CN moves retired GE units in ‘funeral train’

Train with long string of dead locomotives

WELLAND, Ontario — A Canadian National “funeral train” of 18 Dash 8 locomotives, part of an auction and sale in June 2023, arrived in Welland, Ont, on July 29, concluding a trip from Iowa. The locomotives will be handed off to the GIO Rail Trillium operation, which will deliver them to SLM Recycling of Welland. […]

Read More…

White Pass & Yukon workers ratify new agreement

Black and red narrow-gauge diesel with mountain backdrop

SKAGWAY, Alaska — Union operating crews at the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway have ratified a new agreement, ending the prospect of a strike that could have disrupted the end of the tourist railroad’s 2023 operating season. KTOO reports the railroad and members of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation […]

Read More…

Canadian government set to intervene in port labor dispute

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — The Canadian government is prepared to impose a settlement in the labor dispute at British Columbia ports after dock workers again rejected a tentative deal on Friday night. Labor Minister Seamus O’Regan wrote in a statement today (July 29) that he has directed the Canada Industrial Relations Board to determine whether […]

Read More…

Plan to close English ticket offices brings controversy

Ticket office at train station in England

LONDON — British government proposals to potentially close ticket counters at all railway stations in England have led to widespread opposition, with a nationwide consultation exercise extended to Sept. 1 following protests and threats of legal action. The opposition has come from most politicians, trades unions, and — unusually — almost the entire news media, […]

Read More…

Montreal’s REM light rail makes debut

Light rail train and passenger train pass near body of water

MONTREAL — With Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Quebec Premier François Legault taking part in the inaugural run, Montreal’s Réseau express métropolitain light rail network made its debut with ceremonies on Friday. The first trips Friday on the 16.6-kilometer (10.3-mile) segment between Central Station and Brossard were a prelude to open-house events and free […]

Read More…

Return of Ottawa light rail line pushed back at least 10 days

Red and white light rail train rounds curve

OTTAWA, Ontario — Return of Ottawa’s light-rail Confederation Line has been pushed back at least 10 days to allow for additional track work, city officials were informed on Friday. Aug. 10 is now the earliest the system could resume operation. CTV News reports Renée Amicar, the city’s general manager of transit services, told the city […]

Read More…

Three injured as SEPTA trolley derails, hits historic building

Aerial view of derailed light-rail vehicle with one end inside stone building

PHILADELPHIA — An out-of-service Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority trolley derailed, struck a vehicle, and crashed into a historic building dating to 1766 on Thursday night. Three people were injured, although Delia King, the woman who lives in the former Blue Bell Inn at the corner of Island and Woodland avenues was unhurt. “A SEPTA trolley just […]

Read More…

Canada’s Cando Rail to develop battery switcher

Green and gray switching locomotive with extended-height cab

EDMONTON, Alberta — Cando Rail & Terminals — the Canadian company which operates shortlines, terminals and transload facilities, and handles industrial switching, among a wide variety of rail services — will develop a battery-electric switcher. The company announced Thursday that it plans to retrofit a legacy, non-tier compliant diesel with a lithium-ion propulsion system for […]

Read More…