Siemens to provide maintenance services for Metrolinx rail operations

Commuter train equipment in yard with one train passing on main line

TORONTO — Siemens Mobility will provide track, signal, and right-of-way maintenance for Metrolinx rail operations in the West Region of Toronto, expanding an existing agreement with the provincial agency that oversees public transportation in the Toronto and Hamilton area. “We are excited to continue our partnership with Metrolinx, helping them keep their systems running safely […]

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UP coal train derails in Nebraska

Union Pacific logo without slogan. UP Bailey Yard explosion appear to be accidental.

GOTHENBURG, Neb. — Approximately 31 cars of a Union Pacific coal train derailed on Union Pacific’s triple-track main line across Nebraska early today (Tuesday, Feb. 21), stopping rail traffic for more than six hours. No injuries were reported and no hazardous materials were involved in the accident that occurred about 1:45 a.m., UP spokeswoman Robynn […]

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Rail leaders defend industry’s commitment to safety as DOT proposes new regulations

Aerial view of derailment cleanup

Regulators should not impose new safety regulations until the National Transportation Safety Board determines what caused the fiery derailment of a Norfolk Southern train that was carrying hazardous materials through East Palestine, Ohio, rail industry leaders said today. Their remarks came just hours after Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said the Department of Transportation would adopt […]

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Following referendum, Quebec town plans to fight bypass

Fire-damaged town and derailed train

FRONTENAC, Quebec — The results of a Sunday referendum showing strong opposition to the proposed Lac-Mégantic bypass mean the municipality of Frontenac will do everything it can to fight the rail-line relocation, Frontenac’s mayor said Monday. Mayor Gaby Gendron told the Canadian Press “it’s absolutely certain the municipal council will oppose the project by all […]

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Metra faces delay in plan for battery conversion of F40s

Locomotive rounds curve at station

CHICAGO — Metra’s plan to convert at least three of its oldest F40PH-3 diesel locomotives to battery power is on hold after the commuter operator was “not able to secure an agreement” on a contract, Metra CEO/Executive Director Jim Derwinski said Friday. Derwinski, responding to a question during a joint presentation with South Shore President/General […]

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Union Pacific, two unions reach agreement on paid sick leave

Union Pacific logo with Building America slogan

OMAHA, Neb. — Union Pacific has become the second Class I railroad to reach an agreement offering paid sick days to some employees, the railroad has announced. “Union Pacific remains committed to addressing our employees’ concerns and signed a deal with the National Conference of Firemen and Oilers (NCFO) and Brotherhood of Railway Carmen (BRC),” […]

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Brightline receives last of its Siemens trainsets (with video)

Two locomotives and passenger trainset arrive at maintenance facility

ORLANDO, Fla. — Brightline has received the last of the 10 trainsets for its Florida operation, and the last of the five ordered for its upcoming expansion of service to Orlando. The “Bright Orange 2” train arrived at the company’s Vehicle Maintenance Facility in Orlando on Sunday, Feb. 19, after a 10-day trip from the […]

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Quebec town votes against Lac-Mégantic bypass

Map of Lac-Megantic Bypass

FRONTENAC, Quebec — The town of Frontenac has voted in resounding fashion against the planned bypass to remove Canadian Pacific’s rail line from Lac-Mégantic, Quebec, but the results of the referendum apparently will not change the plans for the project. The CBC reports 92% of those in the community of 1,600 who cast ballots in […]

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East Broad Top steam returns to revenue service

Steam locomotive with four passenger cars and caboose

ROCKHILL FURNACE, Pa. — East Broad Top Railroad’s freshly restored 2-8-2 Mikado locomotive No. 16 delighted admirers over the weekend by pulling a full schedule of eight passenger trains and two photo freights for the road’s annual Winter Spectacular. All trains were sold out. The event was a landmark in several ways. First, No. 16 […]

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