BLET members ratify new contract on Metra UP lines

Commuter train led by cab car passes intermodal train

CHICAGO — Members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen who operate on Metra’s Union Pacific lines have ratified a new contract, the BLET said on Friday (Oct. 10, 2025). The contract, which calls for a 3.5% wage increase, was ratified by a 60-1 vote. The pay increases will take effect no later than […]

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NJ Transit cautions passengers about approaching storm

Commuter train on multi-track main line

NEWARK, N.J. — NJ Transit has declared a state of emergency beginning at 10 p.m. ET today (Saturday, Oct. 11) in anticipation of a strong storm expected to hit its service on Sunday, Oct. 12, and Monday, Oct. 13, and is advising customers to travel during the storm only if absolutely necessary. Those who are traveling […]

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Evacuation order lifted after CN derailment

Canadian National logo

NORA, Ill.  — Residents of the village of Nora were to be allowed to return to their homes at 6 a.m. today (Friday, Oct. 10) following a Thursday morning derailment of a Canadian National Railway train that led to the evacuation of about 100 people. The Warren, Ill., Fire Department posted that information, from the […]

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BNSF-CSX interline intermodal service off to fast start

BNSF Railway and CSX are seeing immediate results from the interline domestic intermodal partnership that they announced in August linking the Southwest and Southeast. Over the past six weeks, CSX intermodal volume is up 8%, according to the railroad’s weekly carload reports. Rival Norfolk Southern’s intermodal traffic has declined 6.8% over the same stretch, suggesting […]

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Bachmann HO Trinity 5161 covered hopper

Color photo showing B end of HO scale three-bay covered hopper painted Mineral Red with white, black, and yellow graphics

Bachmann HO Trinity 5161 covered hopper Scale: HO (1:87.1) Price: $59 Manufacturer: Bachmann Industries Inc., 1400 E. Erie Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19124; 215-533-1600; shop.bachmanntrains.com Bachmann HO Trinity 5161 covered hopper features: Based on phase 2 prototype with 10 body panels and 17 running board supports Blackened machined metal wheelsets Body-mounted plastic E-Z Mate Mark II […]

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CPKC announces schedule, performers for 2025 Holiday Train

Musician playing with CPKC logo in background

CALGARY, Alberta — Canadian Pacific Kansas City has announced the schedule and artist lineup for the 2025 CPKC Holiday Train, which will see two trainsets bringing live music performances to 196 locations collects food and raises money to support community food banks across the CPKC network. The Holiday Train will launch its 2025 Canadian schedule […]

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Illinois village evacuated after CN derailment

Canadian National logo

NORA, Ill. — About 100 residents of the village of Nora are the subjects of a precautionary evacuation following the derailment of 17 cars of a Canadian National train carrying ethanol early today (Oct. 9, 2025). The Jo Daviess County Emergency Management agency said in a press release that the Warren Fire Department and Joe […]

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Chicago’s Metra rolls out homemade café car

Interior of bilevel commuter car with upper-level seats removed and tables added for cafe service

CHICAGO — From the outside, stainless steel gallery car No. 6103 looks just like any other Nippon Sharyo multi-level coach. But it will soon take turns roaming Metra’s BNSF, Milwaukee District, and Union Pacific routes though mid-November, offering snacks and beverages. The upstairs seating and dual walkways have been removed on one half of the […]

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