CHICAGO — Amtrak is seeking more than $200 million in federal funding, along with money from state and local sources, in an attempt to fix a series of long-standing deficiencies, capacity limitations, and how trains from the south and east enter Chicago. The passenger operator is competing for a portion of $5 billion available between […]
WASHINGTON — The Federal Railroad Administration could soon rule on a petition that would allow a pair of freight railroads to use wayside wheel temperature detectors for inspections currently performed by workers. But a union representing railroad employees says granting such a request would be dangerous. Canadian Pacific and Union Pacific jointly petitioned the FRA […]
TEMPE, Ariz. — A broken rail is the probable cause of a derailment of a Union Pacific train on a Tempe bridge in July 2020, which led to a fire, collapse of part of the bridge, and a release of hazardous material, according to a report released Thursday by the National Transportation Safety Board. The […]
HAMILTON, Ontario — Workers at a railcar manufacturing plant in Hamilton staged a protest on Thursday, seeking a police investigation after the third workplace death at the factory in 21 months. The CBC reports members of United Steelworkers Local 7135 led the rally outside the National Steel Car plant in response to Monday’s death of […]
PITTSBURGH — Railroad Development Corp. has appointed Dr. Juan de Dios Oleachea as managing director, international business development. He will lead business-development activities in selected markets, with Latin America and mining-related opportunities worldwide as initial targets. Oleachea is a founding shareholder of Peru’s Ferrocarril Central Andino, where he has served as chairman since its formation […]
WASHINGTON — Amtrak has received an $8 million grant from the Federal Railroad Administration to expand the apprenticeship program it launched earlier this year. The funds are among the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement grants announced earlier this month [see “FRA announces CRISI grants …,” Trains News Wire, June 2, 2022]. They will support […]
DEL MAR, Calif. — The California Coastal Commission has approved the San Diego Association of Governments’ stabilization plans for the Del Mar Bluffs, despite objections to parts of the project from the North County Transit District as well as residents. The San Diego Union reports that at a Wednesday, June 8, meeting, the commission unanimously […]
Overall on-time performance for the big four U.S. Class I railroads has fallen from a pre-pandemic average of 85% to just 67% in the last week of May 2022, as crew shortages continue to plague rail service. The extent of the service decline was revealed in historic on-time performance data that BNSF Railway, CSX Transportation, […]
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — The San Bernardino City Council has certified the environmental impact report for a BNSF Railway project to add 4.3 miles of a fourth main line through the city, closing two gaps to serve the railroad’s intermodal facility in the city. “We’re pleased that this project is moving forward, as it reflects […]
MONTREAL — Ontario and Quebec announced plans on Wednesday to lift their mask requirements on public transit later this month. The CBC reports Ontario will lift most mask requirements on Saturday, including those in hospitals, provincial chief medical officer Dr. Kieran Moore said. They will still be required in long-term care and retirement homes, and […]
BEVERLY, Mass. — A Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority commuter train suffered what the agency called a “low-speed upright derailment” on Wednesday afternoon, leading to delays during the Wednesday evening and Thursday morning rush hours. The Boston Globe reports 10 passengers were on board the inbound train when it derailed about 4 p.m. near the Beverly […]
CHICAGO — Metra, the Chicago Transit Authority, and bus operator Pace have announced a new “Regional Connect” pass for buyers of the new Metra monthly pass unveiled earlier this month. The $30 Regional Connect pass, available to those who buy Metra’s new $100 Super Saver monthly pass, will combine to give holders of both passes […]
