news

ITS Logistics Issues November US Port/Rail Ramp Freight Index

The November forecast for ITS Logistics’ US Port/Rail Ramp Freight Index “confirms a continued decline of both import and export volumes, which, while hindering overall economic activity, has allowed for port and rail congestion to alleviate,” the Nevada-based third-party logistics (3PL) firm reported Nov. 13. “As port activity normalizes, multiple sectors within the domestic supply chain are experiencing heightened uncertainty as rapid regulatory change affects tariffs, English language proficiency enforcement, and non-domiciled trucking capacity.”

NS Train 955 passing through downtown Atlanta, Ga., on Nov. 13 with the new “Landmark Series” locomotives leading office cars toward Forest Park. The train that evening was part of a charity event in support of Hope Atlanta. (Photograph by NS Locomotive Engineer Casey Thomason, Columbus, Ga., courtesy of NS)

NS Launches ‘Landmark Series’

Norfolk Southern’s (NS) first two “Landmark Series” locomotives recently rolled out of the Juniata Locomotive Shop in Altoona, Pa., each showcasing the name of a city that helped shape the railroad’s history

UP, NS Shareholders Greenlight Merger

The votes are in: Shareholders of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, in Special Meetings held Nov. 14, approved the merger of the two railroads to form a U.S. transcontinental, with in-favor margins

Metra Approves $1.2B Operating Budget for 2026

The Metra Board of Directors on Nov. 13 approved a $1.2 billion operating budget for 2026 that relies on new state funding and requires no fare increases or service cuts. The Board also approved a $515.3 million capital plan that, the agency says, “continues major investments in bridges, stations, and new and rehabilitated rolling stock.”

FTA Finalizes CIG Guidance

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has finalized guidance (download below) for its Capital Investment Grants (CIG) program, described as “the largest federal discretionary grant program for transit capital investments, including heavy rail, commuter rail,

CPKC, Soo Line BLET Reach Tentative Agreement

Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) on Nov. 13 it has reached a new tentative five-year collective agreement with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET). The tentative agreement, CPKC said, provides

Brightline and Sotereon.AI are partnering to create “a real-time digital replica of the Brightline corridor, one that is continuously updated throughout the operational day” to enhance the inspection and maintenance process. (Courtesy of Brightline and Sotereon.AI)

Transit Briefs: Brightline, Valley Metro, Caltrain

Brightline, Florida’s private-sector passenger railroad, teams with Sotereon.AI on a corridor monitoring project. Also, Valley Metro in Arizona sees a $20 billion return on its light rail investment; and Caltrain receives funding to expand its GoPass fare program.

MineHub, Railinc Partner to Enhance Rail Shipment Tracking Data Capabilities

MineHub Technologies Inc. (MineHub), a digital supply chain solutions provider, on Nov. 12 announced that it has integrated with Association of American Railroads (AAR) subsidiary Railinc to enhance the company’s rail tracking capability, “providing customers unprecedented visibility and insights into their rail shipments from the moment an organization is listed on the waybill.”

Chicago Transit Board Approves 2026 CTA Budget

The Chicago Transit Board on Nov. 12 unanimously approved a balanced $2.23 billion operating budget for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), which, the agency says, “holds the line on fares, avoids layoffs, enhances existing services, expands vehicle cleaning measures, and more.” The operating budget is $75 million—or 3.2 percent—more than the 2025 budget.

STB UPDATE: Schultz, Not Yet Kloster

The Senate Commerce Committee will meet in executive session Wednesday, Nov. 19, to vote on whether to recommend for Senate confirmation numerous POTUS 47 nominees, including Republican Michelle A. Schultz, who is

RBMN Unveils ‘Semiquincentennial’ Locomotive

The Reading & Northern Railroad (RBMN) on Nov. 11 unveiled a locomotive dressed in a patriotic scheme celebrating the forthcoming U.S. Semiquincentennial—the 250th anniversary of the United States of America—in 2026. RBMN

Transit Briefs: LA Metro, MTA, STM

LA Metro’s TAP-to-Exit program returns to North Hollywood and Union Station. Also, Jacobs and Kittelson secure a new planning contract with the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA); and the Montreal transit strike comes to an end as the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) maintenance workers’ union suspends work stoppage.

Commentary

Brightline Financial Woes Continue

On Sept. 30, I reported on Brightline, the private-sector passenger railroad that currently operates in Florida and is building a high-speed railroad between Southern California and Las Vegas. I examined the company’s

Norfolk Southern has reached a five-year collective bargaining agreement with BRS, covering nearly 970 union members. (NS Photograph)

Class I Briefs: NS, CSX, UP

Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen (BRS) members at Norfolk Southern (NS) ratify a new five-year collective bargaining agreement. Also, CSX awards Platinum Select Site status to a Dothan, Ala., industrial development property, and preps for the 83rd run of its Santa Train; and Union Pacific (UP) wraps up first-responder training at Fort Bliss, Tex.

AAR: North American Rail Volume Up Through Week 45

North American carload and intermodal traffic for the first 45 weeks of 2025 (ending Nov. 8) was up 1.9% from the prior-year period, according to the Association of American Railroads’ (AAR) latest rail traffic report. While the United States and Canada both saw gains, Mexico experienced a loss.