Amtrak’s Vermonter derails at low speed

Amtrak logo.

NORTHFIELD, Mass. — No injuries were reported in a slow-speed derailment of Amtrak’s Vermonter this afternoon in Northfield, at a junction of the Berkshire & Eastern and New England Central railroads. Northfield Fire Chief Floyd Dunnel told WBBG and WSHM-TV that 113 passengers were on board the southbound train, and remained on the train with […]

Read More…

RailState data provides look at storm’s impact on freight movements

Train with black locomotives passing steel plant

As a major storm moved across the Midwest and East last week, railroads told customers they would alter train operations because of the conditions. RailState, the company that monitors operations through trackside sensors, has produced data showing what those changes looked like in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Indiana. RailState compared the storm period, Jan. 24-26, to […]

Read More…

TSB of Canada renews call for train control in report on VIA train running red signal (updated)

Aerial view of location where VIA passenger train passed red signal

DORVAL, Quebec — The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is renewing its call for enhanced train control systems and other measures to reduce the risk of accidents following release of its investigation report on a 2024 incident in which an unoccupied VIA Rail Canada train passed a red signal. No collision or injuries resulted. The […]

Read More…

Keolis receives new contract for Virginia Railway Express operations

Commuter train at station with bridge connecting platforms on each side of tracks

BOSTON — Keolis North America will remain operator of Virginia Railway Express under a new contact awarded under a competitive procurement process, the company has announced. The new contract is effective July 2026 and has the potential to expand to 15 years. It continues Keolis operations of the VRE commuter service that began in 2010. […]

Read More…

Amtrak cancellations decrease, but storm impacts continue

Amtrak logo.

NEW YORK — Amtrak expects to see winter-storm impacts through, and possibly including, Thursday, Jan. 29, the company says in an advisory early today (Tuesday, Jan. 27). It does not offer details on cancellations or other service changes today. It recommends visiting the Amtrak website or app, or its NEC Alerts and Amtrak Alerts feeds […]

Read More…

NJ Transit, SEPTA, MTA continue storm recovery

Two commuter trains in snow

NJ Transit commuter rail operations will remain on a Severe Weather Schedule-Level 2 today (Tuesday, Jan. 27), while other transit systems in the Northeast continue to move toward or have restored regular operations following the severe winter weather last weekend. NJ Transit commuter rail schedules and other updates are available here. As of 8 a.m. […]

Read More…

Caltrain to resume electrified operation to San Jose’s Tamien station

Caltrain logo

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Electrified Caltrain operations to San Jose’s Tamien station, suspended since last June because of a bridge project, will resume Jan. 31 when Caltrain introduces a new weekday and weekend schedule. Other than the return of electrified operating, replacing substitute VTA bus service, most schedule changes are minor. The new schedules are […]

Read More…

Minor Amtrak derailment at Chicago Union Station leads to Metra delays

People boarding train at Chicago Union Station

CHICAGO — A minor Amtrak derailment Sunday night is continuing to lead to delays for some Metra service into and out of Chicago Union Station today (Monday, Jan. 26). Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari said the derailment occurred about 10 p.m. Sunday at the station platform as train No. 382, the Carl Sandburg from Quincy, Ill., […]

Read More…

Equipment issues spur extended Capitol Corridor cancellations

Aerial view of train at station

OAKLAND, Calif. — Amtrak’s Capitol Corridor service will cancel seven trains for a month beginning today (Jan. 26) because of ongoing equipment issues, the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority has announced. Canceled through Feb. 27 are five weekday trains and two on weekends: On weekdays: Sacramento-Oakland trains 531, an 8:53 a.m. departure, and 537, a […]

Read More…

BNSF announces $3.6 billion capital plan for 2026

Double-stack container train passing maintenance equipment

FORT WORTH, Texas — BNSF Railway will spend $3.6 billion under its 2026 capital plan, the railroad announced today (Jan. 26), with the majority — $2.8 billion — ticketed for infrastructure maintenance. “Our 2026 capital plan focuses on strengthening and modernizing our network so we can continue to meet our customers’ evolving needs,” CEO Katie […]

Read More…

Tri-Rail to consider 10% fare increase to address deficit

Light blue locomotive with images of clouds and palm trees on its side at grade crossing

MIAMI — Commuter operator Tri-Rail will consider the possibility of a 10% fare increase later this year as part of its effort to address a looming budget deficit. At a Jan. 23 meeting of Tri-Rail’s governing board, the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority, board members asked staff to review the potential increase. The Palm Beach […]

Read More…

Amtrak weather cancellations continue

Passenger train behind electric locomotive in snow

NEW YORK — Amtrak is not offering an overview on service cancellations for today (Monday, Jan. 26) in the wake of the weekend’s winter storm on its website or social media, but here is the initial information gathered by Trains.com as of 7:45 a.m. CT. The train status feature of Amtrak’s website shows these cancellations […]

Read More…