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“On July 4, 2026, the United States will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence,” CN wrote in a March 4 social media post. “To mark this milestone, we have unveiled two commemorative locomotives now officially in service CN 1776 & CN 2026.” (Screen grab from CN video)

First Look: CN 1776, CN 2026

Canadian Class I CN on March 4 launched two commemorative locomotives—moving tributes marking the 250th anniversary of the United States signing of the Declaration of Independence. Both America250 units will begin service immediately and are expected to operate across CN’s U.S. network throughout 2026, “offering employees, customers and rail enthusiasts an opportunity to participate in the celebration.”

Left to Right: Matthew Hammond, CN; Tom Bourgonje, CPKC; and Bruce Harbridge, TransmetriQ. (Images courtesy of the respective organizations)
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People News: CN, CPKC, TransmetriQ

Matthew Hammond joins CN as Vice President, Engineering. Also, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) celebrates its 2026 Railroader of the Year; and Railinc-brand TransmetriQ names Bruce Harbridge as Head of the Managed Services division.

Transit Briefs: BART, Omaha Streetcar, MBTA

Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) rolls out new fare gate tones and invites members of the blind and low-vision community to a sensory orientation. Also, Omaha Streetcar will begin track construction this April; and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) debuts the New York Central Railroad heritage unit.

CPKC in February moved 2.232 million metric tons (MMT) of Canadian grain and grain products, beating its previous February tonnage record set in 2021. (CPKC Photograph)

Class I Briefs: CPKC, BNSF, NS

Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) sets new February monthly grain records. Also, BNSF recognizes its 2025 Safety Bell Award honorees; and Norfolk Southern (NS) shares the story of one of its newest third‑generation railroaders.

(BNSF Photograph)

For BNSF, 2025 Revenue, Volume Flat

Berkshire Hathaway-owned BNSF posted total revenue and volume that for 2025 were relatively unchanged from 2024 and that for fourth-quarter 2025 saw declines. In a letter to shareholders, Berkshire CEO Greg Abel,

The BART Board on Feb. 26 adopted an alternative service plan outlining specific budget balancing details to solve a $376 million deficit for the next fiscal year if no new funds become available to the transit agency. (Courtesy of BART)

Transit Briefs: BART, MBTA, MARC, Metra

The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) Board adopts an alternative service plan outlining budget-balancing details. Also, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is developing a rail modernization plan to provide more frequent, reliable and accessible regional rail service; Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) members ratify a new contract with Alstom and Maryland’s MARC commuter rail; and Chicago’s Metra schedules 41 safety blitzes for 2026.