Virgin Trains Pendolino train on the West Coast route in Oxenholme in northern England in July 2018. Keith Fender LONDON — Virgin Trains has been replaced as operator of the West Coast network from London to Glasgow, Scotland, that Virgin had operated since it was originally privatized in 1997. Virgin sold 49% of its United […]
WASHINGTON — The Surface Transportation Board will appoint a mediator to resolve differences in long-simmering operating agreement negotiations between Amtrak and Canadian National. The agency’s decision, released late last week, provides a rare glimpse inside a document which governs on time performance measurement, financial incentives, and penalties. Amtrak and its hosts generally keep contract details […]
One of the best known private cars of the late 20th century, the former Amtrak office car 10000, which was used by the passenger railroad’s presidents, is for sale. Railroad equipment brokerage firm Ozark Mountain Railcar has listed the car for sale from an unidentified private owner. The 65-year-old Wabash-built office is listed for $40,000. […]
SEATTLE — Seattle’s financially-troubled on-again, off-again Center City Connector streetcar project appears to be on again. The Seattle Department of Transportation has asked the City Council for $9 million for additional design and engineering work on the mile-long line through downtown that would link two operating streetcar lines. Mayor Jenny Durkan suspended work on the […]
New River Train power passes private varnish during its runaround move in Hinton, W.Va., on Oct. 28, 2017. Chase Gunnoe HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — As the Autumn Colors Express rolls through southern West Virginia in late October 2019, the train’s consist will largely resemble the previous New River Train, however a few stark differences may pique […]
The ‘Canadian’ pauses at Collins, Ontario, in October 2018. Bob Johnston HALIFAX, Nova Scotia – An extraordinary five-part package of reports provides the most detailed examination yet of how Canadian National’s erratic handling of VIA Rail Canada’s Canadian has damaged the train’s ability to provide meaningful transportation across Canada. The reports were prepared by University […]
RHINECLIFF, N.Y. — Thunderstorms that rolled through parts of Upstate New York Wednesday evening disrupted Amtrak Empire Corridor service, as two trains hit trees that had fallen onto the tracks. No injuries were reported in either event. The southbound Adirondack, Train 68, sustained an air leak and damage to an electrical box after hitting a […]
Chicago Union Station’s Great Hall Bob Johnston CHICAGO – A long-dormant space on the west end of Chicago Union Station’s Great Hall is set to become a conduit to booming West Loop commercial and residential activity through construction of a new entrance with access to “full interior infrastructure redevelopment,” according to Amtrak. In 1980, a […]
Adam Auxier Minnesota resident Adam Auxier is the CEO of Rail Excursion Management Co., and the leader behind continuing the popular New River excursion under a recently debuted Autumn Colors Express brand. Auxier has been involved in moving and overseeing private varnish, managing Norfolk & Western 4-8-4 No. 611 excursions, and chartering private car trips. […]
Limited track capacity at the Portland Transportation Center can delay trains that need to back in and out of the branch line to the station. Dan Zukowski PORTLAND, Maine – Steady population and economic growth along the southern coast of Maine is creating new opportunities for more passenger trains with more connections to more communities. […]
Improvements on New York City Transits 42nd Street Shuttle include eliminating this curve at the Times Square terminus. That, in turn, will eliminate a large gap between the train and platform and allow full accessibility for the mobility-impaired. TRAINS: David Lassen NEW YORK — Work will begin Aug. 16 on a significant upgrade of the […]
Phoenix Valley Metro crosses Tempe Town Lake on the Salt River in January 2009. Mike Schaller PHOENIX, Ariz. – Voters in Phoenix will decide whether they will have a future light rail network or any other passenger rail service at all. Proposition 105 would, if passed in an Aug. 27 election, amend the city charter […]
