CN sees one-person crews, autonomous operation as ways to compete with driverless trucks

Canadian National logo

MONTREAL — Canadian National is closely watching autonomous truck developments but says the long hauls of its intermodal network should help protect the railway from much of the competitive challenge posed by lower-cost driverless trucks. “We’re blessed with a long length of haul,” Chief Financial Officer Ghislain Houle says, noting that the typical international container […]

Read More…

VIA Rail Canada five-year plan says third ‘Canadian’ trip won’t be restored, casts doubt on train’s future

Via Rail Canada locomotive no. 6433

MONTREAL — VIA Rail Canada sees no prospect for restoring a third full Toronto-Vancouver round trip of its flagship long-distance train, the Canadian, and says the train’s current business model is “no longer sustainable,” although it does not indicate plans to discontinue service.

Those assessments are part of the summary for the passenger carrier’s 2020-24 corporate […]

Read More…

MRL honors veterans, essential workers with special locomotives

MRL SD70ACe No. 4407

MISSOULA, Mont. – In honor of veterans across Montana, Montana Rail Link has unveiled a special locomotive thanking veterans for their service. In the coming weeks, the railroad will unveil a second locomotive thanking all essential workers for their many contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Both locomotives serve as symbols of our appreciation for veterans and […]

Read More…

Digest: CTA train derails, interrupting service to O’Hare Airport

Train operating in the median of Interstate 90

More Tuesday morning rail news: CTA train derails after striking tire, disrupting Blue Line service A Chicago Transit Authority Blue Line train has derailed this morning near the Harlem Station in the city’s Norwood Park neighborhood, disrupting through service between downtown and O’Hare Airport. WBBM-TV reports service was halted about 5:15 a.m. between the Rosemont […]

Read More…

Acela offers $20 fare to boost lagging bookings

Amtrak Acela passenger train

WASHINGTON — A precipitous decline in business travel during the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted an Amtrak “flash” sale celebrating the 20-year anniversary of Acela’s introduction with a $20 fare between any two Northeast Corridor stations served by the high speed train. Billed as the “The Deal of the Decade(s),” the tickets must be booked by […]

Read More…