Daily Headlines
STB issues final Environmental Impact Statement in CP-KCS merger
The Surface Transportation Board on Jan. 27 completed a final, critical step in its consideration of the proposed Canadian Pacific-Kansas City Southern merger to form CPKC.
AAR asks federal court to review STB rate dispute ruling
The Association of American Railroads has asked the U.S. Court of Appeals to review the Surface Transportation Board’s recent ruling on small-rate disputes.
UP train blocks off entire subdivision in Illinois
Around 1:53 a.m. on Tuesday morning, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office learned that a Union Pacific Railroad was blocking roadways for the entire Woodland Shores subdivision west of Dixon.
Brightline to begin testing trains at 110 mph in Palm Beach County
Brightline announced it will begin testing trains at 110 mph in northern and central Palm Beach County as soon as Feb. 11 and continue through March.
U.S. Rep. Nehls to chair House railroad subcommittee
U.S. Rep. Troy Nehls (R-Texas) has been named the new chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s (T&I) Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials.
NJ Transit rail operations celebrates 40 years of service
January 1, 2023 marked the 40th anniversary of NJ Transit assuming control and management of the operations of New Jersey’s commuter rail network, previously operated by Conrail under contract to NJ Transit and the State of New Jersey.
CSX loses federal injunction bid in rail antitrust case
CSX Transportation Inc has lost another key ruling in its antitrust lawsuit seeking greater access to a large Virginia port, after a U.S. judge said he had no power to issue an injunction against rival freight rail operators that control tracks.
Amtrak eyes STB investigation into substandard Sunset Limited service
Amtrak in December called on the Surface Transportation Board (STB) to initiate an investigation into “substandard” customer on-time performance for Sunset Limited service between Louisiana and California.
Century-old train tunnels in Baltimore and New York to get funding from Biden’s infrastructure law
The president is making two big funding announcements this week to address bottlenecks at century-old train tunnels in Baltimore and New York City – two projects that have struggled for years to acquire enough money to get off the ground.
STB says CP-KCS merger would cause adverse noise pollution
The Surface Transportation Board’s Office of Environmental Analysis upheld its conclusion that increased railroad noise levels in some communities would be the greatest environmental impact resulting from the merger between Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern, according to a final statement released Friday.
Evacuation lifted after UP hazmat spill in Louisiana
Residents evacuated because of a Union Pacific derailment Friday night were allowed to return home Sunday evening after leaks in two tank cars were contained.
UP cleaning up after third derailment in eight months near Pocatello
Crews spent Monday morning clearing a train derailment near the Union Pacific train station in Old Town Pocatello. This is the third Union Pacific derailment near Pocatello since June.
1 of 4 spikes driven at Promontory Summit fetches $2.2 million at auction
The Arizona spike, which was ceremoniously driven in Utah to mark the transcontinental railroad completion in 1869, sold for a little more than $2 million during an auction that closed Thursday.
Biden to highlight plans to replace 150-year-old rail tunnel in Baltimore
Ulysses S. Grant was still president when workers finished the Baltimore and Potomac Tunnel, which connected Philadelphia and Washington through rail travel for the first time.
STB denies Class Is’ petition to stay rate arbitration program
The Surface Transportation Board this week denied four Class Is’ petition to stay a specific requirement of the board’s new small rate case arbitration program.
North Louisiana families evacuated after UP derailment, hazmat spill
About 130 people in north Louisiana were ordered to evacuate Saturday after a train derailed and at least two cars began leaking hazardous products, state police said. No injuries were reported.
NS locomotive catches fire near Pittsburgh
A Norfolk Southern locomotive caught on fire on Sunday morning in Westmoreland County.
Final environmental review finds few problems with CP-KCS merger
The Canadian Pacific-Kansas City Southern merger would cause few adverse environmental impacts aside from increased train noise in some locations, the Surface Transportation Board said in its final environmental impact statement today.
CPKC offers plan to address traffic issues in Chicago-area suburbs
As part of their merger, Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern will work with a group of Chicago-area communities on voluntary measures to address traffic concerns in those communities.
Opinion: High-speed rail is key to American competitiveness
With the introduction of new infrastructure funding and renewed public interest in rail transportation, now is the time to turn our high-speed vision into reality.
BLET News
Fresh start begins in Kansas City
New Officers of the BLET National Division attended their first meeting with members on January 11, fulfilling President Eddie Hall’s commitment to engage more with the membership.
BLET announces tentative agreements with two short line railroads
The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) has reached tentative contract agreements with two short line railroads: the South Buffalo Railway Company (SBRR) and the Illinois Railway (IR).
New year, new team, a fresh start for BLET
This is truly a new year for the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen. On January 1, a new team of officers took the oath of office and the union embarked on a new era.
Funeral information announced for former VP Moates
A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, December 29, 2022 at St. Therese of Lisieux (900 Clingan Ridge Dr., NW, Cleveland, TN 37312) with Father Michael Nolan officiating.
Former BLET Vice President Don L. Moates, 1946-2022
Former BLET National Vice President Don L. Moates passed away on December 23, 2022. He was 76 years old. He served the Brotherhood in numerous roles throughout his 51 years of continuous membership.
Hubbard reelected Chairman of Indiana State Legislative Board
Shane Hubbard of BLET Division 343 (Princeton, Ind.) was reelected by acclamation to his second term as Chairman of the Indiana State Legislative Board at its 15th quadrennial meeting. Terms of office for Brother Hubbard and all newly elected officers became effective November 1, 2022.
Announcement of results of BLET National Division Officers election
As prescribed by the Election Rules for the 2022 BLET National Division Officers Election, National Secretary-Treasurer Stephen J. Bruno has announced the election results of the National Division Officers election.
BLET to announce verified Officer Election results on December 19
Pursuant to the 2022 Rules for the BLET National Officers Election, the announcement of the verified results of the election will be made on Monday, December 19, 2022.
Three rail hazmat training classes available in early 2023
The Rail Workers Hazardous Materials Training Program is hosting three in-person rail worker training sessions in early 2023. The dates are as follows: January 15-20, 2023; February 5-10, 2023; and March 5-10, 2023.
BLET members ratify new contract with Long Island Rail Road
Today, members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) ratified a new collective bargaining agreement with the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) by an 84.97% supermajority.
