Less-than-carload boxcars in L.A.

Boxcars at freight house

Boxcars assigned to less-than-carload (LCL) service — including several Southern Pacific “Overnight” boxcars — are being loaded on parallel tracks at Pacific Electric’s 8th Street Freight Station in Los Angeles in the 1940s. PE was an SP subsidiary. Pacific Electric […]

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Analysis: Amtrak’s Gulf Coast STB filing to test right of access

People boarding train

WASHINGTON — Amtrak’s 826-page petition to the Surface Transportation Board, filed last week, is the latest salvo in efforts to establish passenger trains on routes of railroads not currently hosting service. The STB’s eventual decision could have a significant impact on what investment is required for service expansion. The filing argues Amtrak has made good […]

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Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern say merger is all about growth

Logos for Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern

CALGARY, Alberta — Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern executives say combining their railroads into the first system linking Canada, the U.S., and Mexico will generate significant traffic growth across all commodities. “What a historic day,” CP CEO Keith Creel said during a Sunday afternoon investor webcast where executives touted the $29 billion deal to create […]

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CP amends Creel contract to keep CEO into 2026

Man gesturing while speaking

CALGARY — On the same day that Canadian Pacific revealed its plan to purchase Kansas City Southern, the company’s board of directors has announced it has amended its contract with President and CEO Keith Creel to keep him in his current position until at least early 2026. The amendment addresses incentive compensation, the company says. […]

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CSX defends Pan Am acquisition in the face of opposition in New England

Front of a train

WASHINGTON — CSX Transportation has defended its proposed acquisition of New England regional Pan Am Railways. Vermont Rail System, along with transportation officials from Vermont and Massachusetts, claim the deal would harm rail competition in the region and should face a more thorough review from the Surface Transportation Board. Massachusetts officials and lawmakers also expressed […]

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Freight train on Tanglefoot Curve

Narrow-gauge freight train on horseshoe curve

A 70-car Denver & Rio Grande Western narrow-gauge freight train drops down famous Tanglefoot Curve, just east of Cumbres, Colo., in June 1960. Since 1960, Cumbres & Toltec tourist trains have plied this landmark. Robert F. Collins […]

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Massachusetts DOT, MBTA challenge CSX acquisition of Pan Am Railways

Train coming around curve

WASHINGTON — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation and Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority have told federal regulators that they oppose CSX Transportation’s proposed acquisition of New England regional Pan Am Railways. In a filing with the Surface Transportation Board this week, state officials claim the transaction will harm rail competition, potentially hinder commuter rail operations, and […]

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California Energy Commission awards $4 million for development of hydrogen fuel cell switcher

Yellow switcher locomotive

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The effort to develop alternative-fuel locomotives continues to gain momentum. The California Energy Commission has awarded Sierra Northern Railway and research and development firm GTI almost $4 million to fund design, development, and demonstration of a hydrogen fuel cell-powered switching locomotive. The funds will retire a Tier 0 diesel and replace it […]

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