Bill for Amtrak Cascades improvements passed by Washington House

Cascades_Olympia_Lassen

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Legislation calling for increased frequencies and reduced travel times for Amtrak Cascades service has passed the Washington state House of Representatives and moved to the Senate. House Bill 1857 passed by a 68-29 vote last Wednesday, March 12, beating a deadline for bills to advance out of their house of origin by […]

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NTSB investigating incident at Port of Stockton

Two red end-cab switchers with "Port of Stockton" sign in background

STOCKTON, Calif. — The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating an injury accident that occurred earlier this week at the Port of Stockton, the agency said today (March 14, 2025). The accident occurred on Tuesday, March 11, during a re-railing operation, the board said on social media. KOVR-TV reports the NTSB declined to provide information […]

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MBTA Green Line trains involved in minor collision

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority logo

BOSTON — No injuries were reported after a minor collision between two Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Green Line trolleys on Wednesday evening, WCVB-TV reports. MBTA CEO Phillip Eng told reporters during a Thursday media event that one of the trains rolled about 3 feet into the other train, and the two trains coupled. “Technically, it […]

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Two hurt as CSX trains collide in Baltimore yard

Portion of image from X.com of derailed cars in yard. Use only as teaser image

FOX45 drone is over a train derailment in South Baltimore near Frankfurst Ave and Shell Road right now. MDOT and MTA confirm it is not impacting MARC services. We’re waiting for more info from CSX. More: https://t.co/FCtNt7Ix6Z@FOXBaltimore pic.twitter.com/qPJlDlWAXt — Ashley Cusicanqui FOX45 (@ashleycusitv) March 14, 2025 BALTIMORE — Two crew members were taken to hospitals […]

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Columbia Basin Railroad donates line to Moses Lake project

Map of rail lines in Moses Lake, Wash., area

MOSES LAKE, Wash. — The Columbia Basin Railroad has donated about 3 miles of rail line to the Port of Moses Lake, aiding the port’s effort to expand its rail network as part of the North Columbia Basin Railroad Project. The project seeks to rebuild or rehabilitate approximately 8 miles of rail line, restoring rail […]

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Amtrak mobile app now allows seat selection

Amtrak logo.

WASHINGTON — Amtrak has updated its mobile app to include the ability to select seats when booking tickets on trains with assigned seating. The feature is available when purchasing tickets for Acela trains, as well as for business class on the Northeast Regional, Palmetto, Vermonter, and Carolinian. Other features include updates on train status and […]

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Santa Clara VTA seeks court order to end strike

Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority logo

SAN JOSE, Calif. — The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority is going to court in an effort to end a strike by more than 1,500 of its workers. Public broadcaster KQED reports the VTA has filed a complaint in Santa Clara County Superior Court alleging the strike is a breach of contract and an act […]

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Metra’s SD70MACHs working well, chief operating officer says

Blue locomotive on commuter train under clear blue skies

CHICAGO — Metra is having “great luck” with its fleet of SD70MACH locomotives, Chief Operating Officer Kevin McCann told the Sandhouse Rail Group today (Wednesday, March 12, 2025). McCann and Chief Engineering Officer Scott Schiemann updated those attending the Northwestern University Transportation Center event at Metra headquarters on a wide variety of projects and initiatives […]

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Metra could face 40% service cuts under ‘fiscal cliff’

Two commuter trains meet at station

CHICAGO — For most of Wednesday’s annual presentation to Northwestern University’s Sandhouse Rail Group, representatives of Metra and Northern Indiana Commuter Rail District, or South Shore Line, were able to highlight a string of positive accomplishments and coming attractions. But the tone changed dramatically as the session at Metra headquarters wound down, as someone asked […]

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Cumberland Yard improvements help CSX reduce train starts

Intermodal train emerging from tunnel

NEW YORK — CSX is moving more tonnage on fewer trains this year as part of a significant reduction in the number of road train crew starts. The 10% decline in coal volume this year has contributed to the reduction, Chief Financial Officer Sean Pelkey told an investor conference today. “But there’s a significant amount […]

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