North American carload and intermodal traffic for the first 47 weeks of 2025 (ending Nov. 22) was up 1.8% from the prior-year period, according to the Association of American Railroads’ (AAR) latest rail traffic report. While the United States and Canada both saw gains, Mexico experienced a loss.
Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) releases its first Point B Strategic Plan Annual Report. Also, the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) tests a new electric OC Streetcar ahead of its 2026 launch; and the Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD) launches a near-term plan to enhance the customer experience and increase transit utilization.
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) on Nov. 24 issued Safety Advisory 25-1 (SA 25-1) recommending that State Safety Oversight Agencies (SSOAs) direct Rail Transit Agencies (RTAs) within their jurisdiction to use their Safety Management Systems (SMS) “to identify hazards related to rail trespassing and suicide events, perform safety risk assessments, identify safety risk mitigations as necessary to reduce safety risk associated with trespassing and suicide events, and utilize safety performance monitoring and measurement procedures to assess the effectiveness of mitigations.”
Governor Josh Shapiro on Nov. 24 directed Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Secretary Mike Carroll to allocate $219.9 million in additional capital funding to the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) to support urgent safety upgrades and infrastructure improvements.
BNSF provides an intermodal network update. Also, CSX’s TRANSFLO Petersburg Terminal is coming to Virginia in 2026; and Union Pacific (UP) enhances safety and security at its Eagle Pass border crossing.
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) recently recognized Union Pacific’s (UP) Mike Makerov with its 2025 Environmental Excellence Award for his contributions to “environmental stewardship and sustainability across the freight rail industry.” CN’s Kari Harris, CSX’s Brian Booth, and Norfolk Southern’s (NS) Terri Allen were also honored as nominees.
TriMet reduces administrative staff to help address the agency’s ongoing budget gap. Also, Purple Line vehicles arrive in New Carrollton, Md.
Hillwood, BNSF Railway, and the City of Fort Worth on Nov. 18 announced the creation of the Alliance Logistics District, officially designated and approved by the Fort Worth City Council at its Nov. 11 meeting.
TexAmericas Center, one of the largest mixed-use industrial parks in the U.S., announced Nov. 19 that it has commissioned two locomotives that “expand on‑site switching, transload, and yard capabilities across its campus. The added power increases capacity and elevates safety for crews.”
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) ridership for October 2025 decreases 3% from last year. Also, Baltimore’s Red Line project is slow moving; a new transit hub that will eventually serve Metrolinx’s Eglinton Crosstown is now open in Mount Dennis; and Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) launches new ticket vending machines for easier fares.
