Tehachapi Loop viewing platform could open by mid-July Ground has been broken on a new viewing platform at California’s Tehachapi Loop, with completion expected by mid-July. The Tehachapi News reports the platform will end the need for those viewing trains at the loop to stand along a narrow shoulder of Woodford-Tehachapi Road, easing safety concerns. […]
After nine months of reduced service, full MARC schedule to resume Aug. 30 MARC commuter trains will resume full operations on Aug. 30, nine months after reducing service in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Baltimore Sun reports that Maryland Transit Adminstration officials announced the restoration of MARC and commuter bus service on Monday, while […]
‘Seatrain Georgia’ The hull configuration of the Seatrain ships—three decks, each with four tracks (plus four tracks on the top deck)—is evident in this view of Seatrain Georgia being lengthened at Sun Shipbuilding in 1963. The vessel has been cut in two for installation of a new midsection. Hagley Museum & Library collection […]
Lawsuit challenges unique legal status of Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District The Indiana Supreme Court will review the unique legal status of the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District, operator of South Shore Line commuter trains, as a result of a lawsuit filed by a Hobart, Ind., man who was injured while performing track maintenance work. […]
The U.S.-Canada border is not likely to be fully reopened until 75% of Canadians are vaccinated for COVID-19, a Canadian official said Sunday — a long way from the current figure of 18% — while the continued movement of trains and trucks across the border could be jeopardized by a threatened strike by Canadian customs […]
Proposed amendments would push back deadline for Canadian grade-crossing rules The Canadian government has published proposed amendments to regulations regarding railroad grade crossings which would extend the deadline for compliance with existing rules. The amendments would provide a one-year extension from the original deadline of Nov. 28, 2021, for grade crossings considered to be higher […]
Perishable progress The Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe rebuilt older wood refrigerator cars with steel sides instead of buying new cars. The Rr-49 class, pictured, introduced sliding plug doors in 1950. Santa Fe photo […]
Colorado transportation bill helps advance Front Range rail plans Colorado Gov. Jared Polis has signed a major transportation bill including a provision allowing creation of transportation planning organizations to exercise the powers of a regional transportation authority — a step toward creation of a Front Range Passenger Rail Authority. Full text of the bill is […]
Kansas City Southern asks regulators to reject Canadian Pacific request for information Kansas City Southern has asked the Surface Transportation Board to reject a request from Canadian Pacific for information it seeks for CP’s efforts to merge with KCS, saying that under the termination of the merger agreement between the two railroads, CP no longer […]
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Protests are once again blocking Kansas City Southern de Mexico’s main line to the Port of Lazaro Cardenas. “The main rail line on the Caltzontzin District has been blocked due to civil protests, completely unrelated to our company, occurring on or near the Kansas City Southern de Mexico’s track, impeding our […]
WASHINGTON — CSX Transportation is hiring more conductors and says its service is improving thanks to operational adjustments that have reduced congestion, particularly along the Gulf Coast. “We’re making significant progress and we recognize there is more to be done,” CSX CEO Jim Foote wrote in a letter today to the Surface Transportation Board. “We are […]
South Dakota will ask FRA for money for $84 million Rapid City, Pierre & Eastern project The South Dakota Railroad Board will ask the Federal Railroad Administration for $22 million to help rebuild the Rapid City, Pierre & Eastern line between Rapid City and Fort Pierre, S.D. KELO-TV reports the federal money, along with $20 […]
