U.S. weekly freight traffic called “mixed”

U.S. freight carload traffic for the week ending Jan. 28, 2012 was down 2.8% compared with the fourth week of 2011, the Association of American Railroads said Thursday. By contrast, U.S. intermodal volume for the week rose 5.5% compared with the same week last year.

CP increases crude oil shipments

Canadian Pacific announced it is now shipping crude oil by rail from a new transload facility near Lloydminster, Sask. CP said the facility is a facility is a key enhancement to a growing energy portfolio. It accommodates the needs of NuStar Energy LP, with a further expansion planned this year.

IANA: Intermodal growth continues

Intermodal container volume set a new record in 2011 with 12.4 million moves, beating former record-year 2007 by 3.7%, the Intermodal Associaton of North America (IANA) said Thursday.

PTC revamp, big trucks in SAFETEA-LU successor

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Wednesday introduced a five-year surface transportation funding bill, a successor to the now-expired SAFETEA-LU, that would extend Congress’ mandated deadline for Positive Train Control (PTC) by five years, from Dec. 31, 2015, to Dec. 31, 2020. It also would revamp the Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing (RRIF) program–and allow larger and heavier trucks on U.S. highways

BNSF sets $3.9 billion capex for 2012

BNSF Railway Co. on Wednesday announced a planned 2012 capital commitment program of approximately $3.9 billion, up $400 million, or about 11.4%, from its 2011 capital spend of $3.5 billion.

APTA cheers action on transport bill

Though conflicting concepts on the future of U.S. ground transportation are part of the process, the American Public Transportation Association is encouraged by action by both houses of Congress to renew federal surface transportation funding, APTA said Tuesday.

AAR: Big truck threat looms again

Legislation designed to fix the nation’s crumbling transportation infrastructure will actually accelerate road and bridge damage and trigger an increase in taxpayer subsidies to the trucking industry, the Association of American Railroads said Tuesday, pointing to language in a House bill that allows for 20% heavier trucks and triple trailers.

New crossover for The Tide in Norfolk

Hampton Roads Transit will add a new crossover on The Tide light rail transit system. To facilitate construction this weekend, LRT service will be suspended between Harbor Park and EVMC/Ft. Norfolk stations during construction the weekend of Feb. 4-5.

Next LRT proposal surfaces in Florida

Florida’s Pinellas County Project Advisory Committee on Monday formally adopted a proposal to build 24 miles of light rail transit linking St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Pinellas Park, and Gateway.

Basel taps Bombardier for 60 FLEXITY trams

Bombardier Transportation said Tuesday it will deliver up to 60 FLEXITY trams to Basel, Switzerland’s Transport Authority (BVB). Bombardier notes it is the largest order placed by BVB in the agency’s 116-year history. The contract is worth roughly $241 million.

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