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Penn Station New York “Transformation” Project “will be one of the biggest and most significant construction projects in U.S. history, and we want the most skilled and knowledgeable partners to help make it a success,” Special Advisor to the Amtrak Board Andy Byford said in an Oct. 30 statement. (William C. Vantuono Photograph)

PSNY Project Meets ‘Key’ Milestones

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) on Oct. 30 reported reaching three “key” milestones for the Penn Station New York “Transformation” Project, “keeping construction on track to break ground by the end of 2027.”

Kawasaki’s R268 cars for New York City Transit will run on the “B” division and be designed with specs similar to its R211 cars (pictured). (MTA Photograph)

Kawasaki to Supply 378 More ‘B’ Division Cars to NYCT

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Board has approved the purchase of 378 new Kawasaki Rail Car, Inc.-built R268 rapid transit cars for New York City Transit (NYCT), which will run on the “B” (lettered) division and be designed with specs similar to the those for the R211 cars, according to MTA.

Keolis, IBEW Reach Tentative Agreement

Keolis Commuter Services (Keolis), the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s (MBTA) operations and maintenance partner for the Commuter Rail, announced Oct. 31 that it has reached a tentative agreement with the International Brotherhood

(Courtesy of NTSB)

NTSB Recommends Sidelining SEPTA Silverliner IVs (UPDATED 11/3)

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on Oct. 1 released a report that “urged the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority to act immediately to eliminate fire risks in its fleet of Silverliner IV railcars.” It stems from the government agency’s ongoing investigation of five fires involving Silverliner IVs this year. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) on the same day issued an Emergency Order to SEPTA, which on Oct. 31 reported nearing completion of the 14 safety-related requirements outlined within it.

Commentary
  • News

Why Not a Merger Timeout?

WATCHING WASHINGTON, NOVEMBER 2025 ISSUE: Perhaps the gutsiest-ever regulatory agency decision was the Surface Transportation Board’s (STB) 2001 imposition of a railroad merger moratorium. Its architect was then-STB Chairperson Linda J. Morgan. 

Former STB Member Frank Mulvey, 81

Francis Patrick (Frank) Mulvey, a Democrat who served on the Surface Transportation Board (STB) from May 2004 to December 2013, died Oct. 18 at 81. Among just six Ph.D. economists (of 117

  • News

MSU RMCP Marks 20 Years

RAILWAY AGE, OCTOBER 2025 ISSUE: Michigan State University’s Center for Railway Research and Education, housed at the Broad College of Business, marked a major milestone in 2025 as it convened its 20th

CPKC: UP+NS Merger ‘Not in the Public Interest’

To express its concerns about the proposed Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) has established a page on its website stating its case against the possible combination and argues

CN Delivers ‘Strong’ 3Q25

“I want to thank the entire CN team for delivering a strong quarter that combined solid performance with excellent customer service,” said President and CEO Tracy Robinson during the Class I’s third-quarter 2025 financial and operating announcement on Oct. 31. “Our seasoned team of railroaders continues to run a safe, on time, and efficient operation focused on service, and capturing every freight movement opportunity across our unique network and diversified portfolio.”

NYMTA Releases Climate Resilience Roadmap Update

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) on Oct. 29 released an update to its Climate Resilience Roadmap on the thirteenth anniversary of Superstorm Sandy, “outlining the agency’s strategic priorities in mitigating the effects of extreme weather events and climate change on transit infrastructure across the service area.”

  • News

BLET, WNYP Reach Tentative Agreement

The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineering and Trainmen (BLET) announced Oct. 27 that it has reached a tentative five-year agreement with the Western New York & Pennsylvania (WNYP) Railroad, governing rates of pay, benefits, and work rules.