Heat concerns lead Ohio Rail Experience to postpone excursions

Passenger train led by black and yellow GP30

LEBANON, Ohio — The Ohio Rail Experience, the Cincinnati Scenic Railway excursion operation featuring rail lines that do not regularly host passenger trains, has postponed its trips scheduled for this weekend (June 28-29) over concerns about the ongoing heat wave in the Midwest and East. The predicted high temperatures, “combined with extreme humidity levels, could […]

Read More…

Long-term plan for MARC service includes route extensions, increased frequencies

BALTIMORE — Expanded weekday and weekend operation and extension of two of the system’s three lines are among changes proposed for MARC commuter train service in a report released Wednesday (June 25, 2025) by the Maryland Department of Transportation. The 76-page MARC Growth and Transformation Plan includes five-year, 15-year, and “unconstrained” (longer-term) plans. “Thanks to […]

Read More…

News photo: Amtrak now using converted P42 as cab car

Blue and red converted locomotive on end of passenger train.

Former P42 locomotive No. 184 has been transformed into non-powered cab car No. 9700, shown seen here trailing southbound Empire Service train 244 at Garrison, N.Y. Amtrak is beginning to utilize these new conversions instead of aging converted F40 locomotives and ex-Metroliner cab cars, dating from the 1960s, to facilitate push-pull service. Conversion of the […]

Read More…

Amtrak schedules hit by equipment, heat issues (updated)

Blue passenger locomotive next to station platfrom

Amtrak has experienced a series of train cancellations because of “equipment unavailability,” as well as due to heat issues, in the Midwest and East on Tuesday and today (June 25, 2025), according to the company’s social media feeds. In the Midwest, Wolverine Train No. 355, a 5:28 pm. departure from Pontiac, Mich., to Chicago, has […]

Read More…

FRA urges railroads to step up conductor training and testing

Local switches factory while locomotive moves commuter railcars on overpass

WASHINGTON — The Federal Railroad Administration has released a safety bulletin related to a June 9 close-clearance switching accident that killed a Union Pacific conductor in Nacogdoches, Texas. “Based on FRA’s preliminary investigation, the locomotive engineer was shoving two locomotives and five covered hopper cars into a siding. The conductor was riding the consist and […]

Read More…

Cumbres & Toltec announces leadership changes

Two steam locomotives leading train through fall colors

CHAMA, N.M. — The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad has made leadership changes in the wake of a start to its season that has seen the heritage railway face difficulties in maintaining scheduled operations. Former CEO Eric Mason and former General Manager Steven Butler have rejoined the railroad, the railroad said in a recent press […]

Read More…

The Roundhouse | Collecting Employee Timetables

In this 33rd episode of The Roundhouse, an on-camera interview series established in 2013, Trains Magazine Associate Editor Bob Lettenberger plays host to Brian Schmidt, Editor of Classic Trains Magazine. The two gather at the roundtable to discuss an endeavor they both enjoy – collecting employee timetables! Listen in, as Bob and Brian reveal the […]

Read More…

With I-80 roadwork done, NJ Transit to end fare discount

Map of NJ Transit rail lines between Hackettstown, N.J., and New York City

NEWARK, N.J. — With roadwork completed, NJ Transit will end its temporary discount fare program for passengers affected by emergency repairs on Interstate 80 as of Monday, June 30, the agency has announced. Sinkholes that developed along the highway led to extended lane closures for repairs, leading NJ Transit to offer 50% discounts for travelers […]

Read More…