Coalition of states sues over federal threat to withhold transportation funds over immigration actions

Train operating in the median of Interstate 90

WASHINGTON — A coalition of 20 state attorneys general has filed two federal lawsuits over a threat to withhold transportation and disaster relief funds unless the states agree to comply with the Trump administration’s immigration policies. One lawsuit names Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, while the other targets the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department […]

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Funding released for completion of Springfield, Ill., rail project

Illustration of new Springfield, Ill., train and bus station

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Transportation has obligated more than $157 million in funding, allowing construction to move forward on the final phase of the Springfield (Ill.) Rail Improvements Project. The project involves relocating some rail lines from Third Street to 10th Street in the state capital, as well as several grade-crossing separations. The […]

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STB names three advisors to drive regulatory reform, efficiencies

STB logo

The Surface Transportation Board has appointed three senior advisors to Chairman Patrick Fuchs. Sharon Clark, Rob Reilly and Chris Bertram will serve in the temporary positions in an effort to help drive reforms, and underscore Fuchs’ commitment to leveraging expert advice, analysis, and ideas on mission-critical initiatives and agency functions, according to a press release.  […]

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Some Class I railroads take a fresh look at mergers

It’s been two years since CPKC CEO Keith Creel drove the ceremonial final spike at Knoche Yard in Kansas City to celebrate the merger of Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern. The symbolic event marked what rail executives, regulators, and analysts all expected would be the last merger involving two Class I railroads. But now […]

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Sound Transit opens light-rail extension

Sound Transit logo

Seattle’s Sound Transit recently opened a 3.4-mile extension of the 2 Line to downtown Redmond, Wash. The extension includes two new stations, at Marymoor and downtown Redmond, as well as 1,400 new parking spaces at Marymoor Village.  Voters approved funding for the extension in 2016 as part of the Sound Transit 3 ballot measure. The […]

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Amtrak and Texas commuter line seek to lease idle Northstar equipment

Blue, yellow, red, and white locomotive leads train of bilevel commuter cars with city skyline in background

MINNEAPOLIS – Amtrak and Trinity Railway Express want to lease spare locomotives and coaches from Minnesota’s beleaguered Northstar commuter operation. Amtrak would like to use a Northstar MP36PH-3C locomotive, three coaches, and a cab car in Chicago-Milwaukee Hiawatha service. The equipment would help replace capacity lost when Amtrak sidelined its Horizon fleet due to safety […]

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