RTA of Central Oklahoma landed a $400,000 to evaluate 52 at-grade crossings along a proposed commuter rail corridor from Edmund to Norman. (Map Courtesy of RTA of Central Oklahoma)

Transit Briefs: RTA of Central Okla., UTA, Metro Transit, Metra, Amtrak Virginia

The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) of Central Oklahoma wins a USDOT grant to evaluate at-grade crossings along a proposed commuter rail corridor. Also, Utah Transit Authority (UTA) finalizes plans for a new TRAX light rail line; the Minnesota governor’s budget proposal reduces support for rail operations at Metro Transit; Chicago’s Metra is reopening one commuter rail station and closing another temporarily for rehab on its Metra Electric Line; and Amtrak Virginia sets an all-time record with 2024 ridership.

BNSF vs. Mother Nature on Montana’s Marias Pass

For 20 years, BNSF Railway has maintained a unique avalanche program to keep its main line to the Pacific Northwest open. It only took a few months for the Great Northern Railway

(Shutterstock/ kelvn)

Railway Age 25 Under 40 Awards

RAILWAY AGE, FEBRUARY 2025 ISSUE: Railway Age proudly recognizes 25 ‘Fast Trackers’ Under 40 in 2025 who are making a real difference.

CSX recovery efforts are progressing after Hurricane Helene struck last fall. Service is now resuming north of Spruce Pine, N.C., on the Blue Ridge Subdivision. (Screen Grab from CSX video)

Class I Briefs: CSX, BNSF

CSX reports that service is resuming north of Spruce Pine, N.C., following Hurricane Helene; that its police agents are honored for heroic efforts during Human Trafficking Prevention Month; and that Diageo North America is building a beverage distribution plant at a CSX Select Site. Also, key BNSF service metrics for intermodal are improving despite recent challenges, and the Class I railroad’s Helena, Mont., team marks seven years injury-free.

PNWR Celebrates 30 Years

Portland & Western Railroad (PNWR) is celebrating 30 years of service to customers in Oregon and Washington, Genesee & Wyoming (G&W) recently announced via a LinkedIn post. Spanning 478 miles, the short

At the conclusion of POLB’s State of the Port address earlier this month, officials signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on offshore wind power projects. Pictured, from left to right: Port of Long Beach COO Dr. Noel Hacegaba, Port of Humboldt Bay Executive Director Chris Mikkelsen, Long Beach Harbor Commission President Bonnie Lowenthal, Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero, Long Beach Harbor Commission Vice President Frank Colonna, State Lands Commission Senior Mineral Resources Engineer Vanessa Perez, and Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson. (POLB Photograph)

Watch: California ‘State of the Port’ Priorities for 2025

Last year’s environmental and operational achievements, including rail-related infrastructural projects to boost capacity, plus this year’s goals were highlighted during the recent State of the Port addresses by Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka and Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero in California.

“Caltrain is running its service on 100% renewable energy and is returning nearly a quarter of that energy to the grid,” said Michelle Bouchard, Caltrain Executive Director, on Jan. 23. “The new electric fleet is delivering on its promise of state-of-the-art service, living up to our mission of providing sustainable transportation that enhances quality of life for everyone.” (Caltrain Photograph)

Transit Briefs: Caltrain, MTA Metro-North, Denver RTD, Sound Transit, SEPTA

Caltrain announces that its electric fleet “is more efficient than expected.” Also, Metro-North Railroad’s on-time performance hits an all-time high; Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD) and BNSF Railway police departments formalize a partnership; Seattle’s Sound Transit works to solve light rail “network reliability issues”; and Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) awards a $211 million contract for the design, installation and operation of its new fare payment system.

(BNSF Photograph)

For BNSF, a $3.8B Capital Investment Plan

BNSF on Jan. 23 announced its $3.8 billion capital plan for 2025, which devotes $2.84 billion to maintenance and $535 million to expansion.

In January, there was low visibility and snowy conditions on BNSF’s Emporia Subdivision, which runs from Kansas City to Wellington in eastern Kansas. (BNSF Photograph)

Class I Briefs: BNSF, CSX

BNSF sees “some improved service performance” following weather challenges across its core network. Also, a CSX locomotive shop reaches a safety milestone.

UTLX, 225 Rail Partner to Serve Customers in the Houston Ship Channel

Union Tank Car Company (UTLX), a Marmon Rail/Berkshire Hathaway company, announced Jan. 16 that it has formed a strategic partnership with 225 Rail to serve railcar owners and shippers in the Houston Ship Channel.

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