Rail Industry News
STB to review petition to amend rail performance reporting rules
(Source: Progressive Railroading, April 8, 2019) The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has opened a rule-making proceeding in response to a petition from the American Chemistry Council to amend the board's railroad performance data reporting rules. Full story:...
Without funding, Amtrak’s Hoosier State to end in July
(Source: Journal Review, April 8, 2019) CRAWFORDSVILLE, Ind. — The Hoosier State trains will stop running this summer until an agreement is reached to continue funding the service, Amtrak announced Monday. Full story: Journal Review
Falling U.S. thermal coal exports to put pressure on domestic utility market
(Source: S&P Global Platts, April 8, 2019) HOUSTON — US thermal coal exports are expected to fall as much as 12% in 2019 and 25% in 2020 given the declining Northern European delivered price, which will put pressure on the US utility and lower-grade US metallurgical...
Norfolk Southern seeks to calm shippers’ anxiety over PSR
(Source: Freight Waves, April 8, 2019) CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Norfolk Southern’s chief marketing officer sought to assuage shippers’ concerns at a rail shippers’ conference on April 5, saying his company would engage with shippers and seek opportunities to grow capacity...
Federal government foot-dragging helps oil industry delay oil-by-rail rules
(Source: DeSmog Blog, April 5, 2019) NEW YORK — In an attempt to reduce the risk of fiery oil train accidents, the state of Washington is working to pass a bill that would limit the vapor pressure of oil on trains to below 9 pounds per square inch (psi). Vapor...
Rail unions, railroads at odds over crew size mandate
(Source: Washington Examiner, April 5, 2019) WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska, has revived an effort to mandate crew size on freight trains, an issue that divides railroads and rail unions. Rail unions have backed the controversial measure, known as the...
Two Utah museums are honoring the Golden Spike’s 150th anniversary
(Source: Deseret News, April 7, 2019) SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Utah Gov. Gary Herbert declared 2019 the Year of the Train, and the Beehive State has taken that declaration to heart. While May 10 will mark 150 years since the Union Pacific and Central Pacific Railroads...
Amtrak’s ridership numbers decline on Missouri River Runner service
(Source: News Tribune, April 6, 2019) JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Although ridership numbers on Amtrak's Missouri River were down for the second quarter of the fiscal year, Missouri Department of Transportation officials said they were much better than in the first quarter....
Tuscaloosa mayor says NS opposes site for new Amtrak station
(Source: Associated Press, April 7, 2019) TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — An Alabama mayor says a railroad is opposing a proposed site for a new Amtrak station, citing safety concerns. Full story: www.al.com
Amtrak “sees promise” in Detroit-Toronto corridor
(Source: CBC News, April 4, 2019) TORONTO — The largest U.S. passenger rail system is hoping to connect its service to southwestern Ontario. Amtrak, which operates inter-city passenger trains in the United States has asked for federal funding to bring back the Detroit...
Campaign fights BNSF plan for “wall of rail cars” on Richmond shoreline
(Source: San Francisco Chronicle, April 7, 2019) RICHMOND, Calif. — On a recent morning, small waves lapped at the rocky shore, picnickers gathered at tables around a lagoon, and families perambulated along the eastern edge of San Francisco Bay to enjoy a sunny day in...
Amtrak strikes deal to redevelop Penn Station with Baltimore developers, investing $90 million
(Source: Baltimore Sun, April 4, 2019) BALTIMORE, Md. — Amtrak and a team of locally led developers have reached an agreement expected to kick-start a $400 million to $600 million transformation of the area around Baltimore’s historic Penn Station, creating a...
Union Pacific EVP Knight sells 10,000 shares of company stock
(Source: Highlight Press, April 8, 2019) NEW YORK — Union Pacific Co. EVP Robert M. Knight, Jr. sold 10,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, April 4. The stock was sold at an average price of $170.01, for a total value of $1,700,100.00....
