FRA Requiring BNGR to Discontinue Operation

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has issued an emergency order requiring Blackwell Northern Gateway Railroad (BNGR), a Class III railroad headquartered in Blackwell, Okla., to “discontinue operation of all trains, locomotives and any other on-track rail vehicles or equipment under any circumstances,” stating that the short line is operating with “a complete disregard for the safety of the public.”

Andy Koziol, Director West-East Rail, MassDOT

Koziol Appointed as West-East Rail Director

Massachusetts Gov. Maura T. Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kimberley Driscoll and Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt on Feb. 6 announced that they will be appointing Andy Koziol as Director of West-East Rail, which would extend passenger rail service from Boston to Worcester, Springfield and Pittsfield.

ASLRRA President Chuck Baker
Commentary

Supporting the Drive to Net Zero Emissions by 2050

ASLRRA PERSPECTIVE, RAILWAY AGE FEBRUARY 2024 ISSUE: Short line railroads are in business to provide shippers with reliable and competitive transportation service. Doing so requires constant attention to improving operating practices, upgrading infrastructure, and maintaining safety. While that is by necessity their focus, a growing number of short lines are also devoting serious time and resources to maximizing the environmental advantages inherent in rail transportation.

(TTC Operated by ENSCO Photograph)

Up Close at the Impact Wall

TTC OPERATED BY ENSCO, RAILWAY AGE FEBRUARY 2024 ISSUE: When visitors enter the Transportation Technology Center (TTC), they travel over a small overpass just prior to arriving at the entrance gate. Despite

NYMTA photo

Transit Briefs: NYMTA, NJ Transit, Amtrak

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) launches OMNY on Hudson Rail Link, releases the results of the Fall 2023 Customers Count Survey, and receives approval to time delay emergency exits to fight fare evasion. Also, New Jersey state lawmakers advance a bill to establish an office representing customers’ interest following a proposed 15% fare hike by NJ Transit; and a new study predicts the significant economic impact of passenger rail in Ohio.

Commentary

‘Here’s the Data. Have Fun With It’

Feb. 3 marks the one-year “anniversary” of Norfolk Southern’s East Palestine, Ohio, derailment, which quickly turned into a media circus, flavored with tasty fodder appealing to preaching, finger-pointing politicians. We’ve covered the

(BNSF Photograph)
Commentary

Promises Made, Promises Kept

Since the East Palestine, Ohio, train derailment, America’s freight railroads acted quickly and decisively to pursue voluntary actions to help prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future. Over the past 12

FRA Administrator Amit Bose

FRA: Railroads Required to Provide EEBAs

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) on Jan. 25 announced that it has issued a final rule requiring railroads to provide emergency escape breathing apparatuses (EEBAs) for train crew members and other employees who could be exposed to an inhalation hazard in the event of a hazardous material (hazmat) release.

“Connecting Las Vegas and Southern California will provide wide-spread public benefits to both states, creating thousands of jobs and jumpstarting a new level of economic competitiveness for the region,” Brightline Founder and Chairman Wes Edens said. “We appreciate the confidence placed in us by DOT and are ready to get to work.” (Rendering Courtesy of Brightline West)

Brightline West Lands $2.5B in Private Activity Bonds

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) on Jan. 23 reported approving a $2.5 billion private-activity bonds allocation to the Brightline West High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail project linking Las Vegas and Southern California.

Brian Kelly, outgoing CEO of the California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA)

Report: CHSRA’s Kelly Stepping Down

After six years leading the California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA), Brian Kelly has submitted his letter of resignation, according to a Jan. 18 report from Nexstar Media’s KTLA 5 in Los Angeles.

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