POLB: ‘Cargo Up Amid War, Tariff Uncertainty’
The Port of Long Beach (POLB) on March 18 reported “solid” cargo volumes in February “amid ongoing uncertainty over the impact of tariffs and conflict in the Middle East.” Dockworkers and terminal
news
NTSB Issues ‘Rail Propulsion Power Systems’ Safety Alert
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on March 19 published Safety Alert No. SA-105, “Electric Propulsion Power Systems – Finding Risks in Aging Rail Infrastructure,” for transit and commuter rail operators. It provides five steps that agencies can take to manage systems and help “avoid critical failures.”
Toronto Commuter Operating Contract Extension Signed
The contract with Alstom includes maintenance of the GO Transit and UP Express fleets.
Using NJT, SCOTUS Sets Limits on State ‘Sovereign Immunity’
There was a legal maxim in England during the Middle Ages that “The King can do no wrong.” That ancient doctrine has come down to us today as the concept of “Sovereign
Goode, McClellan, Brosnan Inducted into National Railroad Hall of Fame
Three iconic railroaders who spent much of their careers at Norfolk Southern or one of its predecessor companies—David Goode, the late Jim McClellan and the late Bill Brosnan—have been inducted into the
Transit Briefs: Metra, SacRT, Denver RTD
Chicagoland’s Metra is kicking off a fare collection technology pilot. Also, Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) in California is building a Transit Ambassador team. Also, Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD) partners with Denver International Airport to boost Spring Break ridership.
Supply Side: STV, Timken
STV expands in the Southeast with a new office in Atlanta. Also, Timken broadens its automated lubrication systems capabilities with the acquisition of Bijur Delimon.
OmniTRAX Adds Arm & Hammer to Rail Network
OmniTRAX announced March 19 that it has signed a long-term rail switching agreement for Arm & Hammer baking soda producer Church and Dwight’s Green River facility in Wyoming.
Lake State Railway, TGS Cedar Port Railroad Earn ASLRRA Business Development Awards
The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) recently announced that Lake State Railway (LSRC) and TGS Cedar Port Railroad (TGS Cedar Port) have earned Business Development Awards, “highlighting the innovative, out-of-the-box thinking that’s required to help short line railroads grow and thrive.” Both railroads will be honored at ASLRRA’s Annual Conference, taking place April 12-14 in Minneapolis, Minn.
NTSB Issues Preliminary Report for CN-IC/Amtrak Train Collision
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released a preliminary report for its ongoing investigation of the Feb. 22, 2026, collision involving a freight train (CN-subsidiary Illinois Central Railway Company or IC)
Virginia DRPT: $750,000 to Increase Rail Access for Poultry Growers
The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) on March 18 approved a $750,000 Rail Industrial Access (RIA) grant to the Virginia Poultry Growers Cooperative (VPGC) in Rockingham County. Administered by the Virginia Department of
Commentary
STB to UP and NS: ‘We Trust, But Verify’
So it was, following a dark night highway-rail grade crossing accident, that the train’s conductor swore under oath he was waving a lantern “back and forth” prior to the automobile operator ignoring
AAR: North American Rail Volume Up Slightly Through Week 10
North American carload and intermodal traffic for the first 10 weeks of 2026 (ending March 14) was up 2.4% from the prior-year period, according to the Association of American Railroads’ (AAR) latest rail traffic report. The United States, Canada and Mexico all experienced gains.
Keolis Appoints Lonchamp as EVP of Finance
Keolis North America on March 17 announced the appointment of Matthieu Lonchamp as Executive Vice President, Finance for the region. In this role, Lonchamp will join the North American Executive Committee, leading the company’s financial strategy across operations in the U.S. and Canada. He will be based out of the company’s North American headquarters in Boston.
Labor Updates: LIRR, TTC
The second Presidential Advisory Board (PEB) to help settle a years-long contract dispute at MTA Long Island Rail Road in New York issues recommendations. Also, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) formally files for conciliation with Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 2, a bargaining unit representing some 700 electrical, signal and cable technicians.
FTA Launches Safety Investigation of Illinois DOT Oversight of CTA
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is initiating a Safety Management Inspection (SMI) of the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (IDOT) State Safety Oversight (SSO) program for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) rail transit
Commentary
Ocean of Capital Chasing Trains, With Eric Marchetto, David Nahass and Will Geiger – Rail Group On Air
This edition of Rail Group On Air features Trinity Industries Inc. Chief Financial Officer Eric Marchetto, Railroad Financial Corporation President and Railway Age Financial Editor David Nahass, and Railroad Financial Corporation Senior
Transit Briefs: Transdev Canada, MARTA, SEPTA, BART
Transdev Canada Inc. is selected by exo to provide rail rolling equipment operation and maintenance. Also, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority’s (MARTA) Better Breeze fare payment system goes live; Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) systemwide ridership decreases 2% for February 2026; and Bay Area Rapid Transit’s (BART) Next Generation Fare Gates Project wins two prestigious awards.
Class I Briefs: UP, NS
Union Pacific (UP) participates in a Cook County, Ill., mobility and safety project’s groundbreaking ceremony. Also, Norfolk Southern (NS) opens applications for its 2026 Thoroughbred Scholars program.
People News: Wabtec, STV
Wabtec names Sameer Gaur as President of Global Freight Services. Also, STV promotes Scott Grogan and Paul Picciano to Vice President.