Saturday morning rail news:
TRAINS: David Lassen
South Shore to replace trains with buses on part of route through at least Monday
The South Shore Line will substitute bus service for trains between South Bend, Ind., and the Michigan City Carroll Avenue station beginning this evening, and continuing through at least Sunday and Monday because of forecasts of freezing rain, snow, and extreme low temperatures. Service to and and from the Hudson Lake station east of Michigan City will be suspended while the bus substitution is in effect. The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District reports conditions will be reevaluated Monday to determine if service can resume on Tuesday. More information is available here.
Palestine, Texas, seeks rehearing or appeal in UP jobs lawsuit
A Palestine, Texas, official says the city will request a rehearing on Union Pacific’s suit over its 149-year-old contract requiring the railroad to maintain jobs in the city, and failing that, will appeal the decision. A federal judge on Wednesday voided UP’s contract, which dates to 872, saying it is superceded by federal law [see “Digest: Federal judge voids UP employment requirement …,” Trains News Wire, Feb. 5, 2021.] The Palestine Herald reports Anderson County Judge Robert D. Johnston said the city would pursue the rehearing and appeal; State Rep.Cody Harris (R-Palestine) said he was disappointed by the decision, which puts 65 local jobs at risk, and that his office “continues to stand ready to assist in any way possible.” In a statement, a UP spokesman said the decision “will allow us to continue improving efficiencies to meet our customer needs throughout Texas and in this community.”
TSA recommends fines of $250-$1,500 for those failing to observe mask mandate
The Transportation Security Administration will recommend fines ranging from $250 to $1,500 for those who do not observe the new mask order for those using public transportation, with the higher fines for repeat offenders. USA Today reports that while the TSA is generally associated with air travel, the fines will apply to trains, buses, and other public transportation, as well. The new mask rule, in response to an executive order signed by President Joe Biden on his first day in office, went into effect Feb. 1.
