Rail Industry News
Union Pacific reports Q2 2025 results
(Source: Union Pacific press release, July 24, 2025) Union Pacific Corporation reported 2025 second quarter net income of $1.9 billion, or $3.15 per diluted share. Results compare to 2024 second quarter net income of $1.7 billion, or $2.74 per diluted share. Second...
Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern discuss merger to create transcontinental railroad, AP source says
To be approved, any major rail merger must show it will enhance competition and serve the public interest.
Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency issues warning about end-of-train device vulnerability
The federal government cybersecurity agency has issued a warning that the EOT could be vulnerable to computer hackers, especially those seeking to take control of the train’s air brake system.
Trump administration pulls $4 billion in federal funding for California’s bullet train project
Overall, a little less than a quarter of the project’s funding has come from the federal government. The rest has come from the state.
SEPTA board approves budget with 45% service cuts
“This budget will effectively dismantle SEPTA — leaving the City and region without the frequent, reliable transit service that has been an engine of economic growth, mobility, and opportunity,” said SEPTA General Manager Scott A. Sauer.
BLET Auxiliary: Now available: “Taking Charge,” a survival guide for railroad families
Members of the BLET Auxiliary were busy selling raffle tickets at the Daytona Beach Regional. From left: Jodi Wallace, Chris Baldwin, Kat Bisbikis, Rachel Pharris, and Natalie Miller. ____________________ Kat Bisbikis, National President of the BLET Auxiliary,...
General President Sean O’Brien highlights list of Teamster speakers during Eastern Regional Meeting
IBT General President Sean O'Brien: “Our members are changing the game. Setting the standard. Improving the lives of their fellow Teamsters all across the country.” ____________________ Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien addressed BLET members during a rousing...
Rail unions warn DOT rollbacks could jeopardize train safety
Labor concerned about potential new power to fire FRA inspectors
June 2025 RRB Q&A: Unemployment and sickness benefits for railroad employees
A new unemployment and sickness benefit year – the twelve-month period during which the RRB makes benefit payments for days of unemployment and sickness to eligible railroad employees – generally begins each July 1 and ends on June 30 of the next year.
CPKC system cutover triggers service woes in some former KCS locations
Localized congestion, delays, and shipper frustrations follow tech switchover in Louisiana, east Texas, and Mississippi
Smuggling arrest raises questions about Mexican crews moving trains into Texas
Some U.S. workers see Mexican crews bringing trains into South Texas as a threat to American jobs and border security.
Parallel Systems begins testing autonomous cars on G&W short line
The pilot program to evaluate Parallel’s self-propelled container car was launched this week on the Heart of Georgia Railroad
Heartland Flyer service in jeopardy after Texas fails to provide funding
State support for Fort Worth-Oklahoma City not included in $338 billion budget bill
Arbitrator in CPKC, TCRC contract dispute awards 3% raises
Retroactive from Jan. 1, 2024, through Dec. 31, 2027, the new contracts include annual wage increases of 3%.
NJ Transit, BLET reach deal to end 3-day strike
The BLET represents 450 New Jersey Transit engineers who drive the agency’s commuter trains.
BNSF reports Q1 2025 results
Net income rose 6.2%, to $1.2 billion.
CPKC says FRA is open to automated and streamlined track and train inspections
Without a waiver from the FRA, railroads cannot simultaneously scale back the required frequency of visual inspections of track and trains where automated systems are deployed.
CPKC reports Q1 2025 results
Revenues were $3.8 billion in Q1 2025, up from $3.5 billion in Q1 2024.
Norfolk Southern reports Q1 2025 results
NS reported Q1 2025 income of $1.1 billion, an increase from $933 million reported in Q1 2025.
Union Pacific reports Q1 2025 results
Union Pacific reported 2025 first quarter net income of $1.6 billion, which compares to 2024 first quarter net income of $1.6 billion.
BLET News
BLET’s Ray Vigil named to New Jersey governor-elect’s transition team
Ray Vigil (left) will serve on the Transition Action Team of New Jersey Governor-Elect Mikie Sherill (right). ____________________ Ray Vigil, Chairman of the BLET’s New Jersey State Legislative Board, has been appointed by Governor-Elect Mikie Sherrill to serve on her...
Governor Shapiro authorizes $219.9 million in one-time capital emergency funding for SEPTA regional rail
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro announces the emergency funding to be immediately directed toward SEPTA's safety issues and repairs. SEPTA photo ____________________ Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro ordered that $219.9 million from the state’s transportation...
Secretary-Treasurer refresher courses available via Zoom in December
The BLET National Division Education & Training Department will host an End-of-Year Secretary-Treasurer Refresher Training Class. This session is designed to review year-end reporting requirements, compliance deadlines, and provide a first look at our new...
Attention all CPKC Soo Line and SEPTA members: Replacement ballots are now available
The telephone hotline to request replacement ballots is now open for two separate ratification votes currently underway. The first is for BLET members who work on the CPKC Soo Line territory and the second is for BLET members at SEPTA. Ballots and voting instructions...
National Legislative Board concludes annual meeting
From left: Amit Bose, Brendan Sullivan, Richard Barnett, Ryan Snow, Herbert Harris Jr., Gary Best, Mark Wallace, Vince Verna, Shane Hubbard, Chuck Schulz, David Estes, Alex Beckmann, and Cole Scandaglia. ____________________ The BLET National Legislative Board (NLB)...
Train crews drive resurgence at Amtrak as trains sell out ahead of Thanksgiving holiday rush
Amtrak's recent surge in ticket sales are thanks in large part to the hard work and dedication of the train crews including BLET members. Amtrak photo ____________________ Amtrak trains are selling out from coast to coast thanks in part to surging demand for...
Division 301 in Roanoke marks 140th anniversary
BLET Division 301 in Roanoke was chartered on November 17, 1885. Members celebrated their Division's 140th anniversary at a Division meeting earlier in this month where they wore t-shirts designed by Local Chairman Patrick Jennings. ____________________ In 1885,...
BLET backing efforts to secure funding for Caltrain, other mass transit agencies
The BLET is backing efforts to place a funding measure on the November 2026 ballot that would help keep the trains rolling at Caltrain. Photo courtesy of Caltrain ____________________ Commuter railroad Caltrain and other public transit agencies in the San Francisco...
One year later, Division 13 member Tony Ramos continues battle with brain cancer; Fundraiser set for La Crosse on December 4
Brother Tony Ramos, an Air Force veteran, was invited to attend a Wisconsin Badgers football game in November where he was presented with a game ball in recognition of his year-long battle with brain cancer. ____________________ It’s been one year since BLET member...
LIRR unions in NMB public interest hearing tell labor board that PEB recommendations are a foundation for reaching a settlement
On Monday, November 17, the National Mediation Board (NMB) held a “Public Interest Hearing” at its offices in Washington to assess if either the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) or a coalition of five rail unions that includes BLET would accept the recommendations of...
