A few disruptions mar Amtrak’s holiday weekend

Passenger train stopped at station on curve

CHICAGO—Most trains on Amtrak’s capacity-constrained network ran close to on time while handling big passenger loads throughout the Thursday-through-Sunday weekend, although some travelers’ plans were inconvenienced as a result of problems both within and beyond the company’s control. A number of challenges impacted long-distance trains in addition to those News Wire previously outlined [see “Buses […]

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CPKC takes second-quarter volume crown

Single locomotive in CPKC paint scheme crossing bridge

Canadian Pacific Kansas City was the fastest-growing railroad in the second quarter, with its overall volume up 6%. CPKC’s industry-leading growth was due to double-digit increases in intermodal (14%), grain (16%), and coal (10%). Union Pacific ranked No. 2 for the quarter, with its volume up 4% overall, led by a 31% increase in coal […]

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Wabtec to acquire Frauscher, maker of digital rail detection products

PITTSBURGH — Wabtec will further expand its digital rail inspection and detection business, announcing today (July 7, 2025) that it will acquire Austrian-based Frauscher Sensor Technology Group for €675 million ($792 million). The acquisition of Frauscher — an international supplier of rail detection, wayside object control, and axle-counting products — comes just days after Wabtec […]

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European passenger trains can dazzle or disappoint: Analysis

Every time an acquaintance or travel writer returns from Europe and sets foot on American soil, you’ll hear the same refrain: “Oh, if only we had passenger trains like that.” What they mean, of course, is that Amtrak cannot possibly compare. Not on frequency, not on speed, not on equipment, not on stations, not on […]

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BLET ratifies new contract with Mobile, Ala., port railroad

Two green end-cab locomotives

MOBILE, Ala. — Members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen have ratified a new contract with Terminal Railway-Alabama State Docks, the short line connecting the Port of Mobile to five Class I railroads. The BLET announced Sunday (July 6) that the five-year agreement was ratified on June 26. It runs through 2027 and […]

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CN derailment in Mississippi leads to fire, evacuations

Canadian National logo

GLENDORA, Miss. — A derailment and fire involving a Canadian National Railway train occurred today (July 5, 2025) in the town of Glendora, with the hazardous materials involved leading to the evacuation of about 200 residents. The Clarksdale Press Register reports Tallahatchie County Emergency Management Agency Director said 13 cars had derailed, with a tank […]

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CSX derailment closes streets in downtown Louisville

Aerial view of derailed railcars

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Ten cars of a CSX train derailed today (Saturday, July 5, 2025) in west Louisville, WDRB-TV reports. No injuries were reported. While a earlier report from WAVE-TV quoted Louisville Fire Chief Brian O’Neail as saying some of the tank cars involved were carrying some material, although no leaks occurred, a CSX representative […]

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Montreal light rail begins six-week shutdown

Light rail train crossing bridge at sunset

MONTREAL — The Réseau express métropolitain light rail line between downtown Montreal and the North Shore community of Brossard, Que., has begun a six-week shutdown today (Saturday, July 5) for testing in preparation of opening of most of the rest of the system later this year. Service on the 10.3-mile first phase between Central Station […]

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