UP, NS Shareholders Greenlight Merger

The votes are in: Shareholders of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, in Special Meetings held Nov. 14, approved the merger of the two railroads to form a U.S. transcontinental, with in-favor margins

Michael Baker International Taps Peters, Reed

Michael Baker International appoints Kevin Reed, P.E., as President and Chris Peters, P.E., S.E., as Chief Operating Officer.

Metra Approves $1.2B Operating Budget for 2026

The Metra Board of Directors on Nov. 13 approved a $1.2 billion operating budget for 2026 that relies on new state funding and requires no fare increases or service cuts. The Board also approved a $515.3 million capital plan that, the agency says, “continues major investments in bridges, stations, and new and rehabilitated rolling stock.”

FTA Finalizes CIG Guidance

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has finalized guidance (download below) for its Capital Investment Grants (CIG) program, described as “the largest federal discretionary grant program for transit capital investments, including heavy rail, commuter rail,

CPKC, Soo Line BLET Reach Tentative Agreement

Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) on Nov. 13 it has reached a new tentative five-year collective agreement with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET). The tentative agreement, CPKC said, provides

Brightline and Sotereon.AI are partnering to create “a real-time digital replica of the Brightline corridor, one that is continuously updated throughout the operational day” to enhance the inspection and maintenance process. (Courtesy of Brightline and Sotereon.AI)

Transit Briefs: Brightline, Valley Metro, Caltrain

Brightline, Florida’s private-sector passenger railroad, teams with Sotereon.AI on a corridor monitoring project. Also, Valley Metro in Arizona sees a $20 billion return on its light rail investment; and Caltrain receives funding to expand its GoPass fare program.

MineHub, Railinc Partner to Enhance Rail Shipment Tracking Data Capabilities

MineHub Technologies Inc. (MineHub), a digital supply chain solutions provider, on Nov. 12 announced that it has integrated with Association of American Railroads (AAR) subsidiary Railinc to enhance the company’s rail tracking capability, “providing customers unprecedented visibility and insights into their rail shipments from the moment an organization is listed on the waybill.”

Chicago Transit Board Approves 2026 CTA Budget

The Chicago Transit Board on Nov. 12 unanimously approved a balanced $2.23 billion operating budget for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), which, the agency says, “holds the line on fares, avoids layoffs, enhances existing services, expands vehicle cleaning measures, and more.” The operating budget is $75 million—or 3.2 percent—more than the 2025 budget.

A SEPTA employee inspects a Silverliner IV Train. (Courtesy of SEPTA)

Report: SEPTA Working to Boost Regional Rail Capacity

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) will lease 10 railcars to alleviate pressure on its Regional Rail service, as it performs federally mandated safety inspections and makes repairs to Silverliner IV cars, following

NJT Slates $917MM Multilevel I, II Overhaul

New Jersey Transit’s 429 Alstom (originally Bombardier)-built Multilevel I and II railcars are approaching 20 years of service and due for a recommended mid-life overhaul. NJT on Nov. 12 proceeded with its

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