Metra receives funding for two station projects, three locomotives

People on platform between two commuter trains

CHICAGO — Metra will receive more than $104 million in grants for station projects and the purchase of three electric switching locomotives, the commuter rail operator has announced. The funding will come from the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement program of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning. The money will include $80 million for […]

Read More…

Control of long-delayed Toronto light rail line transferred to TTC

Black and white light rail trainset on track with construction work visible in background

TORONTO — The Toronto Transit Commission, operator of the city’s subways and streetcars, has officially taken control of the long-delayed Eglinton Crosstown light rail line, the head of regional transit agency Metrolinx said on Tuesday (June 17). Metrolinx CEO Michael Lindsay said the TTC would begin controlling train movements no later than today, June 18. […]

Read More…

Pennsylvania House passes bill to increase transit funding

White trolley car going uphill on street

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives has passed a bill to provide more than $290 million in funding for public transit statewide that could address major shortfalls for the transit systems in the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh areas. However, the key legislative hurdle — passage by the Senate — remains. House Bill 1364 would provide […]

Read More…

NTSB to investigate rail death in Alabama (additional update)

Logo of Transtar rail

WASHINGTON — The National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the death of a Transtar Rail employee in Fairfield, Ala., the agency said in a social media post on Tuesday, June 17. A Transtar spokesman said in a June 18 emailed statement that the company “regretfully confirms” a fatality. “We are investigating the incident and are […]

Read More…

Watco receives investment of more than $600 million

Louisiana shortline’s first train sits on tracks on startup day.

PITTSBURG, Kan. — Watco Cos., the rail and transportation logistics company that operates some 45 short lines, has received a minority investment of more than $600 million from Duration Capital Partners, the companies announced today (June 17, 2025). The investment will be used to address Watco’s long-term strategic investments, the company said, including assuming full […]

Read More…

No injuries in CN derailment in Mississippi

Canadian National logo

SAVAGE, Miss. — An estimated 20 cars of a Canadian National Railway train derailed Monday afternoon (June 16) near the town of Savage in Tunica County, WREG-TV reports. No injuries were reported. CN said in a statement to the broadcaster that the train included two cars of hazardous material, but those cars did not derail. […]

Read More…

Senate subcommittee to hold rail hearing

Trains Washington Watch logo

WASHINGTON — Officials from Brightline, Anacostia Rail Holdings, and the Association of American Railroads are scheduled to testify Wednesday (June 18) at a Senate subcommittee hearing on railroading. The Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Surface Transportation will hold the hearing, “On the Right Track: Modernizing America’s Rail Network,” at 10 a.m. in Russell Office Building room […]

Read More…

Caltrain engineers ratify new contract

Red and white electric mutliple-unit commuter trains at station

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio — Engineers who operate Caltrain commuter trains have ratified a new five-year agreement with the service’s contract operator, Transit Services America, Inc., the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen has announced. The agreement, announced last week, covers 68 locomotive engineers. Fifty-six of those BLET members voted, with 50 (or 89%) voting in favor […]

Read More…

Colorado DOT to hold open house updating Mountain Rail project

Map of rail route between Denver and Craig, Colo.

FRASER, Colo. — The Colorado Department of Transportation will hold an open house meeting on Wednesday, June 18, to discuss the Mountain Rail proposal for passenger service between Denver and Craig, Colo. The meeting will be held from 5:30 to 7:30p.m. at Fraser Valley Elementary School, 125 Eastom Ave., in Fraser. It will be live […]

Read More…

VIA reports increased ridership, revenue in 2024

MONTREAL — VIA Rail Canada saw a 6.6% gain in ridership and an 11% increase in total revenues during 2024, according to the company’s annual fiscal-year report. Revenues for the calendar year were Ca$480.2 million (U.S. $353.8 million), while ridership reached 4.4 million. The company recorded an operating loss of Ca $385.2 million (U.S. $283.7 […]

Read More…