BNSF line reopened at site of Montana derailment

BNSF Railway logo

ESSEX, Mont. — One main track at the site of an Oct. 12 grain train derailment near Essex has been reopened, with the second expected to be reopened this evening, according to a BNSF advisory to customers. A dozen cars were reported to have derailed at Java, Mont., early Saturday [see “BNSF grain train derails […]

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Riding the Adirondack: photo report

A full-length heritage dome once operated seasonally on the New York-Montreal Adirondack north of Albany-Rensselaer, N.Y. That began during Amtrak’s 1990s product line era when managers focused on growing ridership and revenue on individual routes. The car was sold off during CEO Richard Anderson’s regime, although views are still terrific through Amfleet II coach windows. […]

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BNSF grain train derails in Montana

BNSF Railway logo

ESSEX, Mont. — Twelve cars of a BNSF grain train derailed near Essex early today (Saturday, Oct. 12), KRTV reports. No injuries were reported. The incident occurred about 5:42 a.m. near Java, Mont., on the Hi Line Subdivision, according to a BNSF customer advisory. Both tracks of the main line were affected; BNSF is estimating […]

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Legislation would allow Amtrak to sue over freight train interference

Passenger train passes freight

WASHINGTON — Two Pennsylvania Congressmen on Friday introduced a bill which would allow Amtrak to address freight train interference issues by taking railroads to court over the issue. The bill, dubbed the “Rail Passenger Fairness Act,” was introduced by U.S. Reps. Chris Deluzio (D-Aspinwall, Pa.) and Brendan Boyle (D-Philadelphia), would allow Amtrak to sue railroads […]

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Five hurt in collision between NJ Transit light rail train and truck

NJ Transit logo

BURLINGTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. — Four passengers and the train’s operator were injured today (Friday, Oct. 11) when an NJ Transit River Line light rail train collided with a truck, WCAU-TV reports. The collision occurred about 6:15 a.m. at the Dulty’s Lane grade crossing; 36 people were aboard the train at the time of the incident. […]

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Metra unveils proposed 2025 budget, capital plan

Two commter trains meet

CHICAGO — Commuter rail operator Metra has unveiled a proposed 2025 operating budget of $1.135 billion and a $366.5 million capital plan, saying it will avoid fare increases by relying on sales tax revenues and a decreasing allotment of federal COVID relief aid to cover projected increases in expenses. The Thursday, Oct. 10, release of […]

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NJ Transit names new customer advocate

Head shot of man in coat and bow tie

NEWARK, N.J. — NJ Transit has named Franck Beaumin as the agency’s customer advocate, filling a position vacant for four years. Beaumin, a native of France, brings diverse international experience to the position. He has been a consultant on a bus rapid transit project in Bangladesh; was customer service project manager and customer experience manager […]

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Kawasaki ceremony marks 5,000th railcar for U.S. market

Man at podium with officials seated in background in front of subway car

YONKERS, N.Y. — Kawasaki Rail Car Inc. this week marked delivery of its 5,000th railcar in the United States since entering the U.S. market in 1979, holding a ceremony at its Yonkers plant featuring Metropolitan Transportation Authority CEO Janno Lieber and state and local elected officials. An R211 subway car for New York City Transit […]

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Passenger, commuter rail operations resuming in Florida

Passenger train meets commuter train with station in background

MIAMI, Fla. — Passenger and commuter rail services in Florida are making plans to resume now that Hurricane Milton has passed through the state — although the storm has left significant damage in its wake. Amtrak, Brightline, and South Florida commuter operator Tri-Rail will all resume at least some service on Friday, Oct. 11 Tri-Rail […]

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Amtrak to end bus substitutions on Harrisburg Line ahead of schedule

Track maintenance equipment at work with track with new concrete ties in foreground

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Amtrak’s track renewal project on its Harrisburg Line is progressing ahead of schedule, allowing replacement bus service to end Nov. 7, two weeks earlier than originally projected, the passenger operator announced. Booking tools on the Amtrak website and app have been updated accordingly, with ticketing for Nov. 8 and beyond now available. […]

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Amtrak says Union Pacific could address most causes for Sunset Limited delays

WASHINGTON — Delays to the Sunset Limited were largely due to causes that could be addressed by Union Pacific, which failed to provide the statutory right of preference required for passenger trains, Amtrak says in the document containing its opening argument in the Surface Transportation Board’s investigation into the Sunsets poor on-time performance between Oct. […]

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Adirondack operating indifference continues: Analysis

Train at large station with covered walkways

MONTREAL — Some Amtrak trains are sorely in need of an advocate. A recent Trains News Wire round trip to Montreal underlines that today’s Adirondack has none. It remains a hapless victim of indifference on the part of multiple overseers who show little inclination to make the train the unique and attractive transportation choice it […]

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