Author: Douglas John Bowen

UP CEO Jim Young to take medical leave

Union Pacific announced Friday that James R. Young , its chairman, president, and CEO, will take a medical leave of absence from his responsibilities as president and CEO while he is being treated for recently diagnosed pancreatic cancer. He will remain chairman of the board during his treatment.

Industry readies for Railroad Day on Capitol Hill

Railroad Day on Capitol Hill is Thursday, March 8, and the Railway Supply Institute is urging RSI members, and indeed all pro-rail interests, to “help educate policymakers on the positive impact our job-producing industry has on the U.S. economy.”

Speed a factor in VIA Rail accident

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is continuing its investigation of the VIA Rail accident in Burlington, Ontario Feb. 26 that killed three crewmembers and injured at least 35 passengers. But TSB said it already has determined that excessive speed on a crossover was a contributing factor to the incident.

AAR: U.S. freight traffic falls in latest week

U.S. carload freight traffic for the week ending Feb. 25, 2012 fell 5%, measured against the comparable week in 2011, the Association of American Railroads said Thursday. U.S. intermodal volume also fell, though less sharply, down 2.8% compared with the same week a year ago.

Paint schemes highlight NS historical heritage

Norfolk Southern said Thursday it is honoring its predecessor railroads during 2012, its 30th anniversary year, by painting 18 new locomotives in commemorative schemes that reflect the heritage of those predecessors.

Seattle First Hill streetcar gets go-ahead

The Seattle City Council’s transportation committee Tuesday approved a contract to move forward with construction of the First Hill Streetcar, to run between First Hill and Pioneer Square.

Railway Age website redesign lauded

“Good web design is making a comeback,” says Rob O’Regan, editor of eMedia Vitals website, citing five recently revamped websites, including Railway Age magazine’s recently redesigned website. 

  • M/W

Deadline nears for AREMA scholarship

The AREMA Educational Foundation is offering scholarships to engineering students who are specializing in the railway industry and supports other educational and training endeavors that help to ensure the future of the profession. The deadline of March 9 is fast approaching.