Author: Marybeth Luczak

PST’s Abhinav Bhan (left) and LTTS’ Alind Saxena inaugurate the Customer Experience and R&D Center for simulation training in India. (Photograph Courtesy of PST, LTTS)

PST, LTTS Team on Rail Simulation Tech

PS Technology (PST), a wholly owned subsidiary of Union Pacific, and L&T Technology Services Ltd. (LTTS), a research and development firm based in India, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding “to focus on the design, development and supply of advanced AI-based simulation technologies” to help improve railroad “operational efficiency and safety” in India and adjacent markets, the partners reported July 30.

“In 2023, we continued to hone our focus on adopting innovative alternative fuels for decarbonization, including testing biofuels in locomotives and advancing use of hydrogen-powered locomotives [pictured],” CSX reported in its new 90-page ESG report. (Screen grab from CSX video)

Class I Briefs: CSX, BNSF

CSX releases a new Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report, highlighting its advancements in 2023 with special reports and videos, including the launch of a hydrogen fuel cell-powered locomotive. Also, BNSF donates

(CN Photograph)

CN Issues 2024-25 Grain Plan

CN on July 31 published its 2024-25 Grain Plan, an action plan required by the government of Canada to meet the volume of grain expected to move this crop year.

Pittsburgh Regional Transit has taken the first step to replace its fleet of 81 light rail vehicles manufactured by Siemens and CAF. (Enlightenedment at English Wikipedia)

Transit Briefs: PRT, NJT, TransLink, WMATA

Pittsburgh (Pa.) Regional Transit (PRT) is seeking a federal grant to purchase new light rail vehicles. Also, train operators and maintenance workers for New Jersey Transit’s (NJT) Hudson-Bergen Light Rail ratify a new contract; TransLink’s first real estate development in metro Vancouver is greenlighted; and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) seeks a developer for a project at the North Bethesda Metrorail Station.

(Courtesy of IANA)

IANA: Intermodal ‘Maintains Momentum’ in 2Q24

Total Intermodal volume for second-quarter 2024 was up 7.9% from the prior-year period, according to IANA’s (Intermodal Association of North America) latest report. It was the third consecutive quarter of year-over-year growth,

Pictured: The 2024 CPKC Women’s Open trophy presentation. According to the railroad, big crowds and memorable performances during the Open helped it to raise C$4.3 million for heart health in Alberta. (CPKC Photograph)

Class I Briefs: CPKC, CSX, NS, BNSF

At the CPKC Women’s Open, a record C$4.3 million was raised to support children’s heart health research and cardiac care in Alberta, Canada. Also, CSX President and CEO Joe Hinrichs earns a 2024 Ultimate CEO award; Norfolk Southern (NS) provides more than 100 scholarships to its railroaders’ children; and BNSF recognizes Tristar FLC Inc., one of its Premier Transload companies, for 20 years of “excellence.”