Maya Train operation begins between Cancun and Playa del Carmen

Passenger train on bridge

CANCÚN, Mexico — The latest section of Mexico’s Maya Train has finally begun operation, more than two weeks after its inauguration ceremonies. The news site Noticaribe reports the first train from Playa del Carmen to Cancún departed at 10:30 a.m. today (Friday, March 15). Initial operations include three daily round trips on the 42-mile segment; […]

Read More…

Ancora responds to STB’s request for a meeting about NS proxy fight

Train of containers on high bridge

WASHINGTON — Ancora Holdings, which is leading an activist investor group that’s fighting a proxy battle to oust Norfolk Southern’s management, has responded to Surface Transportation Board Chairman Martin J. Oberman’s request for a meeting about its plans for the railroad. “We suggest a discussion with yourself and the continuing Board Members once we have […]

Read More…

Michigan grant helps fund improvements at CSX Detroit intermodal facility

Aerial view of intermodal yard

LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Transportation has awarded $5 million to CSX Transportation to upgrade the railroad’s Detroit Livernois Intermodal Facility, the agency announced today (Friday, March 15). Improvements will include paving what is currently a dirt and gravel yard, which will help limit dust blown into surrounding neighborhoods. CSX is contributing $6.7 […]

Read More…

R.J. Corman facilities damaged by Ohio tornado

Damaged building

CELINA, Ohio — An enginehouse for R.J. Corman Western Ohio Lines was severely damaged and a warehouse was also damaged Thursday night when a tornado struck in Celina, a community of about 11,000 people in Mercer County. Nearby Auglaize and Logan counties were also struck by the storms. Logan County was the hardest hit, with […]

Read More…

MBTA reports another near-miss for track workers

Subway train at station

BOSTON — A group of  Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority track workers experienced another near-miss incident on March 1, the transit agency reported Thursday, the latest in a series of safety incidents that helped lead to federal oversight of the rapid transit system. The Boston Globe reports that one flagger and four track workers were involved […]

Read More…

Metrolink brings back Angels Express service

Overhead view of commuter train at station

ANAHEIM, Calif. — LA-area commuter rail operator Metrolink will revive Angels Express service after a five-year hiatus, offering round-trip service to Friday, Saturday, and Sunday Los Angeles Angels baseball home games, as well as midweek games against the Los Angeles Dodgers on March 26, Sept. 3, and Sept. 4. Round trips will operate from LA […]

Read More…

Milwaukee County Zoo railroad replacing steam engines

Small-gauge steam locomotive doubleheader

MILWAUKEE, Wis. — Dieselization came late to the Milwaukee County Zoo’s railroad, but it has arrived. The zoo announced today (Thursday, March 14), that it has sold the two steam locomotives for its 1.25-mile, 15-inch gauge railroad — No. 1916, the Henry J. Grant, a 4-4-2 built in 1961, and No. 1924, a 4-6-2 built […]

Read More…

FRA awards $900,000 to three states for interstate rail programs

Passenger train in late afternoon lighting

WASHINGTON — Projects in Illinois, Louisiana, and North Carolina have received a total of $900,000 in planning and development funding under the Federal Railroad Administration’s Interstate Rail Compacts grant program, the FRA announced today (Thursday, March 14). Compacts are agreements between two or more states to support development of intercity passenger rail services that can […]

Read More…