The Surface Transportation Board (STB) in October 2022 sought public comment on a new report that identifies and evaluates alternatives to the Uniform Railroad Costing System (URCS) that could be used as a replacement general-purpose costing methodology. The Association of American Railroads (AAR) and the Western Coal Traffic League (WCTL) respond.
BNSF on May 24 announced on LinkedIn that it has reached new tentative agreements with the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers-Transportation Division (SMART-TD) granting individual paid sick days.
Union Pacific (UP) and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) on May 24 reported reaching a tentative agreement to provide engineers with a “more predictable” work schedule that will also enable the Class I railroad “to better manage staffing levels, which supports more consistent and reliable service.”
U.S rail traffic in Week 20 (ending May 20, 2023) lagged the same week last year—falling 5.2%, according to the Association of American Railroads’ May 24 report. Both carloads and intermodal volume were down.
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) on May 1 announced that $5 million is available to establish and maintain a Rail Research and Development Center of Excellence, which will “seek to improve the safety, performance, and sustainability of freight, intercity passenger, and commuter rail.”
The Surface Transportation Board (STB) on May 23 reported appointing Justin Broyles of R.J. Corman Railroad Group and Robert (Buck) Rogers of CN to the Railroad-Shipper Transportation Advisory Council (RSTAC). RSTAC, which was established by the ICC Termination
Amtrak is expanding Northeast Regional service. Also, GO Transit adds 12 roundtrips per week between Toronto’s Union Station and Niagara Falls, Ontario; Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA), which oversees Amtrak Downeaster service, selects an advertising agency of record; Virginia Railway Express (VRE) will offer fare-free Fridays this summer; and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) is seeking rider feedback on the look, layout and features of its new 8000 series rapid transit cars, to be built by Hitachi Rail.
The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) appoints Marc D. Williams as Chair of its Rail Transportation Council. Also, Cheryl Hart takes on the new role of Director of Sales and Marketing at TNW Corporation, a Texas-based short line and logistics centers operator.
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) names Gabrielle (Farrell) Mondestin to the newly created position of Chief Communications Officer. Also, Liz Justison joins STV as the Transportation West Operating Group President.
RAILWAY AGE, MAY 2023 ISSUE: The newest milling, grinding and welding technologies and services help to extend rail life, and reduce noise.