The Port of Oakland, Calif., on Jan. 4 reported the launch of an app that provides “real-time visibility on goods movement” and allows customers to “move cargo through the port more efficiently and securely.”
The Greenbrier Companies’ new railcar backlog “remains robust,” said President and CEO Lorie Tekorius during a report on the manufacturer’s first fiscal quarter ended Nov. 30, 2023. “Our backlog, combined with programmatic
![The NTSB observed the inspection and disassembly of wheelset #4 from railcar 7200, which caused the 2021 Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority derailment in Virginia. “In accordance with wheelset design, each wheel should have been flush against its bearing when mounted,” NTSB wrote in its January 2023 derailment investigation report. “Before disassembly, the inspection identified gaps between both wheels and their respective bearings: about 0.63 inches for the right-side wheel and about 1.10 inches for the left-side wheel [see above] … The back-to-back measurement was about 55.375 inches, or about 2 inches wider than the maximum design specification.” (NTSB Image)](https://www.old.railwayage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/lead-315x168.png)
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on Jan. 4 issued its final report on the October 2021 Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) train derailment in Arlington, Va., attributing the cause to a wheelset irregularity. Chair Jennifer Homendy was critical of both the transit agency’s “safety culture” and the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) oversight.
Chicago’s Metra is changing its commuter rail fare structure and closing remaining ticket windows. Also, Seattle’s Sound Transit will consider fare gates this year; and Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) wins a “Healthy Worksite” award.
Norfolk Southern (NS) reported that its inaugural plan aimed at “reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions with a focus on transitioning to a low-carbon economy” was released Jan. 4.
Surface Transportation Board (STB) General Counsel Craig M. Keats retires after 51 years of public service. Also, the Port of Los Angeles, Calif., elevates Chris Brown to Chief Harbor Engineer, overseeing the Engineering Division.
CSX has debuted locomotive No. 1853 in New York Central colors—the eighth heritage-schemed unit to roll out of its Waycross, Ga., shop. Its number recognizes New York Central’s founding year.
The Surface Transportation Board (STB) is seeking candidates to fill 18 vacancies on its newly formed Passenger Railroad Advisory Committee (PRAC). Nominations are due by Feb. 5, 2024; candidates may nominate themselves.
The fourth quarter was “the best quarter of 2023 for U.S. rail volumes on a year-over-year basis,” AAR Senior Vice President John T. Gray reported Jan. 2. “It appears that intense rail efforts to improve service quality are paying off. Railroads are hopeful that gains in the fourth quarter will carry over into the first quarter of 2024 and beyond.”
Amtrak seeks feedback on Chicago Union Station concourse improvements. Also, Houston (Tex.) METRORail marks 20 years of light rail service; Federal Transit Administration (FTA) completes its triennial review of Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA); and Maryland Transit Administration’s (MTA) Chief Administrative Officer earns the WTS Rosa Parks Diversity Leadership Award.