Two reports suggest actions to address risks of trains striking vehicles and pedestrians

Pedestrians stopped on sidewalk as train passes close by

WASHINGTON— Amtrak’s independent Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Government Accountability Office have issued separate reports within the last week that address courses of action Amtrak, state agencies, and the Federal Highway Administration might take to reduce injuries and deaths associated with train strikes of vehicles and pedestrians. The Amtrak Inspector General’s 28-page report, […]

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Eurostar facing competition from London to Paris and Amsterdam

Bright red high-speed train at station

LONDON — No less than seven potential new competitors to Eurostar have emerged in the past few months, seeking to offer international services from London via the Channel Tunnel. At least three — all new startup companies — have started the process of obtaining access to Britain’s only maintenance shop that can handle European structure […]

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Fight over freight delays could hit Amtrak’s wallet: Analysis

Passenger train passes freight

Ride Amtrak outside of the Northeast Corridor and there’s a good chance you’ll arrive late because freight traffic delayed your train — despite the law that gives passenger trains preference. Amtrak is challenging host railroads Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern with a pair of high-profile on-time performance cases that aim to put teeth into the […]

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U.S. weekly rail traffic remains ahead of 2024 levels

Weekly table showing U.S. carload rail traffic by commodity type, plus overall intermodal traffic.

WASHINGTON — U.S. carload and intermodal rail traffic were both up for the week ending April 12, 2025, continuing the recent trend of weekly volume running ahead of 2024 levels. Statistics from the Association of American Railroads show volume for the week was 491,908 carloads and intermodal units, a 5.4% increase over the same week […]

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Congestion nicks CSX’s earnings, volume, and revenue

CSX locomotive with coal train

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – CSX’s first quarter profits fell as congestion hurt volumes and revenue while driving up the railroad’s expenses. The railroad has been struggling operationally this year after a string of harsh storms. Roundabout detours required by the rebuilding of the hurricane-damaged Blue Ridge Subdivision and the closure of the Howard Street Tunnel in […]

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Texas funding for Heartland Flyer on hold: Analysis

Passenger train arrives at station with brick platform

AUSTIN, Texas — Continuing operation of the Oklahoma City-Fort Worth, Tex., Heartland Flyer past June 30, 2025, could depend on whether the Texas legislature renews financial support it has contributed annually since 2006. But the train is also at risk because a yearly stipend from Oklahoma hasn’t changed since 2003, while Amtrak charges have risen […]

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Amtrak, NJ Transit update maintenance efforts on Northeast Corridor

Passenger train led by cab car passes stopped commuter train with locomotive in push mode.

NEWARK, N.J. — Amtrak and NJ Transit on Tuesday presented a new progress report on their work to improve reliability on the Northeast Corridor, an outgrowth of the significant operating issues experienced by both entities in summer 2024. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy hosted representatives of both operators in a “working summit” on Tuesday, April […]

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