Norfolk Southern (NS) and the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers—Transportation Division (SMART-TD) announced July 26 that they are partnering to launch several new initiatives to “further enhance the training program for conductor trainees and increase compensation for conductors who helped provide this important training.”
Pablo Rodriguez has been sworn in as Canada’s new Transport Minister, part of a major cabinet shakeup announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on July 26.
CN on July 26 announced an order to enhance an additional 60 locomotives in its existing fleet through Wabtec’s modernization program, supporting the Class I railroad’s “commitment to drive growth in a sustainable manner and build success for customers, employees and communities.”
“We see continued strong demand globally for the majority of railcar types in our existing fleets,” GATX President and CEO Robert C. Lyons said during a report on second-quarter 2023 financials, which included Rail North America fleet utilization of 99.3% and a renewal success rate of 85.3%.
For the first 29 weeks of 2023 (ending July 22), total U.S. weekly rail traffic dipped 4.2% from the same point last year, according to the Association of American Railroads’ (AAR) July 26 report. Both Canada and the U.S. saw declines, while Mexico saw an increase.
LA Metro continues to increase ridership with weekend riders driving growth. Also, the Regional Transportation District (RTD) Board of Directors approves new fare structure and equity analysis; ridership on the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority’s (VPRA) Amtrak Virginia service reaches all-time high; an early decommission of Toronto Transit Commission’s (TTC) Scarborough Rapid Transit (SRT) line is possible following derailment; and the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) recognizes HDR with 2023 Sustainability Commitment Award.
Canada’s Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra announced July 25 via a Twitter post that, “after a lot of reflection,” he has decided not to run in the next election and will be
Provider of 3PL services GSC announced July 24 that it has acquired Seattle-based specialty transloader MacMillan-Piper, “bolstering its portfolio with a network of proprietary rail transload facilities, additional warehousing capacity, and expanded transloading capabilities with expertise in agricultural, paper, lumber, steel, dry bulk commodities and more.”
“CN’s disciplined approach to scheduled railroading continues to deliver for our customers,” said CN President and CEO Tracy Robinson during a second-quarter 2023 financial report. “As volumes evolve, we will continue to refine our plan to optimize efficiency and drive further improvements to customer service. Our goal to accelerate sustainable, profitable growth through 2026 and beyond remains on track.”
Metra celebrates the completion of the newly rehabilitated Blue Island-Vermont Street Station. Also, the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) uses artificial intelligence (AI) to track fare evasion on its New York City Transit (NYCT) network.