Texas Supreme Court declines to hear Texas Central case

Texas Central logo

AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Supreme Court has declined to hear a court case regarding Texas Central’s planned high speed rail line between Dallas and Houston, letting stand a lower-court decision recognizing the company as a railroad. The decision is significant because that status could give Texas Central eminent domain powers to acquire land. Impact […]

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Digest: Canadian government proposes delay for grade-crossing regulations

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Proposed amendments would push back deadline for Canadian grade-crossing rules The Canadian government has published proposed amendments to regulations regarding railroad grade crossings which would extend the deadline for compliance with existing rules. The amendments would provide a one-year extension from the original deadline of Nov. 28, 2021, for grade crossings considered to be higher […]

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Digest: Colorado governor signs major transportation bill

Colorado state flag

Colorado transportation bill helps advance Front Range rail plans Colorado Gov. Jared Polis has signed a major transportation bill including a provision allowing creation of transportation planning organizations to exercise the powers of a regional transportation authority — a step toward creation of a Front Range Passenger Rail Authority. Full text of the bill is […]

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Union Pacific plans tour for ‘We Are One’ locomotive

Front of multicolored locomotive

HOUSTON — Union Pacific has announced a summer tour for its “We Are One” locomotive commemorating diversity and honoring the work of railroad’s nine Employee Resource Groups in supporting diversity, inclusion, and equality. The locomotive, previewed by the railroad in May [see “Union Pacific announces locomotive honoring Employee Resource Groups,” Trains News Wire, May 27, […]

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Amtrak begins project to refurbish Superliner interiors

Inside of passenger car

CHICAGO — Amtrak has begun a two-year project to refurbish interiors of its Superliner fleet, showing off the first car to be completed at an event earlier this week at Chicago Union Station. Along with the coach completely refitted with new seats, carpeting, and curtains, the company provided previews of the look for Sightseer Lounge […]

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Senate committee advances bill with major funding for Amtrak, rail infrastructure programs

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WASHINGTON — The Senate Commerce Committee on Wednesday approved a transportation bill providing $78 million over five years to fund projects including significant rail components, drawing praise from two major freight rail organizations. The Washington Post reports the Surface Transportation Investment Act — the product of efforts led by committee chair Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and […]

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