(Amtrak Photograph)

Watch: Amtrak Releases FY23 Preliminary Results

Amtrak on Nov. 30 reported continued “strong growth” in Fiscal Year 2023 with nationwide ridership up 24.6%, as it resumed service on all routes and advanced infrastructure projects that it said will support plans to double ridership by 2040.

“Across the country, I have seen firsthand how projects funded by our RAISE program are helping communities realize long-held dreams and well-planned visions for better infrastructure,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said Nov. 30.

USDOT: 2024 RAISE Grant Applications Welcome

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) on Nov. 30 released a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the FY 2024 RAISE program, providing $1.5 billion in discretionary grant funding for freight and passenger transportation infrastructure projects with “significant local or regional impact.”

A preliminary design and environmental study will be completed this year on bringing Amtrak service to the Warwick/T.F. Green Airport Station (pictured) in Rhode Island, which is currently served by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. (City of Warwick Photograph)

Transit Briefs: Amtrak, HART, Kansas City Streetcar, MARTA

Will Amtrak stop at Warwick, R.I.? Also, the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) Board approves a new financing agreement for Skyline; the price tag for Kansas City Streetcar’s riverfront extension has gone up 75%; and Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) breaks ground on a new transit-oriented development project in DeKalb County, Ga.

CN earned a safety award and an environmental award from Railway Association of Canada in 2023. (CN Photograph)

RAC Honors Safety, Environmental Leaders (Updated 12/5)

The Railway Association of Canada (RAC) on Nov. 29 announced the recipients of its 2023 Safety and Environmental Awards that recognize “excellence and innovation.”

Julie Gascon, President and CEO, Montreal Port Authority (CNW Group/Port of Montréal Photograph)

Julie Gascon to Lead MPA

The Montréal Port Authority (MPA) has appointed Julie Gascon as President and CEO, effective Feb. 12, 2024.

“OmniTRAX brings strong market knowledge, a national network of partners, and a best-in-class safety record,” West Virginia Division of Multimodal Transportation Facilities Commissioner Cindy Butler said. “After careful consideration, it became clear that OmniTRAX is the ideal logistics partner to grow the SBVR.” (OmniTRAX Photograph)

OmniTRAX to Run West Virginia’s SBVR

OmniTRAX on Dec. 1, 2023, will begin operating its 26th short line, the 52.4-mile South Branch Valley Railroad (SBVR) that serves West Virginia’s eastern panhandle.

(BNSF Photograph)

AAR: U.S. Rail Traffic Uptick Continues in Week 47

For the week ending Nov. 25, 2023 (Week 47), total U.S. rail traffic was 415,332 carloads and intermodal units, rising 2.4% from the prior-year period, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported Nov. 29. It is the third consecutive week of gains for carloads and intermodal containers and trailers combined.

Since implementing Yard Planner in early September, Norfolk Southern said it has seen improvements in the predictability of its Norris Yard operations. (NS Photograph)

NS Debuts ‘Yard Planner’ to Boost Safety, Service

Norfolk Southern (NS) is implementing Wabtec’s Yard Planner technology at Norris Yard in Birmingham, Ala., “to improve our operational consistency and increase on-time delivery of freight to our customers,” the Class I

U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth B. Prelogar

Report: Federal Law Preempts State Crossing Reg, U.S. Solicitor Tells U.S. Supreme Court

U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth B. Prelogar has told the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) that state laws regarding grade crossings are preempted by federal regulation of railroads, according to a

UP is expanding its Houston on-dock rail service.

UP Expanding Port Houston Intermodal Service (UPDATED, 11/29)

Union Pacific (UP) on Dec. 1 will expand its Houston on-dock rail service to four additional markets.

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