SEPTA faces new federal order on trolley safety

White trolley car going uphill on street

WASHINGTON — Adding to the ongoing issues of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, the Federal Transit Administration has issued an emergency order requiring inspection of the catenary system of SEPTA’s 40-mile trolley network by this Friday, FTA Administrator Marc Molinaro said at a news conference today (Nov. 4, 2025). The press conference by Transportation Secretary […]

Read More…

NTSB releases preliminary report on SEPTA trolley incident

Image of interior of trolley car damaged when portions of pantograph penetrated roof.

WASHINGTON — The National Transportation Safety Board will look at the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority’s catenary inspection and maintenance process as part of its ongoing investigation into a Sept. 25, 2025, incident in which a pantograph separated from a SEPTA trolley, injuring the operator and three passengers. The NTSB released its preliminary report into the […]

Read More…

BNSF adds two railroads to its Shortline Select program

Two green diesel locomotives with freight train

FORT WORTH, Texas — BNSF Railway has added two new railroads — Northern Lines Railway and Columbia Basin Railroad — to its Shortline Select program. Shortline Select is designed to improve interchanges and service while deepening the commercial ties between the Class I and its short line connections. Northern Lines Railway, owned by Anacostia Rail […]

Read More…

November 2025

The November 2025 cover of Trains magazine which features a Union Pacific advancing towards the camera with large text which reads "MERGER"

In every issue News, p. 4 Amtrak launches Mardi Gras service on the Gulf Coast, debuts NextGen Acela Bill Stephens, p. 12  European passenger trains can dazzle — or disappoint John P. Hankey, p. 14 Memories of Ross Rowland and running No. 614 Preservation, p. 52 The Baltimore Streetcar Museum plans a $28 million new […]

Read More…

Young Guns in Preservation: Maddie Schaaf

Young individual standing in front of a static-displayed diesel locomotive

From a passion that began with her father, 23-year-old Maddie Schaaf has built a career in railway preservation. As the marketing and membership manager for the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden, she focuses on making the mission statement relevant to both older and younger audiences through digital and traditional promotions and storytelling. How did you […]

Read More…

No injuries reported in Union Pacific derailment in Kansas

Tangle of derailed auto racks

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Approximately two dozen cars of a Union Pacific freight train derailed early Monday (Nov. 3) in Hutchinson, sending auto racks down an embankment and closing one lane of a state highway. The derailment occurred about 1 a.m. The Hays Post reports that the railroad said in a statement that there were no […]

Read More…

Amtrak San Joaquins renamed as Gold Runner

Passenger train stopped at station with bus waiting across platform

STOCKTON, Calif. — The San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority has made official its rebrand of Amtrak’s San Joaquins as Gold Runner trains. The move came on Monday, Nov. 3, and was effective immediately. Trains.com had previously reported plans for the move as part of a report on other changes for San Joaquins and Capitol Corridor […]

Read More…

Mainline photo charter with Santa Fe No. 2926 announced

A night scene featuring the massive Santa Fe Railway steam engine at the train station in downtown Albuquerque. Mainline photo charter with Santa Fe No. 2926 announced

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — New Mexico Heritage Rail has announced two photo charters with Santa Fe 4-8-4 No. 2926 to be conducted by Lerro Photography on Oct. 23–25 and Oct. 30–Nov. 1, 2026. The events will take place on 40 miles of mainline track extending north and south of Albuquerque. Two events are scheduled due to […]

Read More…

Keolis, IBEW reach tentative contract agreement

Elevated view of commuter train at large station

BOSTON — Keolis Commuter Services, the contract operator of Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority commuter trains, has reached a tentative contract agreement with electricians represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, the parties announced late last week. Keolis has now reached agreements with all 14 unions involved in MBTA commuter rail, who represent more than […]

Read More…