The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announces major congestion pricing-funded subway improvement projects moving forward. Also, Canada and TransLink invest in traction power upgrades across Metro Vancouver’s SkyTrain network; and KC Streetcar’s Riverfront Extension officially enters the testing phase.
The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) and the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division (BMWED), representing 53% of the unionized workforce at Union Pacific (UP) and Norfolk Southern (NS), on Dec. 17 announced their opposition to the $85 billion plan to merge the two Class I railroads. On Dec. 22, the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen (BRS) also reported opposing the UP-NS combination.
The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) has named Matt Carne, Senior Manager, Safety & Training, Modesto & Empire Traction Company, as its 2026 Safety Professional of the Year, and
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker on Dec. 16 signed the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) Act, SB2111, into law, “marking a landmark action in modernizing Illinois’ transit system.” The law creates a new regional authority to oversee the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra, and Pace, “while delivering significant investments in public transit, capital projects, and tollways across the state—all without raising statewide taxes.”
Total U.S. carload and intermodal traffic for the week ending Dec. 13, 2025, dipped 1.4% from the same point last year, marking the 10th consecutive week of fall offs, according to the Association of American Railroads’ (AAR) latest report, released Dec. 17.
VIA Rail President and CEO Mario Péloquin will retire after a 41-year career. Also, HDR promotes Miloš Vasiljević to Transportation Program Management Director; and STV bolsters its Florida Transportation Leadership with three strategic promotions.
CSX on Dec. 16 announced its collaboration with Southern Coil Solutions (SCS-02), celebrating the official launch of their advanced rail-served warehouse for aluminum and steel coil storage and distribution in Bowling Green, Ky.
Trinity Metro partners with the Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD) to allow free rides for high school students. Also, Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) ridership continues its upward trend in November; Sound Transit selects a developer for Federal Way transit-oriented development (TOD) sites; and the Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD) brings the holiday season to life with themed light rail wraps.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) on Dec. 15 announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) through Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grants for Fiscal Year 2026 that makes $1.5 billion available for infrastructure projects across the country.
The Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) elects its 2026 Board of Directors and Officers. Also, Harbor Logistics names Jason Essenberg Senior Vice President of Business Development; and the Short Line Safety Institute (SLSI) hires Chris Machenberg as Hazardous Materials Program Director.