Government order requires extensive inspections, tests for VIA heritage fleet

Side view of passenger train with coach behind observation car

  OTTAWA — The Safety Order issued Thursday by Transport Canada appears to require VIA Rail Canada to continue to use unoccupied end-of-train buffer cars through 2023, and recommends “operational measures and additional analysis” until VIA undertakes “a structural reinforcement and repair program” of its entire heritage fleet of stainless steel, head-end-power rolling stock. The […]

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Intermodal service has improved since summer, J.B. Hunt executives say

LOWELL, Ark. — Railroads’ intermodal service improved considerably during the third quarter, J.B. Hunt executives said this week on the company’s earnings call. “Rail service has shown real signs of improvement in both velocity and reliability during the quarter with positive momentum building, the most notable increase coming from our friends at the BNSF,” J.B. […]

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New delay to be announced for Montreal light rail system

Rail transit vehicle in snow

MONTREAL — Officials will announce another delay in opening Montreal’s Réseau Express Métropolitain light-rail system today, according to media reports. The Montreal Gazette, citing reports from La Presse and Radio-Canada, the French-language arm of the CBC, says the first segment of the system between Montreal’s Central Station and the South Shore municipality of Brossard will […]

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Seminole Gulf estimates hurricane repairs will cost $28 million

Overhead view of washed out rail line

FORT MYERS, Fla. — The Seminole Gulf Railway, devastated by Hurricane Ian, is now estimating it will take $28 million to return the 105-mile railroad in southwest Florida to operation. WBBH-TV reports the railroad hosted government officials on Thursday in an effort to rally support for emergency funding, so the railroad can return to operation […]

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Some GO Transit workers could strike Oct. 31

Commuter train equipment in yard with one train passing on main line

TORONTO — The union representing 2,200 GO Transit bus drivers, station attendants, safety officers, and maintenance workers says they will go on strike Oct. 31 if they do not reach a deal on a new contract. CityNews Toronto reports Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1587 President Rob Cormier said the union will walk out at 12:01 […]

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MBTA adds weekend pre-Halloween commuter rail service to Salem, Mass.

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority logo

SALEM, Mass. — The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority and its contract commuter rail operator, Keolis, have added additional commuter rail service between Boston’s North Station and Salem, Mass., and between Salem, Beverly, and Newburyport, for the final two weekends of Salem’s Haunted Happenings event. “With historic crowds visiting Salem this Halloween season, we’re pleased to offer […]

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