in Eagle Pass, Texas. Currently, trains using the Eagle Pass-Piedras Negras, Mexico, gateway swap crews on the single-track bridge over the Rio Grande. It’s […]

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Union Pacific asks regulators to dismiss Metra’s request for Chicago trackage rights

Commuter train arrives at platform with another train stopped on adjacent track

WASHINGTON — Union Pacific has asked the Surface Transportation Board to dismiss Metra’s request for trackage rights on UP lines in the Chicago area, saying the STB does not have jurisdiction because Metra is an intrastate, rather than interstate, operation. In a motion to dismiss filed today, UP argues that Metra’s request “suffers a fatal […]

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Union Pacific to open new Kansas City intermodal ramp in July

Yellow locomotives lead container train in snowy landscape

OMAHA, Neb. — Union Pacific announced yesterday that it plans to open its new Kansas City Intermodal Terminal in mid-July as the railroad looks to strengthen its position in the Kansas City market. UP would not disclose the terminal’s annual lift capacity, but said the facility, located in Armourdale Yard, will have twice as much […]

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UP calls for Metra to accept latest offer in contract dispute (updated)

Freight and commuter trains at commuter station platform

OMAHA — Union Pacific has urged Metra to accept its latest contract offer in the long-running dispute over the transfer of commuter operations on three UP lines, saying the freight railroad “cannot continue subsidizing Metra’s operations.” Liisa Stark, UP vice president of public affairs, said in a Wednesday, May 21, press release that Metra has […]

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Railroad executives question whether a transcontinental merger could clear regulatory hurdles

Orange locomotive on freight train

NEW YORK – Executives from Canadian National, CPKC, CSX, and Norfolk Southern poured cold water on talk about potential Class I railroad mergers during an investment conference this week. Mergers have become a hot topic in some railroad boardrooms in recent months amid stagnant rail volume, revenue, and stock prices. Some see a U.S. transcontinental […]

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Tornado blamed for UP derailment in Kansas

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

HAVILAND, Kan. — A tornado is being blamed for the derailment of about 100 cars of a Union Pacific train late Sunday (May 18) in rural Kansas, the Hays Post reports. The incident occurred about 11 p.m. while the train was stopped near the town of Haviland after receiving a tornado warning, UP spokeswoman Robynn […]

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Southern California international intermodal volume shows weekly decline

Reflecting the sting of steep tariffs levied on Chinese imports, eastbound international container volume out of Southern California declined to the lowest level in six months during the week ending May 18, according to data from RailState. The weekly volume was down 5% compared to the prior week and declined 10% compared to the four-week […]

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Metra assumes operation of trains on UP commuter lines

Commuter train passing freight train

CHICAGO — Metra has taken over operation of the three Union Pacific lines previously operated by the freight railroad under a Purchase of Service Agreement, the commuter operator has announced. The changeover took place on Friday, May 16, according to a recent filing with the Surface Transportation Board. That it occurred without fanfare was intended, […]

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Funding released for completion of Springfield, Ill., rail project

Illustration of new Springfield, Ill., train and bus station

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Transportation has obligated more than $157 million in funding, allowing construction to move forward on the final phase of the Springfield (Ill.) Rail Improvements Project. The project involves relocating some rail lines from Third Street to 10th Street in the state capital, as well as several grade-crossing separations. The […]

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Some Class I railroads take a fresh look at mergers

It’s been two years since CPKC CEO Keith Creel drove the ceremonial final spike at Knoche Yard in Kansas City to celebrate the merger of Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern. The symbolic event marked what rail executives, regulators, and analysts all expected would be the last merger involving two Class I railroads. But now […]

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Classic Trains Film Archive | Midwestern Missouri Pacific Journey, J. David Ingles Reel 0052

Classic Trains Film Archive | Midwestern Missouri Pacific Journey, J. David Ingles Reel 0052 – Journey through the heart of 1960s Midwest railroading in this colorful film from former Trains Magazine Editor J. David Ingles. Ride a classic Missouri Pacific passenger train from St. Louis to Kansas City and witness historic rail action along the […]

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