Charlotte council approves $37.9 million to advance commuter rail project

Map of rail line between Charlotte and Mount Mourne, N.C.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte City Council on Monday approved spending $37.9 million for the next stage of the Red Line commuter rail project, which will serve communities north of the city. The unanimous vote will pay for work by HDR Engineering to bring the project design to the 30% stage and prepare the project’s […]

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Opinion: Rail customers must make their voices heard

Trains Turntable: Commentary from CPKC CEO Keith Creel Over the last several months, the Class I railroads not named Union Pacific or Norfolk Southern have been accused of opposing the largest, most unnecessary proposed rail merger ever attempted because those railroads are afraid to compete or are selfishly afraid it will hurt their business. Those […]

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Progress Rail to convert 96 Norfolk Southern SD70Ms to AC-traction SD70ICCs

ATLANTA — Norfolk Southern will continue to modernize its locomotive fleet in a deal announced on Monday with Progress Rail, which will convert 96 of the railroad’s SD70M-2 models to AC-traction SD70ICCs. Deliveries of the Tier 2 locomotives will start in 2027 and run through 2029. “By modernizing existing units, Norfolk Southern is taking a […]

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Ridgewood Infrastructure acquires Sierra Railroad Co.

Blue, white, and gold locomotive with American flag design on long hood

NEW YORK — Investment firm Ridgewood Infrastructure has acquired a controlling interest in Sierra Railroad Co., the California company including short line Sierra Northern Railway and locomotive builder RailPower. At the same time, with Ridgewood’s investment, Sierra is acquiring Central Valley Ag Transport, an agricultural transload facility owner and operator serving customers along Sierra’s rail […]

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Rare-milage excursion announced for Buckingham Branch Railroad

Gray and red diesel locomotive pulling a silver and red passenger car. Rare-milage excursion announced for Buckingham Branch Railroad.

LOUISA, Va. — The Washington, D.C., Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society has announced a rare-milage excursion over 50 miles of the Buckingham Branch Railway — former Chesapeake & Ohio territory — on Sunday, April 26, 2026, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Doswell Special will begin in Louisa and travel the railroad between […]

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Front Range Passenger Rail launches ‘name the train’ contest

Updated logo (as of 2024) for Front Range Passenger Rail

DENVER — Colorado residents can now vote to name the train for the Fort Collins-Pueblo rail passenger service planned by the Front Range Passenger Rail District. Name-the-train voting will be held through March 23 at this page of the Front Range Passenger Rail website, and can choose from four finalists selected by the district: Colorado […]

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Report says each $1 billion in public transportation spending returns $5 billion in benefits

Two commuter trains meet at station on curve

WASHINGTON — A new independent economic study assessing the American Public Transportation Association’s recommendations for public transportation funding estimates that every $1 billion in such funding generates $5 billion in long-term economic value. This week’s report, Economic Impact of Public Transportation Investment, also says the funding supports tens of thousands of jobs nationwide. In February, […]

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NS train derails near Horseshoe Curve

Norfolk Southern logo

LOGAN TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Two locomotives and 17 cars of a Norfolk Southern train derailed today (Saturday, March 7) in Logan Township near Horseshoe Curve, WJAC-TV reports. NS told the station that the derailment occurred about 12:03 a.m. and that no crew members were injured. The derailment has led to the cancellation of both directions […]

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CN reports record February grain movements in Canada

Canadian National logo

MONTREAL — Canadian National experienced its best February on record for Canadian grain movements, the railroad said on Thursday, March 5. CN moved more than 2.67 metric tons of grain from Western Canada, the railroad said in a press release, demonstrating its ability to meet peak-season shipping demand. CPKC said earlier this week that it […]

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