AAR: U.S. Rail Traffic Down 4% for Week Ending Jan. 3

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) on Jan. 8 reported that total originated U.S. rail traffic was 404,293 carloads and intermodal units for the week ending Jan. 3, 2026, down 4.0%, from

‘Fast Trackers’ Nominations Due Today, Jan. 8

Railway Age is now accepting entries for our 2026 “Fast Trackers” 25 Under 40 awards, in which we will profile 25 individuals under the age of 40 who have made an impact in their respective fields or within their company. The deadline is today, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, at 5 p.m. E.T

RBMN Owner and CEO Andy Muller Jr. (RBMN Photograph)

RBMN: Another Record-Breaking Year

Class II Reading & Northern Railroad (RBMN) on Jan. 6 reported breaking annual freight revenue and passenger ridership records—again.

Aimee Nolan (Courtesy of ARH)

ARH Taps Aimee Nolan as CLO

Aimee Nolan has been appointed Chief Legal Officer at Anacostia Rail Holdings (ARH), as Mark Sidman, the company’s General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, prepares to retire March 31, 2026.

(Courtesy of Wabtec)

Watch: NY MTA Exercises Option for More Wabtec R255s

Wabtec Corporation on Jan. 7 reported landing a $386 million follow-on order to supply 45 R255 locomotives to the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) for maintenance-of-way operations. Deliveries of the hybrid battery-diesel units are scheduled to begin in 2027.

From Left to Right: Watco’s Dan Smith, Rick Baden and Andy Nielsen. (Courtesy of Watco)

For Watco, Changes at the Top

Pittsburg, Kans.-based Watco on Jan. 7 reported leadership transitions that include Dan Smith, Rick Webb, Rick Baden and Andy Nielsen.

The acquisition of Wells Fargo’s rail operating lease portfolio by a joint venture of GATX and Brookfield Infrastructure closed Jan. 1. (GATX Photograph)

Supply Side: GATX, Enviri/New Enviri, TX Rail Products

GATX Corporation and Brookfield Infrastructure complete their acquisition of Wells Fargo’s rail assets. Also, New Enviri will be the spinoff of the Harsco Environmental and Rail businesses from Enviri; and TX Rail Products, Inc. completes a strategic capital raise.

Class I Briefs: BNSF, UP

BNSF delivers the first load to its new intermodal ramp in Oklahoma City. Also, Union Pacific (UP) introduces a new GPS-powered platform developed by supply chain technology partner Blume Global.

Rendering of next-generation S200s for Metro Transit’s MetroLink service in St. Louis. (Courtesy of Siemens Mobility)

Transit Briefs: Metro Transit, PATH, MBTA

Metro Transit, St. Louis, will begin taking delivery of new high-floor LRVs (light rail vehicles) in 2027. Also, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s (PANY/NJ) PATH regains ridership in November, reaching 76% of the pre-pandemic level; and Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) closes out 2025 with service delivery, accessibility and infrastructure progress.

Marmon Rail Introduces Transco Rail Services

Marmon Rail on Jan. 5 introduced Transco Rail Services, a unified repair identiy within the company’s family that brings together UTLX Field Services, Procor Field Services, and Transco Fixed Repair Shops under

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