news

From Left: Union Pacific’s Engineering Director-Signal Construction Russell Parris and Track Inspector Courtland Ferchaud both earned college degrees through the railroad’s Educational Assistance Program in 2024. (UP Photographs)

Class I Briefs: UP, NS, CSX

Union Pacific (UP) in 2024 invested more than $1 million in free college tuition for employees. Also, Norfolk Southern’s (NS) Elkhart Yard helps to increase fluidity and add capacity; and CSX honors electrician Dale Reynolds for 45-plus years of service.

(Anacostia Rail Holdings Photograph)

ARH Enrolls in RailPulse

Anacostia Rail Holdings (ARH) on Feb. 24 reported entering into an agreement with RailPulse, the coalition established in late 2020 “to develop, broaden, and accelerate the use of GPS and other telematics

Transit Briefs: Amtrak, CTA, MBTA

Amtrak extends Empire Service between Albany and New York City. Also, the Chicago Plan Commission adopts the Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) 95th Street Corridor Plan for equitable transit-oriented development (ETOD); and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) will issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) this fall for a new operator of its Commuter Rail system.

STB Acts on Long-Standing Proceedings

Consistent with his objective to “increase transparency at the agency,” Surface Transportation Board (STB) Chairman Patrick Fuchs on Feb. 21 provided an update on recent actions to “facilitate and expedite resolution” of several long-standing Board proceedings.

(Unifor Photograph)

CPKC Mechanical Employees Ratify New Agreement

Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) on Feb. 24 reported that a new four-year collective agreement has been ratified by Unifor, which represents approximately 1,200 mechanics, laborers, diesel service attendants, and mechanical support staff across the Class I railroad’s network in Canada.

“Today, NCTD kicked off the COASTER 30th Anniversary celebration with the launch of new passenger cars!” the agency reported Feb. 21 on Facebook. “NCTD CEO Shawn M Donaghy, Board Chair Dr. Priya Bhat-Patel, Representative Mike Levin, and other regional leaders hosted a press conference to talk about the many benefits of the COASTER. NCTD is thankful for the employees and riders who have supported us along the way! And stay tuned – a new PRONTO COASTER card will be released soon at all TVMs and Customer Service locations!” (NCTD Photograph)

COASTER Marks 30 Years of Service

California’s North County Transportation District (NCTD) on Feb. 21 kicked off a 30th anniversary celebration for COASTER, the 41-mile, eight-station regional/commuter rail service the runs from Oceanside to downtown San Diego (see

Commentary

The Eternal Battle: Weather vs. Railroads

The hits just keep coming with another arctic blast this week and some extensive flooding, primary impacting Norfolk Southern in Southern West Virginia, Eastern Kentucky, Southwest Virginia and Eastern Ohio, resulting in

Commentary

What does POTUS 47 Intend for NMB, NTSB and STB?

News Item: The President issued an Executive Order Feb. 18 asserting direct control of independent (from the Executive Branch) federal agencies, including the National Mediation Board (NMB, which administers the Railway Labor

Class I Briefs: CPKC, NS, CN

Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) publishes an update on low carbon transition. Also, Norfolk Southern (NS) supports employees and communities and restores network following severe weather impact on the Eastern U.S.; and CN is recognized for commitment to delivering responsibly.

Commentary

Will Duffy Deep-Six CHSR? (UPDATED)

Passenger rail projects, as many industry observers have been pointing out since POTUS 45 won a second term this past Presidential election, will suffer under the POTUS 47 regime. California’s High Speed

  • News

People News: ASLRRA, LOSSAN, Port of Oakland

The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) appoints Lauren Schlechte as Manager, Meetings. Also, the Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor Agency announces its 2025 Board of Directors leadership; and the Port of Oakland appoints Kristi McKenney as Executive Director.

UP’s Pacific Northwest craft professionals celebrate their service unit win: the esteemed Safety Bell, presented annually to the Transportation service unit with the best overall safety record. (UP Photograph)

Class I Briefs: UP, CSX

Union Pacific’s (UP) Pacific Northwest team earns the railroad’s esteemed Safety Bell. Also, CSX donates $250,000 to Nemours to expand access to pediatric behavioral health services.