Senators remain concerned about geographic balance of Amtrak board

Man at table in congressional hearing room

WASHINGTON — Members of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation struck two disparate themes during a hearing today (Wednesday, June 21) for three nominees for Amtrak’s board of directors. One, they remain concerned that President Joe Biden’s board nominees board do not meet a geographic-balance requirement. Two, the desire remains strong on the […]

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Amtrak, BNSF seek closure of Seattle street for yard expansion

Aerial view of street running through railroad yard

SEATTLE — Amtrak and BNSF Railway are asking the city of Seattle to close a section of a street near the Seattle Mariners’ ballpark in the city’s Sodo neighborhood to expand the passenger carrier’s maintenance facility and eliminate a busy grade crossing. The Seattle Times reports the proposal would close South Holgate Street, which splits […]

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NRHS awards 2023 Heritage Preservation grants

Logo of National Railway Historical Society

MOORESTOWN, N.J. — The National Railway Historical Society has awarded almost $125,000 to 25 organizations as part of its 2023 Railway Heritage Preservation Grants, supporting preservation of railroad-related artifacts and media. The awards total $124,950, and range from $2,500 to $10,000. The largest single grant this year, $10,000, was received by the Center for Railroad […]

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CPKC launches new carbon emissions calculator for its network

CALGARY, Alberta — Canadian Pacific Kansas City this week launched an updated carbon emissions calculator for its combined rail network in Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. This web-based tool is designed to give customers greater insight into the carbon footprint of CPKC’s transportation services by allowing users to estimate the potential greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions […]

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Brightline testing in Martin County postponed

Train approaches after passing through small S curve

STUART, Fla. — Brightline high speed testing in Florida’s Martin County, which had been scheduled for later this week, has been postponed, the passenger operator said today (Tuesday, June 20). Testing had been scheduled for Wednesday, June 21, through Friday, June 23, at speeds up to 110 mph through a series of grade crossings, as […]

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Vancouver’s West Coast Express expands service

Blue, yellow, and white locomotive at station

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Commuter rail service West Coast Express has expanded service to and from Vancouver as of Monday, June 19, thanks to introduction of a trainset with a newly refurbished locomotive. It marks the first time WCE has offered five weekday round trips since 2020. The new equipment will make two round trips […]

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