DART is testing its eight Stadler DMUs for 26-mile Silver Line service to “ensure that all the systems are operating as they should while running, stopping, and starting on the tracks,” according to Anthony Fuller, Vice President of Silver Line Maintenance and Operation. “Much like a new car before it’s put it on the lot, we want to make sure that everything is ready to go starting Day One for our customers.” The Silver Line is expected to launch by early 2026. (DART Photograph)

Testing Begins for DART Silver Line DMUs

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) is prepping for Silver Line commuter rail service with test runs of its eight Stadler-built DMUs (diesel multiple units). DART on May 6 reported that the Silver

High-speed rail station design is moving forward in Central Valley, Calif.—with community engagement and input helping lead the design process. The CHSRA recently held four open houses, releasing station designs, including this one (pictured) in Fresno. (CHSRA Rendering)

Transit Briefs: CHSRA, Denver RTD

California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) releases new Central Valley station renderings. Also, Denver (Colo.) Regional Transportation District’s (RTD) Transit Watch app reaches 10-year anniversary.

(UP Photograph)

UP Shaves Two Days Off LA-Chicago Domestic Intermodal Service

Union Pacific (UP) on May 3 reported cutting down transit time for domestic intermodal service to three days for customers transporting goods from the Los Angeles area to the Chicago area.

(Photo by Cory Rusch, BLET Division 659; Courtesy of BLET)

BLET’s CN/WC Divisions Ratify Agreement

The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen’s (BLET) nine CN/Wisconsin Central (CN/WC) divisions have voted unanimously in favor of a new “quality of life agreement” covering roughly 600 engineers, the union reported in the May 3 edition of its weekly email newsletter.

(Southern Rail Commission illustration)

Filed: New Status Report on Amtrak Gulf Coast Service (UPDATED, 5/7)

Where does the proposed Amtrak service between New Orleans, La., and Mobile, Ala., stand? Amtrak, CSX, Norfolk Southern (NS), and Alabama State Port Authority and its common carrier operating division, Terminal Railway Alabama State Docks, on May

This map shows the lines of Genesee & Wyoming-owned Meridian & Bigbee Railroad (MNBR) in relation to other rail lines in the territory and the principal geographic points in the region traversed. (Map Courtesy of CPKC)

STB Issues Final EA on Proposed CSXT, CPKC Acquisitions of Ala., Miss. Rail Line

The Surface Transportation Board’s (STB) Office of Environmental Analysis on May 3 issued a Final Environmental Assessment (EA) for CSX Transportation’s request to acquire and operate the assets comprising the rail line

Pictured, left to right: Katherine Whalen, TRAC Intermodal (TRAC Intermodal Photograph) and Dejah Singh, HNTB (HNTB Photograph)

People News: TRAC Intermodal, USA Rail Terminals, HNTB

Marine chassis provider and pool manager TRAC Intermodal appoints Katherine Whalen as Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer. Also, USA Rail Terminals hires James “J.J.” Lund Jr. as Director of Projects and Planning; and Dejah Singh joins HNTB as a fleet and facilities project manager.

The automotive transload facilities operated by CSX Total Distribution Services Inc. earned high marks on two recent Destination Quality Reviews conducted by the Association of American Railroads. (CSX Photograph)

Class I Briefs: CSX, NS, UP

CSX hosts a drone training session for the Wounded Warrior Project, and CSX Total Distribution Services Inc. receives top marks on quality reviews. Also, Norfolk Southern’s (NS) Lamberts Point ramps up coal dumping and Juniata Locomotive Shop restores the Lackawanna heritage locomotive; and Union Pacific (UP) celebrates the expansion of Southwest Texas Junior College’s Diesel Technology Program.

“This record growth [in fiscal year 2024’s third quarter] is a direct result of our innovative logistic solutions during supply chain disruptions as shippers focus on diversifying their trade lanes,” Port NOLA President and CEO and New Orleans Public Belt (NOPB) CEO Brandy D. Christian said during a May 2 announcement (Port NOLA Photograph)

For Port NOLA, ‘Record’ Container Growth

The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) on May 2 reported moving a total of 133,845 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) during fiscal year 2024’s third quarter, representing a 19% increase year-over-year and a

Valley Regional Transit CEO Elaine Clegg standing outside the Boise, Idaho, Depot. (Caption and Photograph Courtesy of Valley Regional Transit)

Biden Nominates Clegg for Amtrak Board

Valley Regional Transit CEO Elaine M. Clegg has been nominated to be a member of the Amtrak Board of Directors by President Joe Biden, who also nominated career railroader Ronald L. Batory.

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