The New York MTA has named Rosemonde Pierre-Louis of the McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research at New York University (NYU) and Roger Maldonado of Smith Gambrell LLP as Co-Chairs of its Blue-Ribbon Panel to combat fare and toll evasion. (Photograph Courtesy of NYCT)

People News: AllTranstek, CSX, New York MTA

Steve McCullough, Jim Dinell and Mike Tait have transitioned to new roles at AllTranstek, LLC, a North American third-party, non-asset-based rail fleet management provider. Also, CSX’s Arthur Adams and Norfolk Southern’s (NS) D’Andrae C. Larry have earned spots on Savoy magazine’s 2022 list of Most Influential Black Executives in Corporate America; and the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has appointed two Co-Chairs for its Blue-Ribbon Panel to combat fare and toll evasion.

A Norfolk Southern (NS) Operation Awareness & Response train—comprising a locomotive, two boxcar classrooms, four tank cars, and two specially equipped flat cars for hands-on training—visited Williamsport, Pa. in late June. (Photograph Courtesy of NS)

Small-Road Briefs: NSHR/LVRR, SERA

North Shore Railroad (NSHR) and Lycoming Valley Railroad (LVRR) personnel participated in hazmat and emergency preparedness training for first responders in Williamsport, Pa. Also, the operational headquarters of Sierra Northern Railway’s (SERA) Ventura Division moved to Santa Paula, Calif.

CPKC: CN, NS Seek Conditions

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) on July 1 accepted for consideration responsive applications by CN and Norfolk Southern (NS) regarding the Canadian Pacific-Kansas City Southern merger, which is under STB review and seeks to create North America’s first transnational freight railroad, Canadian Pacific Kansas City, or CPKC.

Commentary

Analysis: ‘Big 4’ Revised STB Service Recovery Plans

The four largest U.S. freight railroad companies—BNSF, CSX, Norfolk Southern, Union Pacific—all reported, per the request of the Surface Transportation Board, supplemental information about their efforts to improve service and network fluidity. This is, of course part, of an ongoing STB service investigation with public hearings held back on April 26 and 27 of this year.

The Western Rail Initiative in Virginia calls for an additional round-trip train to Roanoke (launching July 11, 2022), and an extension of service from Roanoke to Christiansburg in the New River Valley following infrastructure improvements.

Virginia Moves Forward on New River Valley Rail Plan

The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) and Norfolk Southern (NS) on June 30 announced the financial closing of a deal that will expand commonwealth-supported Amtrak service from Washington, D.C., to Roanoke and to the New River Valley.

VRE Commits $195MM to ‘Transforming Rail in Virginia’

Virginia Railway Express (VRE) is backing Virginia’s $4 billion initiative to improve passenger and freight rail capacity and relieve automotive traffic congestion with a nearly $195 million contribution.

Plan for Expanded Western PA Passenger Service Advances

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Norfolk Southern (NS) are one step closer to finalizing an operating agreement to expand Amtrak passenger rail service in western Pennsylvania.

(NS Video Screenshot, Courtesy of NS via Twitter and LinkedIn)

Watch: NS Debuts Updated Operating Plan

Norfolk Southern (NS) on June 27 announced a new operating plan that it says will drive service, productivity and growth.

Nag, Morris, Wong Move Up at NS

Norfolk Southern (NS) has promoted three executives, effective July 1: Nabanita Nag, Jason Morris and Wai Wong. All will be part of the Law Division.

The Middle Georgia Megasite—adjacent to Georgia Highway 96 in Peach County—will be served by Norfolk Southern, which can access the Port of Savannah and Port of Brunswick in less than five hours. (Map Courtesy of Development Authority of Peach County, Ga.)

Industrial Development Briefs: NS, Watco

The state of Georgia and the Development Authority of Peach County purchased a 1,113-acre industrial development site to be served by Norfolk Southern (NS). Also, Bartlett, a Savage Company, kicked off construction of its $375 million, Watco-served soybean crushing plant in southeast Kansas.

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