Author: Douglas John Bowen

NS, OLI back Georgia whistle-stop safety train

Norfolk Southern and Operation Lifesaver Inc. are hosting “The Peach State Whistle-Stop Safety Train” this week as a 327-mile tour stretches from Valdosta, in southeast Georgia, north to Dalton, Ga., the carpet capital of the world.

Newest GWI short line debuts

Genesee & Wyoming Inc.’s newest rail subsidiary, Rapid City, Pierre & Eastern Railroad, Inc. (RCP&E), began operations Sunday, June 1, 2014, as Canadian Pacific completed the sale of the line, the western stretch of the Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern.

FRA’s Szabo views Siemens plant PTC work

Federal Railroad Administrator Joseph C. Szabo on Friday, May 30, 2014 toured a Siemens rail automation plant in Louisville, Ky., which is producing components for new Positive Train Control (PTC) systems.

STB seeks comment on “safe harbor” provision

The Surface Transportation Board on Thursday, May 29, 2014, instituted an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proceeding to provide interested persons the opportunity to comment on whether the “safe harbor” provision of the Board’s current rail fuel surcharge rules should be modified or removed.

North American freight traffic growth rolls on

The three largest North American nations all saw freight rail traffic gain once again in the latest week ending May 24, 2014, the Association of American Railroads said Thursday, May 29, as rail volumes continue to gain over 2013 levels.

More Sandy relief funds for NJT, PATH

The Department of Transportation has awarded a combined $235 million in federal grants to repair damage from Superstorm Sandy inflicted on New Jersey Transit and Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH) rail systems in late October 2012.

UP officially opens New Mexico rail facility

New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez joined Union Pacific Chairman and CEO Jack Koraleski in ceremonially opening UP’s new 2,200-acre facility in Santa Teresa, N.M. on Wednesday, May 28, 2014.

Indiana Gateway HrSR project to proceed

Indiana’s sole involvement in U.S. higher-speed rail (HrSR) planning was officially launched Thursday, May 29, 2014, as the “Indiana Gateway” project proceeds, according to Indiana Department of Transportation officials.

NS President Squires assumes expanded role

Norfolk Southern Corp. Chairman and CEO Wick Moorman on Wednesday, May 28, 2014, announced that President James A. Squires will assume additional responsibilities in line with the company’s normal succession planning process.