BNSF has completed the process of removing these locomotives, which derailed in a Jan. 1 accident, from an Idaho River. Idaho State Police A morning look at notable rail news: — BNSF Railway has completed the process of removing two locomotives from the Kootenai River in Idaho following a Jan. 1 derailment, KHQ TV reports. […]
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Weeds have begun encroaching on remnants of the former Seaboard S Line at Norlina, N.C., in this 2007 view. Bob Johnston Third article in a series on Virginia’s rail plans. The first, on the impact near Washington, D.C., is available here. The second, on the statewide passenger rail impact, is here. NORLINA, N.C. — Nowhere […]
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Charger locomotive No. 4627 leads an Amtrak test train through Wauwatosa, Wis., on Tuesday afternoon. Amtrak is testing the locomotives for use in long-distance service. TRAINS: David Lassen CHICAGO — People along Amtrak’s Empire Builder route are getting a preview of the future of long-distance passenger service this week as the railroad runs a test […]
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The official portrait of U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth Sen. Tammy Duckworth WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth and two other members of the Illinois congressional delegation have sent Amtrak CEO Richard Anderson a letter expressing their unhappiness over the recent incident in which passengers using wheelchairs were quoted a price of $25,000 to travel from […]
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MOBILE, Ala. — A group of Mississippi cities that would be served by revived Amtrak service along the Gulf Coast are urging the Mobile City Council to join in supporting the effort to begin New Orleans-Mobile passenger operations. The Mobile council is scheduled to vote today whether to pledge its financial support for the proposed […]
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While Virginia plans will add a third and fourth track on much of the route between Washington and Richmond, two-track street running will remain in Ashland, Va. Bob Johnston Second of three articles on Virginia rail plans. The first article is available here. ASHLAND, Va. — Since the 1830s, passenger and freight trains have rumbled […]
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Classic Trains editors are celebrating the heritage, history, and lore of famed (and infamous) railroads. In January 2020, we celebrate the Pennsylvania Railroad. Please enjoy a collection of locomotive images located in the David P. Morgan Library archives at Kalmbach Media that include the Pennsy’s iconic locomotives and classic scenic photos. You might also enjoy […]
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A Denver RTD A Line commuter train heads toward the city from Denver International Airport. A private company is proposing to build a commuter rail line to Longmont, Colo., rather than waiting for the RTD to do. TRAINS: David Lassen LOUISVILLE, Colo. — A private company’s pitch to build a long-delayed commuter rail line from […]
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This map shows planned rail improvements under Virginia’s agreement with CSX Transportation. A full-size download is available here. Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation First of three parts ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The $3.7 billion agreement between the Commonwealth of Virginia and CSX Transportation will dramatically expand rail capacity for Virginia Railway Express (VRE) and […]
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Passengers board a Missouri River Runner at Kirkwood, Mo., in 2014. The state of Missouri owes Amtrak more than $6 million in unpaid bills for the train’s operation. Bob Johnston JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The state of Missouri owes Amtrak more than $6 million for operation of the state-supported Missouri River Runner, a debt which […]
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MBTA trains await action at Boston’s South Station in April 2015. The board overseeing the commuter railroad has approved a pilot program adding service on the Fairmount line, which originates at South Station. Scott A. Hartley BOSTON — The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s financial oversight board has approved a $1.1 million, one-year pilot program to add […]
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WASHINGTON — A government report issued Friday says the Federal Railroad Administration provided inadequate oversight of federal funds granted to California’s high speed rail program, and as a result, $2.55 billion in FRA funding “is at increased risk of not achieveing the purpose of the agreements.” The report from the Department of Transportation’s Office of […]
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