(BNSF Photograph)

AAR: U.S. Rail Traffic Dips in Week 36

The Association of American Railroads in reporting freight rail traffic for the week ending Sept. 6, 2025 (Week 36) noted that total U.S. rail traffic was 467,880 carloads and intermodal units, down 2.4% from

(UP Photograph)

Reports: UP Takes Metra to Court

Just days after the Surface Transportation Board (STB) granted Metra’s application for terminal trackage rights to continue commuter rail service over three Union Pacific-owned lines in Chicagoland, UP has filed a lawsuit

“The new ZEMU is easy to spot with its signature blue and white water-vapor design wrapped around the train’s two passenger cars and center power pack where the hydrogen and battery propulsion system is located,” according to SBCTA. (Photograph Courtesy of SBCTA)

ZEMU Debut Set for Sept. 13

San Bernardino County Transportation Authority’s ZEMU—a hydrogen fuel cell-powered FLIRT H2 train from Stadler—will launch Sept. 13, serving riders on Metrolink’s nine-mile, five-station Arrow Corridor between San Bernardino and Redlands in Southern California. The

(Logos courtesy of the respective organizations)

IBEW Ratifies Agreement With UP

Members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) have “overwhelmingly” ratified an agreement with Union Pacific (UP), the labor union reported Sept. 8.

Alín Campián, R.J. Corman Railroad Group (left) and Steve Schmotzer, North American Rail Solutions. (Photographs courtesy of the respective organizations)

People News: R.J. Corman Railroad Group, NCTD, NARS

R.J. Corman Railroad Group appoints Alín Campián as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Also, California’s North County Transit – San Diego Railroad (NCTD) promotes Jeffery Wymer to Director of Information Technology; and North American Rail Solutions (NARS) welcomes Steve Schmotzer as Chief Development Officer.

“BNSF General Director of Marketing Mark Ganaway joined TXNW Railway, one of our first Shortline Select partners, for the TXNW CRISI grant interchange ribbon-cutting ceremony, celebrating the expansion of interchange tracks in Sunray, Texas,” BNSF reported via social media on Sept. 5. (Photograph Courtesy of BNSF)

Class I Briefs: BNSF, UP

BNSF and TXNW Railway celebrate the completion of an $8.2 million project to rebuild, reconfigure, and extend an interchange in Texas. Also, Union Pacific (UP) recognizes Tehachapi, Calif., as the 134th community on its network to be named a Train Town USA.

(Photograph Courtesy of SEPTA)

Reports: Judge Orders Service Restoration, Allows Fare Hikes at SEPTA (UPDATED 9/8)

A Philadelphia judge on Sept. 4 ruled that SEPTA must “‘immediately reverse all service cuts,’ which began last month as the transit agency faces a significant financial shortfall and the state budget has not yet allocated funds amid a monthslong budget stalemate,” according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.

“All aboard! Patriot Rail is proud to announce the official launch of the Gettysburg Railway, a passenger excursion train unveiled today and officially starting service this Labor Day weekend!” Patriot Rail reported via social media on Aug. 7. (Patriot Rail Photograph)

Patriot Rail Unveils Fourth Excursion Train (UPDATED 9/8)

Patriot Rail on Aug. 7 reported launching the Gettysburg Excursion Railway, a “revitalized heritage rail experience” along a 25-mile line between Gettysburg and Mount Holly Springs, Pa. It kicked off service on Sept. 5.

(Tren Maya Photograph)

Reports: Mayan Train Freight Terminal Coming to Cancun

The Mexican Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) on Sept. 1 signed off on clearing approximately 641 acres (259.5 hectares) of land near the Cancun International Airport for a Maya Train cargo terminal, according to media reports.

“It’s almost kickoff time in Pittsburgh! 🏈 As the Steelers gear up for another hard-hitting National Football League (NFL) season, we’re thrilled to announce a winning partnership: Wabtec Corporation is now a Proud Partner of the Pittsburgh Steelers! Two legendary #Pittsburgh teams joining forces to drive innovation, empower the next generation, and champion our city’s relentless spirit,” Wabtec reported via social media on Sept. 4. (Image Courtesy of Wabtec)

Supply Side: KBS, NARS/ZA, Wabtec

Knorr-Bremse North American subsidiary KB Signaling Inc. (KBS) achieves ISO 9001:2015 certification. Also, North American Rail Solutions (NARS) combines with ZA Construction (ZA); and Wabtec Corporation teams with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

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