BLET claims Mexican train crews pose border security risk

Train on bridge approaching small building covering tracks

The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen is sounding the alarm bell about the potential for Mexican railroad crews to smuggle people and contraband into the United States. The warning comes as the union opposes Union Pacific’s efforts to use Ferromex crews to deliver northbound interchange trains to its yard in Eagle Pass, Texas, some […]

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Norfolk Southern aims for higher standards

Freight train with three black and white locomotives

Second of two parts. Part one is available here. ATLANTA — In his first public remarks after being named CEO in September 2024, Mark George said he didn’t like the way that railroads have historically tolerated poor operations and service performance. George came to NS from United Technologies, the conglomerate that produced jet engines, elevators, […]

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Eight hurt in Metrolink collision at Los Angeles Union Station

New logo for Metrolink, introduced 2022

LOS ANGELES — Seven passengers and a crew member were injured today (Oct. 8, 2025) when a Metrolink Ventura County Line train struck a stationary train as it arrived at Los Angeles Union Station. The Los Angeles Daily News reports the collision occurred about 7:30 a.m. and involved inbound train No. 104. The stationary train […]

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Rail union asks FAA to ban drone flights over rail infrastructure

Drone parked on launch platform

WASHINGTON — A rail union has asked the Federal Aviation Administration to ban the use of unmanned aircraft systems, or drones, above rail yards and main lines. The International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers-Transportation Division, or SMART-TD, submitted comments earlier this week on a proposed FAA rule that would allow expanded […]

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News photos: Amtrak cleans up in Chicago

Passenger cars entering small building

CHICAGO — Amtrak’s Chicago train wash is now active, as evidenced by the cars and locomotive of the company’s New York-Chicago Cardinal, seen here backing into the facility after its run on Monday, Oct. 6. The Cardinal emerged sparkling from its 2-mph splash, though a departing Metra train prevented photos of the result. The trainset […]

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Two NS crew members injured in Indiana derailment

Norfolk Southern logo

OWENSVILLE, Ind. — A Norfolk Southern engineer and conductor were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries following a derailment this morning in Owensville, Ind. Responding to an inquiry from Trains.com, Norfolk Southern said in a statement that the derailment occurred about 3 a.m. today (Oct. 8, 2025) and involved a locomotive and two railcars. […]

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Norfolk Southern bounces back under CEO Mark George

Black locomotive with train with yellow locomotives in background

First of two parts ATLANTA — No matter how you look at it, Mark George had an eventful first year at the helm of Norfolk Southern — even setting aside the historic deal to create the first transcontinental railroad through a merger with Union Pacific. George was named chief executive on Sept. 11, 2024, after CEO […]

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SEPTA service sees disruptions as Silverliner inspections begin

Meet of electric multiple-unit commuter trains

PHILADELPHIA — Passengers on Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority passengers on Regional Rail service are experiencing more crowded trains, as well as some delays and cancellations, as SEPTA begins federally mandated inspections to address concerns over fire risks with its Silverliner IV electric multiple unit passenger equipment. As of Monday, Sept. 6, all Regional Rail trains […]

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MTA CEO blasts Amtrak for delays on Penn Access project (additional update)

Man speaking at podium

NEW YORK — Metropolitan Transportation Authority CEO Janno Lieber has blasted Amtrak for a lack of cooperation on the Penn Access infrastructure project, saying the situation is “outrageous, and it’s been a problem from the start of that project.“ Amtrak, which initially called Lieber’s statements “misinformation,” updated its initial statement Tuesday afternoon with details on […]

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New York MTA completes first phase of Park Avenue Viaduct rebuild

EMU trainsets with city skyline as backdrop and maintenance crew on one of four tracks

NEW YORK — The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has completed Phase one of the rebuilding of the Park Avenue Viaduct, the 132-year-old, four-track elevated structure in East Harlem carrying Metro-North trains to and from Grand Central Terminal. The first phase included 128 bridge installations and replacement of 8,240 track feet from East 115th Street to East […]

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