New York to provide $150 million to connect LIRR to Long Island’s MacArthur Airport

Aerial view of airport and commuter rail station

RONKONKOMA, N.Y. — The state of New York will spend $150 million to connect the Long Island Rail Road’s Ronkonkoma station with a proposed new terminal at Long Island MacArthur Airport, a facility served by four commercial airlines. The project, announced Wednesday, Feb. 12, by Gov. Kathy Hochul, will include purchase of 48 acres of […]

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Amtrak again makes Forbes list of best large employers

Passenger train passing fall foliage

As it has been for all 10 years the list has existed, Amtrak is among companies named as one of America’s best large employers by Forbes magazine. The list of 701 companies with more than 5,000 employees, along with an accompanying list of the 498 best midsize employers — those with 1,000 to 5,000 workers […]

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Private car ‘Sugarcreek’ donated to Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum

Tuscan red private car with end platform under station trainshed

SUGARCREEK, Ohio — The Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum has added former Missouri Pacific business car No. 11, now known as Ohio Central No. 800003, Sugarcreek, to its collection, the museum has announced. The car has been donated by the family of the late Jerry Joe Jacobson, founder of the Age of Steam Roundhouse and […]

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Arctic blast hinders operations on BNSF’s Northern Transcon

FORT WORTH, Texas — Extreme cold has hobbled BNSF Railway’s operations on its Northern Transcon in North Dakota and Montana. “The extreme cold affecting the Northern Transcon route through Montana and North Dakota, with temperatures plunging over 20 degrees below zero in some areas overnight, has hindered normal train operations,” BNSF said in a customer […]

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Philadelphia-area transit agencies announce plans for Super Bowl parade (second update)

Map of SEPTA rail network

PHILADELPHIA — The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority is modifying operations for the Super Bowl championship parade on Friday, Feb. 14 — and will offer free rides on two rail routes thanks to a Philadelphia Eagles sponsor. The parade is set to begin at 11 a.m. at the Eagles’ stadium, Lincoln Financial Field, with a ceremony […]

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Amtrak adds to list of weather cancellations

Passenger train at station at night.

WASHINGTON — Amtrak has expanded its list of train cancellations because of approaching winter storms, adding one train to the list for today (Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025) and planned cancellations and increasing the list for Wednesday, Feb. 12, from seven to 14. The original group of cancellations was announced Monday at 4:20 p.m. ET [see […]

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Amtrak to pay $505 million to settle control of Washington Union Station

Large open space with ornate arched ceiling

WASHINGTON — Amtrak has agreed to pay $505 million to gain control of Washington Union Station, the Washington Post reports. The agreement, reached last week and subject to approval by a federal judge, will settle a lengthy battle over the passenger operator’s efforts to control the commercial space at the station. Amtrak had gained control […]

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Charlotte council approves financing for purchase of rail line

Map of rail line between Charlotte and Mt. Mourne, N.C.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte’s city council has approved financing to purchase 22 miles of a Norfolk Southern rail line for a proposed commuter rail operation. WCNC-TV reports the council unanimously approved a plan not to exceed $93 million to finance purchase of the NS O-Line from Charlotte to Davidson, north of the city, along with […]

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UP says Metra will take over commuter operations in April

Two commuter trains meet on curve

OMAHA, Neb. — The slow-moving process transferring operations of three Metra commuter lines from Union Pacific to the commuter operator is projected to take place in mid-April, UP said on Monday. Transfer of some engineering services would follow, UP said. Mechanical and station agent services, along with some management, have already been transferred. Financial aspects […]

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Maya Train budget slashed by Mexico’s president

Pasenger train in shadows at station

MEXICO CITY — Mexico’s Maya Train project has been hit by a major budget cut, while at least one other rail infrastructure program has seen a significant boost as President Claudia Sheinbaum shifts priorities, the news site La Verdad Noticias reports. Funding to complete the tourism-oriented Maya Train, meanwhile saw a 70.7% cut, from 125.9 […]

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Amtrak announces winter-storm cancellations on Tuesday, Wednesday

Passenger train in snow

WASHINGTON — Amtrak has begun another round of weather-related train cancellations, announcing three cancellations for Tuesday, Feb. 11, and seven for Wednesday, Feb. 12, because of a pair of winter storm forecasts. According to an advisory posted today (Feb. 10, 2025) at 4:20 p.m., cancelled on Tuesday are: — The eastbound Empire Builder scheduled to […]

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News & Products for the week of February 10th 2025

An image of two gray model locomotives with red, white, and blue striping

News & Products for the week of February 10th 2025   Model railroad operators and builders can get the latest information about locomotives, freight cars, passenger cars, tools, track, and more by reading Model Railroader’s frequent product updates. The following are the products Model Railroader editors have news on for the week of February 10th, […]

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