UP’s Makerov Earns AAR Environmental Excellence Award

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) recently recognized Union Pacific’s (UP) Mike Makerov with its 2025 Environmental Excellence Award for his contributions to “environmental stewardship and sustainability across the freight rail industry.” CN’s Kari Harris, CSX’s Brian Booth, and Norfolk Southern’s (NS) Terri Allen were also honored as nominees.

CSX earlier this month participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for customer Saint Paul Commodities’ $2.33 million blending plant in Selma, N.C. (Screen Grab From CSX Video)

Class I Briefs: CSX, BNSF, NS, UP

CSX and BNSF celebrate the advancement of separate industrial-development projects in North Carolina and Arkansas, respectively. Also, Norfolk Southern (NS) supports Habitat for Humanity and Children’s of Alabama; and Union Pacific’s (UP) Roseville Terminal in California marks a safety milestone.

(Courtesy of Brightline West)

Brightline West Entering ‘Transaction Support Agreement’

Fortress Investment Group-backed Brightline West (a.k.a., DesertXpress Enterprises, LLC) on Nov. 20 reported entering into a “transaction support agreement that is expected to culminate in a private exchange by holders of a

Transit Briefs: TriMet, Maryland Purple Line

TriMet reduces administrative staff to help address the agency’s ongoing budget gap. Also, Purple Line vehicles arrive in New Carrollton, Md.

“In 2021, the MTA was looking at a $2.5 billion annual deficit, but we have been able to get back on track thanks to the amazing support from Albany,” MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said Nov. 19 upon release of the agency’s final 2026 operating budget and four-year financial plan. “That support allowed us to stay afloat without cutting service, without any layoffs—and another major factor in this agency’s fiscal stability has been the cost savings that we’ve achieved in recent years.” (MTA Photograph)

Transit Briefs: NYMTA, KC Streetcar, NCTD, WMATA, DART

New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) releases its final 2026 operating budget and four-year financial plan. Also, KC Streetcar will soon reveal plans for the new northern terminus and CPKC (Canadian Pacific Kansas City) Pavilion; North County Transit–San Diego Railroad (NCTD) and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) move forward on transit-oriented development projects; and the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Board approves contracts to improve security and cleanliness systemwide.

Hillwood, BNSF, City of Forth Worth Launch Alliance Logistics District

Hillwood, BNSF Railway, and the City of Fort Worth on Nov. 18 announced the creation of the Alliance Logistics District, officially designated and approved by the Fort Worth City Council at its Nov. 11 meeting.

TexAmericas Center Commissions Two Locomotives

TexAmericas Center, one of the largest mixed-use industrial parks in the U.S., announced Nov. 19 that it has commissioned two locomotives that “expand on‑site switching, transload, and yard capabilities across its campus. The added power increases capacity and elevates safety for crews.”

(Courtesy of IANA)

IANA: Intermodal ‘Stays Ahead’ in 3Q25

“The North American intermodal market maintained a positive growth trajectory in the third quarter of 2025, despite increasing volatility and economic headwinds,” according to the Intermodal Association of North America’s (IANA) quarterly

(Courtesy of STB)

ASLRRA to Participate in STB Review of Proposed UP-NS Merger

The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) has filed a notice of intent to participate in the Surface Transportation Board’s (STB) review of the forthcoming Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern application seeking

STB Vice Chairman Michelle Schultz. (Courtesy of U.S. Government)

Sens. Cruz, Cantwell Support STB Nominee Schultz

The Senate Commerce Committee on Nov. 19 recommended Senate reconfirmation of Republican Michelle A. Schutz to a second five-year term on the Surface Transportation Board (STB). Her renomination is now ripe for

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