Major storm hits NS operations in southeast

Weather map showing storm along entire U.S. East Coast.

A deadly storm that that has brought significant flooding and other damage to at least five southeastern states has hit Norfolk Southern operations. CSX has also been impacted, although details are not currently available. An NS advisory of midday today informed intermodal customers that the route between Portsmouth, Ohio, and Bluefield, W.Va., is currently impassable, […]

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VIA equipment issues lead to service cuts in Ottawa-Toronto corridor

Cab car leads train into station

OTTAWA, Ontario — VIA Rail Canada has trimmed trains from its Ottawa-Toronto schedule until at least March because of equipment availability issues, the transportation advocacy group Transport Action Canada reports. In a post on its website, the group lists these trains as currently suspended: — Daily trains No. 42 (a 12:17 p.m. departure from Toronto) […]

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Empire Builder again cancelled because of weather

Passenger train in snow

CHICAGO — Amtrak has cancelled Empire Builder departures in both directions scheduled for today (Feb. 15, 2025), as well as the eastbound Borealis and one westbound Wolverine. Two Northeast Corridor trains have also been cancelled. The reasons for the cancellations differ. According to posts on the Amtrak Alerts feed on X.com, the Empire Builder slated […]

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Most of Montreal light rail system to open by October

Map of Montreal light rail syste

MONTREAL — Most of the Réseau express metropolitain light rail network will be open in October, according to the head of the company overseeing construction of the Montreal-area system. But before then, the portion of the REM that is currently operating will be shut down for six weeks as part of systemwide testing. The CBC […]

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Amtrak independence at stake, status of approved FRA infrastructure grants uncertain: Analysis

Train of two locomotives and one passenger car stopped on siding

WASHINGTON — Historically, passenger rail funding has had legislative champions from each party in the House and Senate that successfully counteracted executive branch funding cuts. When President Donald Trump called for deep reductions aimed at Amtrak’s long-distance network during his first term, those budget proposals were eventually rebuffed in bipartisan transportation spending deals. But this […]

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MBTA sets plans for ‘Massachusetts 250’ celebration

Illustration of blue commuter coach with large flag

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority has announced plans for a special rail schedule as part of the Massachusetts 250 celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolution. The celebration is set for Patriots Day weekend, April 19-20. “The Commonwealth has a rich history, and ‘Massachusetts 250’ is just one […]

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Brand-new Cincinnati Union Terminal

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This northward view shows the sprawling Cincinnati Union Terminal complex not long before it was put into service in March 1933. Besides the landmark half-dome headhouse, the terminal included 15 platform tracks, a 26-track coach yard, and 20-stall roundhouse. Classic Trains coll. […]

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Wabtec’s earnings and outlook disappoint Wall Street

Unpainted locomotive with others visible in background

PITTSBURGH — Wabtec’s revenue and profits increased in the fourth quarter, but the company’s stock tumbled 11% yesterday because the quarterly results and a new five-year outlook both came in below Wall Street expectations. The drop in Wabtec’s stock price was the largest in the S&P 500. Quarterly operating income increased 8.4%, to $334 million, […]

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Amtrak again makes Forbes list of best large employers

Passenger train passing fall foliage

As it has been for all 10 years the list has existed, Amtrak is among companies named as one of America’s best large employers by Forbes magazine. The list of 701 companies with more than 5,000 employees, along with an accompanying list of the 498 best midsize employers — those with 1,000 to 5,000 workers […]

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