STB Calculates Five-Year Change in Railroad Productivity
The Surface Transportation Board (STB) on Jan. 18 presented its calculation for the change in railroad productivity for the 2018-2022 averaging period. Comments are due by Feb. 5.
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Commentary
Celebrating the Clark Family Railroad History
At OmniTRAX, Inc., we take pride in recognizing the incredible railroad legacies within our team. Here, we celebrate Jonathan Clark and his family’s history in the railroad industry. Jonathan’s family legacy traces
FECR Unveils New Locomotive Paint Scheme
Florida East Coast Railway (FECR) recently unveiled at its Smyrna Beach, Fla., shop a new locomotive paint scheme, as well as its FEC-430 to commemorate the railroad’s veterans.
Commentary
Good Saves by Team BNSF Provide ‘Peak’ Holiday Performance
Long before holiday wish lists are made, BNSF and our parcel customers are priming for peak season. That’s the busy shipping season, which starts the day after Thanksgiving and goes through Christmas Eve. Volume typically doubles during this timeframe from what we normally see—and that volume must be delivered on time with tight schedules.
Transit Briefs: SEPTA, East-West Rail, CTA
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is shuttering ticket windows at 14 Regional Rail stations. Also, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) officially recommends a Palmer stop for the East-West passenger rail project; and Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) ramps up recruitment.
FRA Releases Locomotive Emissions Comparison Tool
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has published a User Guide and an Emissions Data Documentation File to help railroads use its Locomotive Emissions Comparison Tool (LECT). User Guide and Emissions Data Documentation File are downloadable below. The LECT is
Azure Planning CN-Served Renewable-Fuel Production Facility
Azure Sustainable Fuels Corp. (Azure) on Jan. 18 reported advancing the development of a Canadian renewable-fuel production facility that will ultimately produce 20,000 barrels per day of predominantly SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel). The facility, to be served by CN, is expected to open in 2027.
Commentary
TTX’s Tom Wells on Driving Down Railcar Maintenance Costs
Despite the below-freezing inclement weather, a respectable number of hearty Midwest railroaders gathered at the Union League Club of Chicago to attend the January meeting of the Western Railway Club. Following tradition,
People News: Pandrol, CTA, Delegata
Pandrol appoints Xavier Sarrat as Chief Procurement Officer. Also, the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) announces two new appointments; and Amira Menoufy is appointed as Delegata’s new President.
Report: CHSRA’s Kelly Stepping Down
After six years leading the California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA), Brian Kelly has submitted his letter of resignation, according to a Jan. 18 report from Nexstar Media’s KTLA 5 in Los Angeles.
Grade Crossing Improvements Discussed at Rail Subcommittee Hearing
Four witnesses on Jan. 18 discussed improving safety at highway-rail grade crossings at a hearing of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
Commentary
Practice Case or Rate Case?
Three days before Christmas, a coalition of tank car owners asked the Surface Transportation Board (STB) what happened to their complaint. The coalition alleges that Union Pacific’s fee for moving empty tank
NS Performance Excellence, with VP Transportation Joe Gioe – RAIL GROUP ON AIR
As Norfolk Southern Vice President Transportation, Joe Gioe is responsible for leading a culture of safe, predictable and consistent service by empowering transportation team members to meet the needs of NS customers.
Supply Side: Wabtec, Rail Vision
Wabtec’s Trip Optimizer energy-management software tops 1 billion miles of operation. Also, Rail Vision Ltd. lands a switch-yard systems contract from a U.S.-based rail and leasing services company.
Brent Laing Featured at Next-Gen Freight Rail 2024
CN Vice President of Engineering and Railway Track & Structures’ 2023 Engineer of the Year Brent Laing is among the featured speakers at Railway Age’s Next-Gen Freight Rail 2024 Conference. Laing will
Class I Briefs: CN, CPKC, NS
CN subsidiary CNTL (CN Transportation Ltd.) reaches a tentative agreement with owner-operators affiliated with Unifor. Also, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) releases a video highlighting its 2023 Community Outreach and Mini-Train program events; and Norfolk Southern (NS) trains more than 5,400 first responders in 2023.
Watch: POLB Prepares for ‘Year of Rail’
Port of Long Beach (POLB) CEO Mario Cordero on Jan. 17 gave a “State of the Port” address, highlighting rail facility modernization and air quality improvement efforts that will continue through 2024, as well as 2023’s cargo volume statistics.
Transit Briefs: WMATA, Metra, NC By Train, MBTA
A new tool allows Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) customers to get a personalized ridership report. Also, Metra adopts a Passenger Code of Conduct, NC By Train achieves record breaking ridership in 2023; and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) receives $200.8 million from the Millionaire’s Tax to address infrastructure, safety and hiring.
Small-Road Briefs: Uinta Basin Railway, G&W
The U.S. Forest Service pulls a right-of-way permit that would have allowed construction of the Uinta Basin Railway. Also, Genesee & Wyoming (G&W) issues its latest Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report.
Railway Age’s 2024 ‘Fast Trackers’ 25 Under 40 Honorees
Railway Age is pleased to announce the 25 “Fast Trackers” selected for this year’s 25 Under 40 awards program.