CSX reopens flood-damage trackage around Cumberland, Md.

CSX logo

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — CSX was able to repair flood damage to former Baltimore & Ohio main lines in the Cumberland, Md., area overnight, allowing freight and Amtrak service to resume. The CSX routes sustained damage during heavy rainstorms on Tuesday [see “Flooding knocks out key CSX routes …,” Trains News Wire, May 15, 2025]. “We’re […]

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Western Maryland Scenic’s Georges Creek Division Railroad impacted by flooding (updated)

Washed out track nexzt to flooded creek

WESTERNPORT, Md. — The Georges Creek Division Railroad took a devastating hit by Tuesday’s severe flooding to the western Maryland area. The short line, which ceased operations in 2019, was recently leased to the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad for passenger and potential freight opportunities [See “Western Maryland Scenic to expand through lease…,” Trains News Wire, […]

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NS and Justice Department remain in settlement talks over Amtrak Crescent case

Amtrak train under sunny skies at a train station.

WASHINGTON — Norfolk Southern and the Justice Department remain in settlement talks over the railroad’s handling of Amtrak’s Crescent. The Justice Department hauled NS to federal court in July, contending that NS regularly fails to give the Crescent preference over freight trains, leading to delays that harm and inconvenience passengers, impede passenger rail transportation, and […]

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NJ Transit cautions passengers to reach destination by midnight

Commuter trains on two tracks of three-track line at station

NEWARK, N.J. — With a potential strike or lockout now less than 24 hours away, NJ Transit is urging customers to reach travel destinations by midnight tonight in order to avoid being stranded at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, May 16. In a customer advisory posted today (Thursday, May 15), the agency — the nation’s third-largest […]

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Bill seeks to tighten prohibition on federal funding for transit equipment from China

Subway train at station

WASHINGTON — Legislation announced in Congress this week would bar federal funding for Chinese-built railcars and buses, tightening an existing prohibition. Six senators — three Republicans and three Democrats — announced the “Safebuarding Transit Operations to Prohibit China, or STOP China, Act. It would prohibit the use of Department of Transportation funding for the purchase […]

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Coalition of states sues over federal threat to withhold transportation funds over immigration actions

Train operating in the median of Interstate 90

WASHINGTON — A coalition of 20 state attorneys general has filed two federal lawsuits over a threat to withhold transportation and disaster relief funds unless the states agree to comply with the Trump administration’s immigration policies. One lawsuit names Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, while the other targets the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department […]

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Funding released for completion of Springfield, Ill., rail project

Illustration of new Springfield, Ill., train and bus station

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Transportation has obligated more than $157 million in funding, allowing construction to move forward on the final phase of the Springfield (Ill.) Rail Improvements Project. The project involves relocating some rail lines from Third Street to 10th Street in the state capital, as well as several grade-crossing separations. The […]

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Amtrak board nominee Gleason voices strong support for national network at Senate hearing

Man in gray suit speaking at microphone

WASHINGTON — Prospective Amtrak board of directors nominee Robert Gleason made clear in his opening statement at a U.S. Senate Commerce Committee hearing today (May 13, 2025) that he is committed “to bringing better passenger rail service to small towns across America.” At the same hearing, former Pan Am Railways president David Fink stressed his […]

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Sound Transit opens light-rail extension

Sound Transit logo

Seattle’s Sound Transit recently opened a 3.4-mile extension of the 2 Line to downtown Redmond, Wash. The extension includes two new stations, at Marymoor and downtown Redmond, as well as 1,400 new parking spaces at Marymoor Village.  Voters approved funding for the extension in 2016 as part of the Sound Transit 3 ballot measure. The […]

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Classic Trains Film Archive | Midwestern Missouri Pacific Journey, J. David Ingles Reel 0052

Classic Trains Film Archive | Midwestern Missouri Pacific Journey, J. David Ingles Reel 0052 – Journey through the heart of 1960s Midwest railroading in this colorful film from former Trains Magazine Editor J. David Ingles. Ride a classic Missouri Pacific passenger train from St. Louis to Kansas City and witness historic rail action along the […]

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Flying Yankee recognized in state register of historic places

Streamlined passenger train in snow

CONCORD, N.H. — The Flying Yankee has been officially listed in the New Hampshire State Register of Historic Places, presented by the New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources (DHR).  In a press release sent to News Wire by the Flying Yankee Association (FYA), the recognition is seen as an honor to the articulated trainset’s historical […]

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