Transit Briefs: BART, PANYNJ
Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) fares will increase 5.5% on Jan. 1, 2025. Also, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s (PANYNJ) PATH commuter rail sets new post-pandemic highs.
news
Class I Briefs: NS, UP
Norfolk Southern debuts the TAG (Tennessee, Alabama, & Georgia Railway) Heritage locomotive. Also, three Union Pacific (UP) employees are recognized for their “personal advocacy to improve awareness and understanding of physical and mental health conditions.”
Stadler US to Operate as Independent Division
Bussnang, Switzerland-based Stadler on Dec. 3 reported that its passenger railcar manufacturing location in Salt Lake City, Utah, will separate from the Swiss division as of Jan. 1, 2025. To “further strengthen
Lindsay Named New Metrolinx Interim President, CEO; Verster Steps Down (UPDATED 12/6)
The Ontario government has named Michael Lindsay as the new interim President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Metrolinx following the resignation of Phil Verster who has accepted a new position and will be moving on from the agency after seven years as early as Dec. 16.
G&W Launches Red Deer Railway
Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (G&W) on Dec. 2 celebrated the launch of Red Deer Railway Limited (RDR), the short line railroad holding company’s first railroad in western Canada. RDR acquired its assets and other rights from Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) as part of a previously announced transaction between G&W and CPKC.
People News: Pinsly, TriMet
Kristin Bevil, Pinsly Railroad Company General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer and a 2024 Railway Age Women in Rail honoree, joins the Short Line Safety Institute’s (SLSI) Board of Directors. Also, Tri-County
Class I Briefs: CSX, CPKC, UP
CSX has the 82nd running of its Santa Train through Appalachia. Also, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) celebrates the grand opening of Fastfrate Group’s new facility in Rosser, Manitoba; and Union Pacific’s (UP) Response Management Communication Center (RMCC) and Police Department achieve the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) certification for the tenth consecutive year.
MassDOT Releases Northern Tier Passenger Rail Study Final Report
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) recently released the Northern Tier Passenger Rail Study Final Report, examining the benefits, costs, and investments necessary to implement passenger rail service from North Adams to Greenfield and Boston with the “speed, frequency, and reliability necessary to be a competitive option for travel along the corridor.”
Ontario-Toronto ‘Deal’ to Support Rail Transit
The government of Ontario, Canada, on Nov. 27 reported that it will provide the city of Toronto up to C$1.2 billion in provincial operating support over three years (2024-26) and up to C$7.6 billion in “significant capital relief” over ten years (2024-35) as part of a proposed “new deal.” Among the beneficiaries are Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and the Eglinton Crosstown LRT, Finch West LRT, Scarborough Subway Extension, and Yonge North Subway Extension projects.
RAC Announces 2024 Safety Award Winners
The Railway Association of Canada (RAC) on Nov. 27 announced the winners of the 2024 Safety Awards, recognizing the contributions of Canadian railroaders in advancing safety on the country’s rail network.
OL Canada Presents Roger Cyr Awards
Operation Lifesaver Canada (OL Canada) on Nov. 27 presented its annual Roger Cyr Awards recognizing one individual and one community for “exemplary and extraordinary contributions to enhancing rail safety in Canada.” Constable Trevor
Transit Briefs: Caltrans, NJ Transit, Metro-North, UTA, MDOT MTA
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) receives a federal grant to improve passenger rail service and freight movement in the San Joaquin Valley. Also, New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) earns a spot on the Forbes 2025 America’s Dream Employers list; MTA Metro-North Railroad debuts its Holiday Lights Train; Utah Transit Authority (UTA) celebrates 25 years of TRAX light rail service; and Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) launches an online merchandise store.
Week 47: U.S. Carloads, Intermodal Register Double-Digit Gains
U.S. rail traffic for the week ending Nov. 23, 2024 (Week 47), came in at 520,798 carloads and intermodal units, rising 25.6% from the same week last year (which included the Thanksgiving holiday), based on 230,036 carloads—up 17.6% from 2023—and intermodal volume of 290,762 containers and trailers—up 32.8%, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported Nov. 27.
Class I Briefs: CN, CSX
CN releases its first Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan (IRAP). Also, CSX donates laptops to support STEM education at Twin Lakes Academy Middle School in Jacksonville, Fla.
Stucki Sells Velocity Rail Solutions
Rail components and services provider A. Stucki Company (Stucki) on Nov. 27 reported completing the sale of Velocity Rail Solutions (Velocity) to private equity firm Wind Point Partners (Wind Point). Financial terms
Biden Orders Second PEB in NJ Transit-BLET Contract Dispute
The years-long collective bargaining dispute between New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLET) continues with the recent appointment of a second Presidential Emergency Board (PEB).
Amtrak Names Mitchell Executive VP of Strategy and Planning
Amtrak on Nov. 26 announced that it has appointed Jennifer Mitchell as Executive Vice President of Strategy and Planning, effective Dec. 2. She will succeed Dennis Newman, who is retiring.
Caltrain Adopts 10-Year Capital Improvement Plan
The Caltrain Board of Directors on Nov. 26 voted to adopt a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) at its November Board meeting.
Commentary
Fall and BNSF Go Together Like Pumpkin and Pie—So Here’s a Railroad Recipe From Days Gone By
As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, there’s no denying that fall has arrived, and with the season comes the beloved flavor of pumpkin in all its forms. So, as
Commentary
Union Pacific Technical Training Breaks the Mold with 3D Printing
Union Pacific Railroad is leveraging technology to bolster its technical training program, using 3D printing to equip new hires with essential skills before they step foot into an active rail environment.