This year, we made meaningful investments across our network to improve our railroad, our industry, and the communities we serve. (NS Photograph)

Class I Briefs: NS, CSX, BNSF

Norfolk Southern (NS) provides a progress report on networkwide investment in 2025. Also, CSX teams with Genesee Valley Transportation and New York & Atlantic on a new rail move in New York State; and BNSF and J.B. Hunt Transport Services honor “fallen heroes” in California.

(Courtesy of BNSF)

AAR: U.S. Carloads, Intermodal Down for Week 51

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) on Dec. 24 reported that total U.S. rail traffic was 487,138 carloads and intermodal units for Week 51 (ending Dec. 20, 2025), down 7% from the prior-year period.

Lili Tran, incoming CPO at Denver RTD. (Courtesy of RTD)

Denver RTD Tabs Tran as CPO

Lili Tran on Jan. 5 will join the Regional Transportation District (RTD) of Denver, Colo., as Chief People Officer (CPO).

(Courtesy of Amtrak OIG)

OIG to Amtrak: Improved Facilities Planning Needed to Support New Trains

While Amtrak has started upgrading its maintenance facilities to support major fleet acquisitions, including NextGen Acela, Airo, and planned Long Distance trains, developing and implementing a strategic plan would help the company

“We are pleased to introduce America's 250th locomotive! 🇺🇸❤️🤍💙,” NSHR reported via social media on Dec. 22. (NSHR Photograph)

NSHR Unveils ‘Semiquincentennial Locomotive’

Northumberland, Pa.-based North Shore Railroad Company & Affiliates (NSHR) on Dec. 22 rolled out a tribute to America’s 250th anniversary: NSHR 2238. Local artist Pedro Reyes hand-painted symbols of “our nation’s liberty and

(Logos courtesy of the respective organizations)

People News: SJRRC, MDOT, BLET

The San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (SJRRC) appoints Chris Orlando as CEO. Also, Kathryn B. “Katie” Thomson is Acting Secretary of the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), following the departure of Paul J. Wiedefeld; and Pete Semenek is retiring as National Vice President of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET).

FreightCar America President and CEO Nick Randall (FreightCar America Photograph)

Carly Railcar Components Sold to FreightCar America

Chicago, Ill.-based FreightCar America, Inc. on Dec. 22 reported completing the acquisition of Carly Railcar Components, a move that will strengthen its “aftermarket distribution business with a focus on running-repair components” and

Three shortlisted teams have received initial Request for Proposals for managing, operating, and maintaining the MBTA Commuter Rail system; the current contract with Keolis Commuter Services expires June 30, 2027. (MBTA Photograph)

Transit Briefs: MBTA, Alto, NYMTA, CTA, NJT

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) shortlists three Commuter Rail operator teams. Also, Alto, Canada’s planned Toronto-Québec City HSR (high-speed rail) system, “could see dozens of daily trains”; crime is at a 16-year low on New York MTA subways; Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) unveils a “security surge” plan; and New Jersey Transit (NJT) encourages holiday giving through the digital “Chance For Change” program.

(Courtesy of STB)

STB: Rail Cost Adjustment Factor Set for 1Q26

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has adopted for first-quarter 2026 the rail cost adjustment factor (RCAF), which is defined as “an index formulated to represent changes in railroad costs incurred by the nation’s largest railroads over a specified period of time.”

(Logos courtesy of Railinc and NC State University, respectively)

Supply Side: Railinc, AllTranstek

Association of American Railroads (AAR) subsidiary Railinc teams with NC State University on a “modal rebalancing” study. Also, commercial rail transport management and consulting firm AllTranstek, LLC (AllTranstek) is the prevailing bidder for RAS Data Services’ (RAS) assets.

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