First U.S. hydrogen-powered trainset enters Phase II of testing in California

Blue and white two-car passenger trainset on display track

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — North America’s first hydrogen-powered passenger trainset planned for regular use is getting closer to entering service in Southern California. The San Bernardino County Transportation Authority’s zero-emission multiple unit trainset, which the agency is promoting as ZEMU, will enter its second phase of testing next week. After several months of tests between […]

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Budd Slumbercoaches

A black and white photograph depicting two men standing on a passenger platform in front of a budd slumbercoach passenger car

Budd Slumbercoaches were born of a desire to serve budget-conscious leisure travelers in the mid-20th century.     As economic conditions improved during the 1920s and more people could afford to travel, there was demand for a less costly but more comfortable means of travel, particularly for the long-haul routes between Midwest and West Coast […]

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The Trains Interview: MTA Chief of Rolling Stock Tim Mulligan

New York subway train on elevated track at sunset

NEW YORK — Trains News Wire spoke with Metropolitan Transportation Authority Chief of Rolling Stock Tim Mulligan to discuss the agency’s robust, once-in-a-generation capital plan that involves replacing 2,000 subway cars and modernizing fleets across the agency. MTA’s five-year 2025-2029 capital plan totals $68 billion in investment, including $10.9 billion for modernized rolling stock. Mulligan […]

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Metrolink CEO’s home destroyed in California wildfire

Man in front of commuter railcar

CAMARILLO, Calif. — The home of Metrolink CEO Darren Kettle is among those destroyed in the Mountain fire, a wildfire fueled by high winds that has whipped through Ventura County, the Los Angeles Times reports. The house was destroyed Wednesday, after Kettle and his wife had heeded an evacuation order. “When I left the house, […]

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L&N at Ashley, Ill.

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Louisville & Nashville train 92 between Nashville, Tenn., and St. Louis pulls into the old depot at Ashley, Ill., in September 1957. An FP7 and a Geep head the all-heavyweight consist of several head-end cars and two coaches. Jim Shaughnessy photo […]

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TSA proposes new cybersecurity requirements for some railroads, other transportation systems

U.S. Transportation Security Administration logo

WASHINGTON — The Transportation Security Administration has proposed a rule that would require cybersecurity risk management and reporting requirements for some freight and passenger railroads, as well as rail transportation. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, published today in the Federal Register, also covers some bus and pipeline operations. The TSA estimates that under the rule’s […]

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Challenges ahead for passenger rail under Trump, GOP Senate: Analysis

Man speaking with passenger train in background

WASHINGTON — The election of Donald Trump could significantly reduce future financial support for Amtrak, transit, and high speed rail projects, although expected cuts could be tempered if Democrats are able to capture enough still-undecided House of Representatives races to gain a majority in that chamber. That’s the consensus of sources Trains News Wire contacted […]

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Ballot measures with rail component pass

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Four ballot initiatives with at least some rail transit component all appear to have passed on Tuesday, based on results available this morning (Wednesday, Nov. 6). — In Maricopa County, Ariz., which includes Phoenix, voters appear to have approved an extension of a half-cent sales tax for transit, the Arizona Republic reports. The tax, introduced […]

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