Class I Briefs: NS, UP

Norfolk Southern (NS) grants more than $6 million to communities across its network in 2024. Also, Union Pacific (UP) and subsidiary PS Technology are recognized for “Digital Transformation of the Year” at the Digital Engineering Awards.

Calling All ‘Fast Trackers’ Nominations! Deadline Extended: Jan. 10

Railway Age is now accepting entries for our 2025 “Fast Trackers” 25 Under 40 awards, in which we will profile 25 individuals under the age of 40 who have made an impact in their respective fields or within their company. The deadline has been extended to Jan. 10, 2025.

Valley Metro Selects STV to Assess Environmental Design Across Rail System

STV on Jan. 6 announced that it has been selected by Valley Metro to enhance safety and security for the agency’s rail and streetcar network. As part of its work, STV is assessing Valley Metro’s stations and stops and integrating Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles to improve safety and the passenger experience.

FreightCar America Completes New Term Loan Facility

FreightCar America, Inc. (FreightCar America) recently announced that it has completed, on Dec. 31, 2024, a new $115 million, four-year term loan facility.

SJJPA, SJRRC Receive Funding for Valley Rail Program (UPDATED 1/6)

*UPDATED PER REVISED SJJPA AND SJRRC PRESS RELEASES, ISSUED 1/6: The San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA) and the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (SJRRC) on Jan. 6 announced several grant awards

WMATA 7000-Series Rapid Transit Cars. (Courtesy of Wikipedia)

Transit Briefs: Parsons/LINC Austin, WMATA

The Parsons and LINC Austin team is selected as Delivery Partner for the Austin Light Rail project. Also, construction work on the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA) Blue, Orange, and Silver lines wraps up ahead of schedule and under budget.

Jeff Roberts is now President and CEO of Savage, following the retirement of Kirk Aubry. (Savage Photograph)

People News: SFMTA, ASLRRA, Savage

Director of Transportation Jeffrey Tumlin announces his departure from the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA). Also, the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) mourns the passing of Robert Grossman, who was inducted into the Short Line Railroad Industry Hall of Fame last spring; and Savage announces that President and CEO Kirk Aubry is retiring. He will be succeeded by Jeff Roberts.

Class I Briefs: CPKC, NS

Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) is named to Dow Jones’s 2024 Sustainability North American Index. Also, Norfolk Southern (NS) highlights 10 ways it “powered progress” in 2024.

RBMN Iron Horse Rambles Resuming in 2025

Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad (RBMN) recently announced that its Iron Horse Rambles passenger excursions, featuring steam locomotive #2102, will resume in 2025.

AAR: North American Rail Volume Up Through Week 51

Total North American carload and intermodal traffic rose 2.3% through the first 51 weeks of 2024 compared with the same period last year, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported Dec. 27. The United States and Mexico experienced gains while Canada saw losses through the week ending Dec. 21, 2024.

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