HYDRA Expands Transloading Operations
HYDRA, a Patriot Services Company, has officially launched new warehouse and transloading operations in Salt Lake City, Utah.
news
Commentary
Mixed Progress on CPKC IT Cutover Recovery
Railroad recoveries are almost always uneven (CSX the recent exception), and we’re seeing that with a mixed bag of data this week regarding CPKC’s efforts to rebound from the operational disruptions from
Siemens Charger B+AC = New Metro-North Power
Described as “North America’s first battery-electric powered passenger locomotive,” the Siemens Mobility Charger B+AC is a dual-power that will operate in two electric modes: drawing power from AC catenary or from batteries,
Transit Briefs: Sound Transit, CHSRA, Amtrak, BART
Seattle’s Sound Transit Board identifies the preferred alternative for the Tacoma Dome Link Extension. Also, the California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) issues a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) for operating segment delivery; Amtrak Pacific Surfliner celebrates the 70th anniversary of Disneyland Resort with a special train wrap; and new San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) data shows ridership growth and improvements to safety, cleanliness, and rider satisfaction, plus a reduction in fare evasion.
STB: Private Railcar Use Ruling Remains Open (Updated With Commentary)
The Surface Transportation Board (STB), short one member at four and evenly divided between Republicans and Democrats, on June 25 issued a somewhat nebulous decision on Docket No. Ex Parte 768, “Petition
Class I Briefs: CN, NS
Retired CN intermodal containers find renewed purpose in Indigenous communities. Also, Norfolk Southern (NS) celebrates its longest-serving active railroader and supports the 2025 World Police & Fire Games.
Port of LA Signs MOA to Expand Exports Through Central Valley
The Port of Los Angeles on June 26 announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the City of Shafter, Calif., and The Wonderful Company “to promote more efficient two-way trade connections with California’s Central Valley, with a focus on bringing more U.S. exports through the Port and its terminals.”
Conrail TWU Members Ratify New Contract
Conrail Transport Workers Union (TWU) members in Detroit, Philadelphia, and New Jersey, voted “overwhelmingly” to ratify a new five-year contract that includes a 17.5% wage increase, with journeymen carmen making more than $100,000 a year by contract’s end.
SEPTA FY26 Budget Includes Service Cuts, Fare Hikes (UPDATED 6/27)
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) on April 10 released an operating budget proposal that it said “would require 45% in service cuts—coupled with major fare increases, workforce reductions, and a 9 p.m. curfew
People News: Metrolinx, Urban Engineers, Keolis Group
Michael Lindsay on July 1 will become permanent President and CEO of Metrolinx, the Ontario, Canada government agency that manages and integrates road and public transportation in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. Also, Philadelphia, Pa.-based Urban Engineers names Andrew Royston as Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Program Manager; and transit services firm Keolis Group elevates Abdellah Chajai to Executive Director of Marketing, Innovation, Sustainable Development and Engagement.
Transit Briefs: Metrolink, MDOT MTA
Metrolink unveils a new fare pilot program. Also, the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) releases its MARC Growth and Transformation Plan.
CN Releases 2024 Sustainability Data Supplement
CN on June 25 released its 2024 Sustainability Data Supplement outlining key performance metrics in the areas of climate, safety, indigenous reconciliation, and economic impact.
BNSF, TCU Intermodal Group Reach Tentative Deal
BNSF on June 25 reported reaching a tentative five-year collective bargaining agreement with members of the Transportation Communications Union (TCU) intermodal group. Forty-five percent of the workforce and 10 of the 13 represented unions at the Class I railroad are now covered by either ratified or tentative agreements.
For ASLRRA, Key Organizational Changes
The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) has reported that Senior Vice President, Membership and Business Development Kathy Keeney will retire at the end of June, following decades of work
Supply Side: Stadler, RailState/Telegraph
Stadler opens a new signaling division office in the United States. Also, RailState and Telegraph partner to improve shipment visibility for rail customers.
People News: TTX, VRE
Former TTX Company (TTX) President and CEO Raymond C. Burton, Jr., dies at the age of 86. Also, Virginia Railway Express (VRE) CEO Rich Dalton announces his retirement.
APTA Announces 2025 Public Transportation Award, Hall of Fame Honorees
The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) on June 24 reported the 13 North American organizations and leaders earning its annual awards for “vision, leadership and commitment to public transportation,” plus the induction of six new members into the APTA Hall of Fame.
AAR: North American Rail Volume Up Through Week 25
North American carload and intermodal traffic for the first 25 weeks of 2025 (ending June 21) was up 2.8% 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.
Innovation and Technology Discussed at Rail Subcommittee Hearing
Four witnesses on June 24 discussed how technologies “have the potential to revolutionize the freight and passenger rail transportation” before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
Port of Brunswick Set to Launch South Side Rail Facility Phase I
Phase I of a new rail yard on the south side of Colonels Island at the Port of Brunswick will be operational by the end of June, doubling rail capacity from five to 10