NTSB Determines Probable Cause of Fatal September 2022 UP Collision

The probable cause of a fatal September 2022 collision on Union Pacific’s (UP) Sunset Route in Imperial County, Calif., was the routing of UP train ISILB5-07 into Bertram siding, which was occupied by 74 empty intermodal railcars, “made possible by the inappropriate removal of a computer-aided dispatching system block on the siding dispatch center,” according to a National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation report.

TriMet on Aug. 28 officially launched the 7.8-mile, 10-station Max Red Line extension, wrapping up its three-year, $218 million A Better Red project to increase the light rail system’s reliability, to serve the growing job center of Washington County, and to provide more people with a one-seat ride to and from Portland International Airport. (TriMet Photograph)

Transit Briefs: LACMTA, MBTA, TriMet, CCJPA/Amtrak, City of Edmonton

Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) releases its Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 adopted budget book. Also, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) wraps up Red Line track work, removing six speed restrictions; Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet) celebrates the launch of its MAX Red Line extension into Hillsboro; Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA), Amtrak, and other rail partners kick off September Rail Safety Month with a safety train event; and the City of Edmonton, Alberta debuts the “Here to Help” campaign as part of its Enhanced Transit Safety Plan.

Executives Discuss Practical Career Advancement Advice at Women in Rail 2024

Today’s professional journey is about more than doing a job well. AI-based candidate selection, social media prevalence, and revised work/life balance expectations are just a few of the elements to take into

Class I Briefs: NS, UP

Norfolk Southern’s (NS) inspection train travels across Alabama to meet railroaders. Also, Union Pacific (UP) and Utah’s Hogle Zoo collaborate on new safety signage.

Heartland Co-op Building Grain Shuttle Facility on UP Network

The “strength of Union Pacific’s (UP) franchise and its focus on operational excellence” has led to a new Heartland Co-op grain shuttle facility being built on the Class I’s network in Millerton, Iowa, which will provide farmers “greater access to key markets.”

Court Sides With Rails Against STB Rate Ruling

An attempt by the Surface Transportation Board (STB) to decide complex maximum freight-rate challenges by choosing one of two suggested remedies—one by the shipper; the other by the railroad—was derailed Aug. 20 in a unanimous decision of the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals. The court found the STB’s 2022 Final Offer Rate Review (FORR) rulemaking exceeded the agency’s statutory authority.

STB Establishes Procedural Schedule in Amtrak Sunset Limited OTP Proceeding

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) on Aug. 19 issued a decision to “establish a procedural schedule, address several motions and filings, and provide other directives” regarding its investigation into the on-time performance (OTP) of Amtrak’s Sunset Limited service between New Orleans, La., and Los Angeles, Calif. STB is establishing the procedural schedule in anticipation of the end of the discovery period on Aug. 23, 2024, in the interest of advancing the proceeding.

Beth Whited to open Women in Rail event

UP’s Whited Headlining 2024 Women in Rail Event

What is Beth Whited’s backstory? How can her journey to becoming the first female president in Union Pacific’s history and the lessons she’s learned along the way help you in your career? Learn more during the kick-off session with Whited at the Railway Age / RT&S Women in Rail Conference, taking place Nov. 5-6 in Chicago.

“We’re proud to be recognized by the Texas Veterans Commission [TVC] with its ‘Large Employer of the Year’ award!” BNSF reported Aug. 16 via social media. Pictured, from left to right: TVC District Manager Jo Ikard, TVC Veteran Employee Liaison Jay Zimmerman, BNSF Director of Talent Acquisition Kelly Jimenez and TVC Division Director Charlie Catoe at the TVC awards ceremony Aug. 9 in Humble, Tex. (BNSF Photograph)

Class I Briefs: BNSF, UP

BNSF provides an operational update and earns the title of “Large Employer of the Year” for Texas veterans. Also, Union Pacific’s (UP) Engineering team in Nampa, Idaho, marks a safety milestone.

Rendering of the Custom Inc. transload terminal in Longview Tex., that is expected to be operational within the next 12 months. (Courtesy of Custom)

Custom to Launch UP-Served Transload Terminal

Logistics firm Custom Inc. on Aug. 14 held a ground-breaking ceremony for a transload facility in Longview Tex., that will be served by Union Pacific (UP).

LOAD MORE