News photos: Former Metrolink diesels set to join GO Transit

TORONTO — A group of F59 locomotives from LA-area commuter operator Metrolink will be used for operational support for GO Transit and as spare parts for GO Transit’s existing F59 fleet, provincial transit agency Metrolinx has announced. Ontario Northland will refurbish the locomotives, Metrolinx said in a press release that focused primarily on planned renovations […]

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CPKC to serve new cold storage facility at Port Saint John

Container train on bridge

CALGARY, Alberta — Canadian Pacific Kansas City’s intermodal reefer container business got a boost today with the announcement that partner Americold Realty Trust will build a cold storage facility at the Port of Saint John, New Brunswick. “Developing a state-of-the-art facility in Port Saint John marks an exciting step forward for Americold as the company […]

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CN, electrical workers reach tentative contract agreement

Canadian National logo

MONTREAL — Canadian National and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers of Canada have reached a tentative agreement on a new four-year contract, averting a strike that that been slated to begin today. The union represents approximately 750 signals and communications employees across Canada. They have been working without a contract since Dec. 31, 2024. […]

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Union roundup: Amtrak stewards, Toronto Terminals ratify contracts

Logo of SMART-TD union

Recent rail union news: — Amtrak dining car stewards represented by the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers-Transportation Division (SMART-TD) unanimously ratified a new agreement, retroactive to July 1, 2022 and running through Dec. 1, 2028, that will provide a compounded raise of 40.21% over the life of the contract. Other […]

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CN signal workers in Canada issue strike notice

Logo of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Canada

MONTREAL — Members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in Canada are set for a walkout on Tuesday, Jan. 28, after issuing a 72-hour strike notice. The Canadian Press reports the union represents about 750 signal and communications workers, who are prepared to walk out if a new agreement is not reached by the […]

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Alstom to overhaul, modernize 181 GO Transit railcars

Green and white commuter train led by cab car

TORONTO — Ontario transit agency Metrolinx has signed an agreement with Alstom to overhaul 181 bilevel railcars for Toronto-area commuter rail operator GO Transit. The agreement, valued at approximately Ca$500 million ($347 million U.S.), calls for overhauls and modernization of the Series VIII cars to be conducted at Alstom’s Thunder Bay, Ont., plant beginning by […]

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MARS notebook: CN, STB speakers look at Iowa Northern decision

Man gesturing while speaking

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — Notes from the Midwest Association of Rail Shippers’ Winter Meeting, which concluded today (Jan. 16, 2025): The Iowa Northern decision The MARS meeting opened the day after the Surface Transportation Board issued its long-awaited  decision approving Canadian National’s purchase of Iowa Northern Railway, a deal effective Feb. 13 [see “STB greenlights Canadian […]

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Four-coupled speedster

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Canadian Pacific 4-4-4 No. 2929, last of 20 class F1a Jubilee types received from Canadian Locomotive Co. in 1937–38, sits with a short train at Montreal West station on May 11, 1957, as 4-6-2 No. 2472, last of CP’s 173 G3-class Pacifics, arrives on the next track. Bob Krone photo […]

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