CSX closes Russell facility; 113 jobs lost
(Source: Herald-Dispatch, April 6, 2019) RUSSELL, Ky. — CSX announced Friday morning to employees at its Russell, Kentucky, facility that the company will close the Russell Locomotive Shop and eliminate 113 positions. Full story: Herald-Dispatch
Amtrak says Gateway project will be built, cost shared by railroad, feds and state
(Source: Bloomberg, April 4, 2019) WASHINGTON, D.C. — Amtrak executives say a new rail tunnel linking New York and New Jersey must be built -- sooner rather than later -- with the costs shared among the states, railroad and federal government. Full story: Bloomberg
U.S. rail interests see China as major security risk
(Source: Freight Waves, April 8, 2019) CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — China’s push for industrial market share around the world to prop up the country’s employment base is heightening concern about the country’s potential to infiltrate the U.S. freight rail system. Full story:...
U.S. coal production posts year-on-year drop for fifth straight week
(Source: S&P Global Platts, April 4, 2019) HOUSTON — US weekly coal production was estimated to be 10.5 million st for the week ended March 30, down 6.6% from the previous week and down 26.3% from the year-ago week, US Energy Information Administration data showed...
AAR reports rail traffic for March and the week ending March 30, 2019
(Source: Association of American Railroads press release, April 3, 2019) WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Association of American Railroads (AAR) today reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending March 30, 2019, as well as volumes for March 2019. U.S. railroads originated...
New York rules out food service restoration on Amtrak trains
(Source: Albany Times Union, April 2, 2019) RENSSELAER, N.Y. — Don’t look for the cafe car to reopen anytime soon on Amtrak trains originating and terminating in Albany. Full story: Albany Times Union
Canadian transportation regulators seek public input on rail amendments
(Source: Freight Waves, April 2, 2019) CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — The Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) is seeking public comments on amendments to regulations that govern the rail rates that Canadian National and Canadian Pacific set for hauling grain in western Canada....
BLET News
Congressional Alert! Amtrak facing crisis!
All BLE and GIA members are asked to contact the U.S. House of Representative’s Appropriations Committee immediately to express support for Amtrak.
Neutrals picked for remote control arbitration
From a final list furnished by the National Mediation Board, the remote control arbitration board neutral member and “deadlock” neutral member have been selected today by the parties involved in the dispute.
Indiana Southern employees vote to be represented by BLE
The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers has won the right to represent train and engine service employees on the Indiana Southern Railroad.
Railroader loses leg in California accident
A 46-year-old employee of the California Northern Railroad Company lost his leg in a switching mishap on September 17. The man was using remote control at the time of the accident.
Pedestrian’s leg amputated in remote control accident
A pedestrian’s right leg was amputated at mid-thigh as he became trapped climbing between cars of a Burlington Northern Santa Fe freight train in Galesburg, Ill. The train was being operated by remote control at the time of the accident on August 28.
President Hahs reflects on September 11, 2001
As BLE members join all Americans and most citizens of the world in remembrance of the tragic events of one year ago today, President Hahs issued the following statement:
BLE, Teamsters announce committee appointments
The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters today announced the appointment of BLE and Teamster members to four joint committees charged with the task of drafting a Merger Agreement for the two organizations. Staff from both Unions will assist in the process as necessary.
BLE presents fatigue countermeasure plan to carriers
Leaders of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers presented a three-pronged fatigue countermeasures plan to the railroad industry and government regulators yesterday at a meeting in Washington, D.C.
Labor Day 2002 Statement by BLE President Don Hahs
The American labor movement is coming off one of the most challenging years to date as we mark our first post-September 11 Labor Day weekend. Thousands of everyday workers were killed on that fateful day, while thousands more are out of work (and out of luck regarding their 401(k)s) in the aftermath of the Enron and Worldcom debacles.
BLE, Fire Fighters to lead Labor Day parade
Members of BLE Division 166 will march in the annual Charlotte, N.C., Labor Day Parade on Monday, marking the fourth year in a row the BLE has represented rail labor in the nation’s second-largest labor day parade.
