SEATTLE — Sounder commuter rail service, already operating at a reduced level because of equipment issues, has been further disrupted today (Feb. 25, 2025) by a landslide that has also halted Amtrak Cascades operations between Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia. The landslide west of Everett, Wash., has triggered a 48-hour moratorium on passenger moves that […]
MILES CITY, Mont. — Approximately 25 to 27 cars of a BNSF train derailed Monday night (Feb. 24, 2025) west of Miles City, Custer County Fire Chief Cory Cheguis said in a press release. The derailment occurred about 11 p.m. No injuries were reported; county emergency officials and BNSF were working to address the situation, […]
CALGARY, Alberta — The union representing CPKC mechanical workers in Canada has ratified a new four-year agreement. Unifor Local 101R represents more than 1,200 mechanics, laborers, diesel service attendants, and mechanical support workers. The ratification vote was announced Monday, Feb. 24; no details on the vote were released. “Our members worked so hard and stood […]
CHICAGO — Beginning with its southbound departure on Monday, March 3, the Chicago-San Antonio Texas Eagle will gain a staffed Superliner Sightseer Lounge-café. The first eastbound trip is slated for March 5 after the equipment turns at the Texas city. The train will retain its diner-lounge, which will continue to provide “flexible” self-contained meals to […]
MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. — Short line company Anacostia Rail Holdings has become the newest member of RailPulse, the consortium working to bring telematics to the North American freight car fleet. The Chicago South Shore & South Bend Railroad will be the first of Anacostia’s six railroads to introduce the technology, adding telematic units supported by […]
NEW YORK — Metro-North Railroad plans to purchase 13 battery-electric locomotives from Siemens Mobility for service in and out of Penn Station when Metro-North’s New Haven Line starts serving that station through the Penn Access project. The battery-electric versions of the Siemens Charger locomotive will generally draw power from catenary, then switch to battery mode […]
WILMINGTON, Del. — Volunteers on the Wilmington & Western Railroad say railroad staff have notified them that operations on the long-time heritage railway are paused indefinitely. Volunteers seeking information about the railroad’s March schedule were notified of the decision in an email earlier this month. The railway depends on its all-volunteer crew to staff trains. […]
ST. PAUL, Minn. — The chair of the transportation committee in Minnesota’s House of Representatives is leading a legislative effort to kill the Northstar commuter rail service — which could be destined for replacement with bus service anyway. HF 269, introduced by Rep. Jon Koznick (R-Lakeville, Minn.) — chair of the Transportation Finance and Policy […]
OMAHA, Neb. — BNSF Railway’s pre-tax profits increased slightly in 2024 as traffic-mix changes — more intermodal, less coal — and lower fuel-surcharge revenue offset an overall 6.5% increase in freight volume. For the year, BNSF’s pre-tax earnings increased 0.5%, to $6.64 billion, while revenue declined 0.5%, to $23.35 billion, the railway’s corporate parent, Berkshire […]
PHILADELPHIA — The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority has begun using new labeling for its urban rail operations, as well as bus lines. The changes are part of a new branding as SEPTA Metro, first announced in 2021 [see “SEPTA plans rebranding …,” Trains News Wire, Sept. 8, 2021]. Some elements have been introduced previously, but […]
HARRISBURG, Pa. – With a cellphone, tablet or notebook in hand, visitors can activate a Pennsylvania Railroad position-light signal here to replicate any of 19 indications, past or present, used to govern train movements. The Harrisburg Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society on Wednesday (Feb. 19) completed a project, years in the making, that […]
SAN DIEGO — The San Diego-area Coaster commuter rail service will celebrate its 30th anniversary by offering free rides this Thursday, Feb. 27. The service launched on Feb. 27, 1995, offering six trains during the morning commute and six in the evening. It has grown to include 15 round trips weekdays (with a 16th on […]
