Takeaways from REF 2017: Matt Elkott

Reporting on Rail Equipment Finance 2017, Cowen and Company analyst Matt Elkott notes, “Sentiment is better than last year, but we sensed this is only in small part based on fundamentals and in large part on hope associated with potentially more business-friendly policies and an infrastructure bill. We also noticed a rise in the number of international investors. We continue to believe a material pickup in railcar demand and lease rates is unlikely before late 2017/early 2018.”

Jason Seidl: Quick take on EHH at CSX

Now that E. Hunter Harrison has become CEO of CSX, “we expect additional layoffs in addition to the recently announced 1,000 members of management,” says Cowen and Company Managing Director and Railway Age Wall Street Contributing Editor Jason Seidl. “We also expect CSX to easily exceed the previous long-term operating ratio goal of 65% over the next few years.”

Commentary

Michael Ward, railroader and philanthropist

Now that Michael Ward has retired as CEO of CSX, he will remain in Jacksonville and continue the work that he loves as much as running a railroad—giving back to the community.

Jessica Kahanek joins AAR

Jessica Kahanek, the Press Secretary at the National Labor Relations Board since January 2015, begins March 7 as Press Secretary for the Association of American Railroads (AAR).

Commentary

Please don’t toss the Angus burgers, OK?

I travel between the New York metro area and Washington D.C. several times a year on Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor trains, and I always treat myself to one of those tasty Angus cheeseburgers from the Café Car. Over the years, Amtrak has changed the offerings, but those big, juicy burgers, fresh out of the microwave, have never gone away.

Greenbrier fulfilling Brazilian footprint expansion

The Greenbrier Companies, Inc. on March 2 completed its agreement to increase ownership in Amsted-Maxion Equipamentos E Serviços Ferroviários S.A. (Greenbrier-Maxion) from 19.5% to 60%.

Changes at the top for AllTranstek

AllTranstek LLC, Downers Grove, Ill., a provider of tank car fleet management and technical services, has made two key senior-level appointments.

CN cited for corporate social responsibility

The Alberta Chamber of Commerce has presented CN the Alberta Business Award of Distinction in the Indigenous Relations–Best Practices category.

For RMS, Orange EV T-Series is green

Rail Management Services LLC (RMS), one of the largest rail intermodal terminal operators in the U.S., is expanding use of electric trucks following a successful pilot program.

Wabtec lands $97 million TEXRail C&S contract

Wabtec Corp. has signed a $97 million contract to provide signaling and communication services for TEXRail, a new, 27-mile, double-track Fort Worth Transportation Authority commuter rail service expected to open in 2018.

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