WASHINGTON — Although the Trump Administration’s budget for fiscal 2026 provided little rationale for boosting Amtrak’s National Network funding by almost 23% while decreasing Northeast Corridor money by 25.5%, the proposal provides insight for Congress and company leadership on what their priorities should be. The recent release of budget details [see “Trump budget calls for […]
CHESTERTON, Ind. — The start of service on South Shore Line’s new West Lake Corridor, the 9-mile spur between Hammond and Dyer, Ind., has slipped back further, and now is not likely until at least the end of this year, General Manager Mike Noland said in a recent message to riders. The message on the […]
SANTA CRUZ, Calif. — Construction of the long-discussed, much-debated rail line to Santa Cruz using a former Southern Pacific branch line could cost up to $4.3 billion, according to a document released Friday (June 6, 2025). The draft version of the executive summary of an upcoming report on the project, known as the Zero Emission […]
The latest edition of News Wire Recommended Reading ranges around the world, looking at everything from a new rail line in India to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s long, strange trip to replacing some of its rapid transit equipment. — The New York Times provides a look at India’s new rail line to Kashmir, which […]
LOS ANGELES — Direct rail service to and from Los Angeles International Airport is a step closer to reality after the opening of the LAX/Metro Transit Center on Friday, June 6. The long-awaited bus and light rail terminal, east of the airport will eventually provide connection to an automated people mover system serving airport terminals. […]
SPENCER, N.C. — Former Southern Railway FP7 diesel No. 6133 is turning 75 in 2025, prompting multiple events throughout the year to mark the occasion. The North Carolina Transportation Museum, owner of the vintage streamlined locomotive, initially offered “At the Throttle” sessions on June 7, 8, 21, and 28. Participants would have the opportunity to […]
VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Ballard Power Systems will supply 12 hydrogen fuel cell engines to Sierra Northern Railway for Sierra Northern’s hydrogen locomotive project, Ballard announced on Thursday (June 5). The engines, capable of generating 1.5 megawatts, will be used to convert three diesel switchers to hydrogen power. Sierra Northern held the initial test for […]
NEW YORK — Four Long Island Rail Road employees at the Hillside Maintenance Complex in Queens have been disciplined for timekeeping abuse discovered by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Office of Inspector General, Inspector General Daniel G. Cort announced. Three of the employees were suspended for periods ranging from 120 days to nine months, while a […]
FALL RIVER, Mass. — Residents voiced complaints about unreliable service and noise from idling trains on Thursday at a Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority public meeting about early issues with the South Coast Rail service that debuted in March. The Fall River Herald News reports that about 100 people were on hand for a meeting with […]
BURNET, Texas — An aggregates company’s proposal to build a 26.9-mile railroad to haul rock in Texas’ Hill Country is on hold in the wake of public opposition. Texas Materials Group had initiated the Surface Transportation Board’s environmental review process for construction of a new line in Burnet and Lampasas Counties to serve four quarries […]
JAMESTOWN, Calif. — Sierra Railway 4-6-0 No. 3 will make its official public debut on July 12. The locomotive has been out of service since 2021 for its federally mandated 1,472-day boiler inspection. The famed Rogers-built Ten Wheeler-type of Hollywood stardom was returned to steam early in the year. According to a June 3 Facebook […]
NEWARK, N.J. — NJ Transit is beginning the process of building a new rail maintenance-of-way equipment facility in Clifton, N.J., preparing a Request for Qualifications this month, pending approval from the state comptroller’s office. The Request for Qualifications for Special Prequalification will be the initial step in a two-phase procurement process to select a team […]
