L.B. Foster Sells CXT Subsidiary to Nortrak

L.B. Foster Company (L.B. Foster) announced July 5 that its CXT Incorporated (CXT) subsidiary has completed the sale of substantially all the operating assets of its prestressed concrete railroad tie business located in Spokane, Wash., to voestalpine Railway Systems Nortrak, LLC (Nortrak).

Wabtec Wins Component Order for VDV Tram-Train Project

Wabtec Corporation (Wabtec) on July 6 announced that it has won a contract to supply passenger information systems (PIS) and pantographs for up to 504 Stadler cars as part of the VDV Tram-Train project.

SkyTrain workers have reached a tentative agreement with BCRTC.

Transit Briefs: WMATA, MARTA, SkyTrain, SacRT

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) launches a new real-time rail service tracking tool. Also, the Maryland Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) Police’s Deputy Chief returns from executive training in Israel; SkyTrain workers reach a tentative agreement with the British Columbia Rapid Transit Company (BCRTC); and the Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) is awarded $35 million in funding for light rail improvements.

90% of BLET Members Ratify Quality of Life Agreement With UP

The six Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) General Chairmen announced June 29 that 90% of the union’s divisions representing locomotive engineers on Union Pacific (UP) have ratified an agreement with

Photograph Courtesy of CN, via Twitter

CN Releases 2022 Sustainability Data Supplement

CN on June 30 published its 2022 sustainability data supplement outlining the railroad’s performance in the areas of safety, environment, people, community and governance. 

MTA photo

Transit Briefs: NYMTA, VIA Rail, SMART, DART

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announces 14 additional subway stations to be refurbished as part of New York City Transit’s (NYCT) Re-NEW-Vation Program and adds a second R211 train to the A Line. Also, VIA Rail Canada’s (VIA Rail) new President and CEO Mario Peloquin announces plans to renew trains 82 and 83; the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit District (SMART) secures critical funding for construction of extensions to Windsor and Healdsburg; and Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) introduces new GoPass Tap Card retail network.

Photo Courtesy of VCFD, via Twitter

Reports: Amtrak Train Derails After Hitting Truck in Southern Calif.; 16 Injured

An Amtrak Coast Starlight passenger train heading to Seattle from Los Angeles and carrying approximately 198 passengers derailed on June 28 at 11:15 a.m. in Moorpark, Calif., after striking a county water truck that was blocking the tracks, injuring 16 people and causing “severe damage” to the train, according to multiple news reports.

Screen Grab Courtesy of CPKC via LinkedIn

First Look: CPKC’s New Livery Design

Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) introduced June 28, via a LinkedIn post, its new livery design. “An inspiring blend of past and present,” the winning livery, CPKC says, “captures the essence of

NYSDOT: $121.6MM Available Through Passenger and Freight Rail Assistance Program

Gov. Kathy Hochul on June 28 announced that $121.6 million in state funding is available through the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) administered Passenger and Freight Rail Assistance Program, which

AAR: North American Rail Volume Down Through 25 Weeks

For the first 25 weeks of 2023 (ending June 24), total U.S. weekly rail traffic dipped 4.0% from the same point last year, according to the Association of American Railroads’ (AAR) June 28 report. Both Canada and the U.S. saw declines, while Mexico saw an increase.

LOAD MORE