Train Sim World 5 | Product Overview

Train Sim World 5 is now available on a wide variety of platforms, including on PC, Xbox One and Series S|X, PlayStation 4 and 5, plus Steam Deck and via Epic Games Store. Join Trains.com talent Bryson Sleppy, as he walks you through TSW 5’s immersive virtual world of railroading…one that has growing appeal to […]

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California rail plan calls for $310 billion program to expand electrification, passenger service

Schematic map of California plan for passenger rail service by 2050

SACRAMENTO — The state of California has unveiled a $310 billion plan to expand the state’s rail network to increase its share of passenger travel from 2% to 20% by 2050 through a network featuring extensive electrification and zero-emission operations. The new State Rail Plan was announced Jan. 7 by Gov. Gavin Newsom. It envisions […]

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Train dispatchers’ union ratifies new national contract

Logo of American Train Dispatchers Association

ARLINGTON, Va. — The American Train Dispatchers Association has ratified a new national agreement with the National Carriers Conference Committee, the national bargaining group for major U.S. railroads. The agreement announced today (Jan. 8, 2025) is the fourth to be ratified, following deals with the National Conference of Firemen & Oilers, Transportation Communications Union, and […]

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Reading & Northern marks record excursion ridership in 2024, prepares for 2025 schedule

Steam locomotive being viewed by spectators

PORT CLINTON, PA. — Almost 340,000 riders took part in Reading & Northern excursions in 2024, surpassing the previous mark of more than 322,000 in 2023 by 5%, the railroad has announced. The year included the opening of the new Nesquehoning Regional Railroad Station on the railroad’s Nesquehoning campus, which includes the railroad’s new shops […]

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Ohio man sentenced to two years in prison for actions that could have derailed trains

CLEVELAND — A Cleveland man arrested in 2023 for allegedly attempting to derail trains has been sentenced to two years in federal prison and three years of probation. Joseph Findley, 43, had previously pleaded guilty to four counts of violence against railroad carriers. He was arrested in October 2023 after allegedly wedging spikes into switches […]

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Amtrak announces more storm cancellations, West Coast disruptions for track work (additional update)

Passenger train on curve

WASHINGTON — Amtrak has announced a new set of weather-related train cancellations, this time in connection with a storm expected to hit Texas and the South beginning tonight (Wednesday, Jan. 8). A relatively small number of trains today through Friday, Jan. 10, are affected. On the Pacific Coast, Coast Starlight and Pacific Surfliner cancellations are […]

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San Diego suburb seeks to delay Surf Line bridge project

Commuter train with cab car leading on wooden railroad bridge

DEL MAR, Calif. — The city council in the coastal suburb of Del Mar has voted to ask San Diego’s regional planning agency to postpone construction of a new railroad bridge on the Surf Line route to Orange County, saying the bridge project might not be necessary depending on the route of a proposed tunnel […]

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Twelve rail-related projects in California among those to receive federal grants

New transit train with mountains in background

WASHINGTON — A dozen rail-related projects in California are among those to receive funding through three U.S. Department of Transportation grant programs, U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla has announced. In all, 25 projects will receive more than $258 million in federal funds through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE); Reconnecting Communities pilot, and […]

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Ceremony marks start of track laying for California high speed route

Man speaking at podium under banner marking California high speed rail construction

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — California Gov. Gavin Newsom and California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO Ian Choudri joined local officials and workers just outside of Bakersfield on Monday, Jan. 6, to mark the start of track laying on a 22-mile stretch of the state high-speed project. The event — which included officials driving spikes into a ceremonial […]

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Amtrak adds to Tuesday storm cancellations

Passenger train behind electric locomotive in snow

WASHINGTON — Amtrak has expanded its list of train cancellations for Tuesday, Jan. 7, as a result of the winter storm currently moving across the nation’s midsection. In a service advisory today (Jan. 6, 2025) at 5 p.m. ET, Amtrak announced these Tuesday schedule changes: — Acela Nos. 2103, 2107, 2121 (Boston-Washington) and 2108, 2122, […]

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Amtrak Gulf Coast service to receive $21 million grant (updated)

Man speaking to crowd in front of Amtrak train

WASHINGTON — The Federal Railroad Administration will award a $21.1 million grant for the return of Amtrak Gulf Coast service, U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) announced today (Jan. 6, 2025). The funding will support operating costs for the planned twice-daily round trips between New Orleans and Mobile, Ala. Funds will come from the FRA’s Restoration […]

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MARC, VRE to operate reduced schedules on Tuesday (updated)

Commuter train with diesel locomotive on electrified line

WASHINGTON — Maryland’s MARC Train and Virginia Railway Express will operate on reduced schedules on Tuesday, Jan. 7, as the Washington, D.C., area continues to feel the impact of a significant winter storm. Both operators suspended all service today (Monday, Jan. 6) based on the weather and the decision of the federal government to close […]

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