BNSF train derails in Montana (updated)

Tangle of derailed freight cars next to river

MILES CITY, Mont. — Approximately 25 to 27 cars of a BNSF train derailed Monday night (Feb. 24, 2025) west of Miles City, Custer County Fire Chief Cory Cheguis said in a press release. The derailment occurred about 11 p.m. No injuries were reported; county emergency officials and BNSF were working to address the situation, […]

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Unifor mechanical workers ratify agreement with CPKC

Logo of Canadian union Unifor

CALGARY, Alberta — The union representing CPKC mechanical workers in Canada has ratified a new four-year agreement. Unifor Local 101R represents more than 1,200 mechanics, laborers, diesel service attendants, and mechanical support workers. The ratification vote was announced Monday, Feb. 24; no details on the vote were released. “Our members worked so hard and stood […]

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State legislator seeks to kill Twin Cities’ Northstar commuter rail, which could be eliminated regardless (updated)

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

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The chair of the transportation committee in Minnesota’s House of Representatives is leading a legislative effort to kill the Northstar commuter rail service — which could be destined for replacement with bus service anyway. HF 269, introduced by Rep. Jon Koznick (R-Lakeville, Minn.) — chair of the Transportation Finance and Policy […]

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BNSF profits and revenue lag railway’s overall traffic growth (updated)

Intermodal train in snow

OMAHA, Neb. — BNSF Railway’s pre-tax profits increased slightly in 2024 as traffic-mix changes — more intermodal, less coal — and lower fuel-surcharge revenue offset an overall 6.5% increase in freight volume. For the year, BNSF’s pre-tax earnings increased 0.5%, to $6.64 billion, while revenue declined 0.5%, to $23.35 billion, the railway’s corporate parent, Berkshire […]

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SEPTA begins using new labels for urban rail service

Graphic showing new letter and color designations for Philadelphia rail transit operations

PHILADELPHIA — The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority has begun using new labeling for its urban rail operations, as well as bus lines. The changes are part of a new branding as SEPTA Metro, first announced in 2021 [see “SEPTA plans rebranding …,” Trains News Wire, Sept. 8, 2021]. Some elements have been introduced previously, but […]

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Funds for Pennsylvania rail projects caught in federal spending uncertainty

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Pennsylvania’s transportation secretary said last week he’s “hesitant to go forward” with projects awarded federal funding — including one to increase capacity for an additional round trip of Amtrak’s Pennsylvanian — in light of the uncertain status of those funds under the Trump Administration. “Funds that were discretionary awards, that haven’t been […]

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CPKC climate report highlights hydrogen locomotive, biofuel programs

Green and gray locomotive

CALGARY, Alberta — CPKC this week published its 2025 Climate Milestones report, highlighting efforts such as the railroad’s hydrogen locomotive initiative and a biofuel testing program. “Shipping by rail is the most fuel-efficient way to move goods over land and our Climate Mileposts report outlines the steps we are taking to further advance the potential […]

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