CEO’s dismissal signals the beginning of the end for Amtrak: Analysis

Nothing good will come from Wednesday’s dismissal of Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner, who was pushed out as part of the White House’s purge of officials who are not deemed loyal to President Donald Trump. The timing of the move was curious. The Trump administration has been seeking to pull funding for programs it deems wasteful […]

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Flooding sets back Stadler earnings

Red train next to highway

BUSSNANG, Switzerland — Flooding that affected production at plants in three countries delayed completion of almost $400 million in orders, resulting in a significant drop in earnings for Swiss-based rail equipment manufacturer Stadler, the company said in announcing annual financial results on Wednesday, March 19. Still the company continued to gain orders, increasing its order […]

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Three railroads selected for ASLRRA Business Development Awards

Train with blue and gray locomotives passing factory

WASHINGTON — Three railroads — the Belpre Industrial Parkersburg, South Kansas & Oklahoma, and Union County Industrial — have been named by the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association as winners of its 2025 Business Development Award. The award goes to railroads that show leadership and innovation with advancements in service, operations, and economic […]

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Campaign to restore NYC No. 3001 passes fundraising landmark

Man working at front of steam locomotive

ELKHART, Ind. — Initial fundraising for the campaign to restore New York Central 4-8-2 No. 3001 has passed the halfway mark, with a new challenge grant launched to help bring in more funds. The American Locomotive Project seeks to restore the 1940 Alco, ownership of which was transferred from the City of Elkhart to the […]

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

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

WASHINGTON — U.S. weekly rail traffic remains ahead of 2024 levels, with a third straight week of gains greater than 5%, according to the Association of American Railroads. AAR stats for the week ending March 15, 2025, show volume of 503,473 carloads and intermodal units, a 6.2% increase from the same week a year ago. […]

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Rocky Mountaineer ‘Rockies to Red Rocks’ trips to serve Denver Union Station

Blue passenger cars with white and copper trim in mountains

DENVER — Although seasonal revenue round trips between Denver and Salt Lake City won’t debut until April 2026, Rocky Mountaineer single-level SilverLeaf equipment will make a six-day training round trip to the Utah capital next week. It will also be the tour train’s initial departure from Denver Union Station. Beginning this year, passengers will leave […]

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Union Pacific, National Conference of Firemen & Oilers announce tentative agreement

Train with yellow locomotive on curve through surburan community

OMAHA, Neb. — Union Pacific and the National Conference of Firemen & Oilers have agreed to a tentative five-year contract, the railroad announced today (March 19, 2025). The contract to be sent to union members for ratification includes wage increases, additional vacation time, health and welfare benefits, and minor work-rule changes, the railroad said. Details […]

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Amtrak CEO Gardner resigns (updated)

Man at podium

WASHINGTON—Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner announced his resignation today (March 19, 2025). No successor has been named. In a statement on Amtrak’s website, Gardner says, “I am stepping down as CEO to ensure that Amtrak continues to enjoy the full faith and confidence of this administration. I am so proud of what the Amtrak team has […]

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ABB to supply electrical components for Stadler trainsets for Metra, Caltrans

Rendering of multiple-unit trainset on tracks along coastline

MECHANICSVILLE, Va. — Global electrical technology firm ABB will collaborate with Stadler on its passenger trainset orders for Metra and Caltrans, ABB said this week. ABB will supply traction converters and batteries for the eight two-car battery-electric trainsets Metra ordered last year [see “Metra signs deal with Stadler US …,” Trains News Wire, Feb. 21, […]

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Citing crime concerns, federal government threatens to withhold funding from New York MTA

Subway train arriving at station

NEW YORK — Escalating a fight between the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the Trump administration, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has threatened to withhold federal funding if the transit agency does not provide information on how it is addressing crime. In a letter to MTA CEO Janno Lieber, Duffy requested information on how the MTA’s New […]

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Cleanup continues as CN train derails in Saskatchewan

Canadian National logo

DALMENY, Saskatchewan — Cleanup continues after 13 cars of a Canadian National Railway train derailed Monday night between Dalmeny and Langham, Sask., CJWW Radio reports. No hazardous materials were involved, the Dalmeny Police Service reported. CN said in a statement to the station there were no injuries, and no leaks of cargo or fires occurred. […]

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Metra sets 2025 construction plans

CHICAGO — Improvements and 52 stations and replacement of 43 grade crossings are part of Metra’s planned capital projects during its 2025 construction season, the commuter rail operator announced Tuesday, March 18. Track, bridge, and signal work is also on the agenda. “We plan to take full advantage of the construction season to address projects […]

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