Railroad News

Amtrak is preparing to equip 310 locomotives with positive train control (PTC) technology and comply with the federal deadline by Dec. 31, 2018.

The equipment will be installed on Amtrak's diesel locomotives that operate primarily on the national Amtrak network and state-sponsored routes in the East and Midwest, the railroad announced in a press release.

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The Association of American Railroads (AAR) today reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending September 2, 2017, as well as volumes for August 2017, which was the best month in history for intermodal traffic. 

Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Keith Parker yesterday announced that he will step down from his agency post to accept a new job as president and CEO of Goodwill of North Georgia.

Parker will move on after serving as MARTA's leader for nearly five years.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige signed a bill that includes a $2.4-billion package to fund the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transit (HART) rail project's full 20-mile build out.

Hawaii Gov. David Ige signed a bill that includes a $2.4-billion package to fund the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transit (HART) rail project's full 20-mile build out.

CSX has made "very good progress" in its transition to a precision scheduled railroading model, with the railroad returning to a "normal operating rhythm," President and Chief Executive Officer E. Hunter Harrison announced today.

Harrison is now confident many of the service problems recently reported by CSX customers "are behind us," according to a CSX press release.

CSX has made "very good progress" in its transition to a precision scheduled railroading model, with the railroad returning to a "normal operating rhythm," President and Chief Executive Officer E. Hunter Harrison announced today.

Harrison is now confident many of the service problems recently reported by CSX customers "are behind us," according to a CSX press release.

Officials representing the Cape Breton and Central Nova Scotia Railway Ltd. and Nova Scotia, Canada, have signed a one-year agreement to maintain the existing rail line between St. Peter's Junction, near Port Hawkesbury, and Sydney.

Under the agreement, the railway will not apply to abandon a portion of the line and the province will reimburse valid expenses up to CA$60,000 per month, according to a press release issued last week by Nova Scotia officials.

A study by the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) has found rail transportation operators in the area contribute more than $600 million to the commonwealth's general fund.

A study by the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) has found rail transportation operators in the area contribute more than $600 million to the commonwealth's general fund.

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) last week recognized eight of its member organizations for sustainability achievements.

Amtrak and engineering firm TRC Cos. Inc. earned Gold Level recognition for their accomplishments. The national intercity passenger railroad has reduced electrical consumption at facilities through energy-efficient lighting products, automated building controls and facility-based energy plans.

Union Pacific Railroad and Kansas City Southern yesterday announced progress in repairing rail infrastructure and restoring service in some areas following Hurricane Harvey's devastation in the Gulf region.

UP has gained access to its rail line near Crosby, Texas, and crews have begun repairs and restoration to the two lines that link Houston and Beaumont, Texas.

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) late last week opened the Washington/Wabash Station, which marks the first new downtown "L" station in 20 years.

Built between Madison and Washington streets, the $75 million station replaces two existing ones built more than 120 years ago. The new station is fully accessible for riders with disabilities, CTA officials said in a press release.

Southwest Gulf Railroad Co. (SGRR) has begun construction on the Medina Line, a common carrier rail line in Medina County, Texas.

Surveying and marking the right of way began late last month. The next phases will involve fencing, earthwork, site work and rail installation of the Medina Line, SGRR officials said in a press release.

VIA Rail Canada Inc.'s second-quarter ridership grew 9.5 percent compared with ridership during the same period in 2016, railroad officials announced last week.

VIA served 1 million passengers during Q2 2017 versus 939,000 riders during Q2 2016. The railroad's passenger revenue rose 15 percent to CA$80.9 million in the quarter from CA$70.1 million a year ago.

Patriot Rail Co. LLC and sister company Diversified Port Holdings LLC (DPH) have combined to create an expanded business portfolio, the companies announced late last week.

Through its principal subsidiaries Seaonus and Portus, DPH operates a maritime port logistics business in the U.S. Gulf and Atlantic coasts. Both Patriot Rail and DPH are based in Jacksonville, Florida.

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The province of Nova Scotia and the Cape Breton and Central Nova Scotia Railway Ltd. have signed a one-year agreement to preserve rail infrastructure between St. Peter's Junction and Sydney.

The company will not apply to abandon a portion of the rail line and the province will reimburse valid expenses up to CA$60,000 (US$48,550) a month. Repairs or improvements of the rail line will not be reimbursed, but expenses directly attributed to the line such as salaries, insurance, security and building maintenance will be covered under the agreement.