Striking workers to vote on new Santa Clara VTA offer

Light rail train at station

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Members of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 265 will vote Saturday on a new contract proposal from the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, the VTA said today (Friday, March 21, 2025). However, the union’s negotiating team is urging members to reject the offer. The proposal would increase raises over the three-year life […]

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Strong winds gum up BNSF’s Southern Transcon

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 […]

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Chicago transit agencies paint dire picture of major service cuts

Two commuter trains on three-track main line in golden-hour lighting

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 […]

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More service, lower prices boost Winter Park Express ridership

Passenger train in snow with people waiting to board

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 […]

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MBTA expands free service for launch of South Coast Rail

Map of rail lines in southeastern Massachusetts

<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 […]

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STB sets schedule for Metra-Union Pacific trackage rights case

Commuter train passes under bridge with freight train in distance

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), […]

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Cleanup continues as CN train derails in Saskatchewan

Canadian National logo

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. […]

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Metra sets 2025 construction plans

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 […]

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Canadian ports facing container delays from weather, rail issues

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 […]

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