Rail Industry News
No fare increase or service cuts proposed in NJ Transit budget
(Source: www.nj.com, June 10, 2016) NEWARK, N.J. — NJ Transit's proposed fiscal year 2017 budget does not include a fare increase, but officials are rolling the dice that fare revenues will grow, despite a lackluster performance from the fare box in fiscal year 2016....
Lynchburg Amtrak passengers to get more rail service next year
(Source: Lynchburg News & Advance, June 22, 2016) LYNCHBURG, Va. — Amtrak riders in Lynchburg can expect to see additional passenger rail service in the city following the opening of an Amtrak station in Roanoke. Roanoke is expected to commence Amtrak service in the...
Sounder South trains are so popular, Sound Transit is trying to add more
(Source: Seattle Times, June 11, 2016) SEATTLE, Wash. — Sound Transit is negotiating with BNSF Railway in hopes of bringing all-day service to the Sounder line to serve fast-growing communities in Pierce and South King counties. Full story: Seattle Times
Washington D.C. joins jurisdictions with $15 minimum wage
(Source: International Brotherhood of Teamsters press release, June 10, 2016) WASHINGTON, D.C. — A $15 minimum wage, once considered a fantasy by many, is now on its way towards being a reality in the nation’s capital. Washington, D.C. added itself to the growing list...
Traffic downturn impacts BNSF employees
(Source: Minot Daily News, June 12, 2016) MINOT, N.D. — The downturn in energy continues to have an impact on Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad, a major player in the North Dakota oil patch. Full story: Minot Daily News
Crude by rail shipments down but not out
(Source: La Crosse Tribune, June 12, 2016) LA CROSSE, Wisc. — With lower crude oil prices, North Dakota drillers dramatically cut production over the past winter and spring, but trains continue to roll through Midwestern communities loaded with the volatile cargo....
UP says broken bolt caused Mosier oil train derailment
(Source: Associated Press, June 11, 2016) SEATTLE, Wash. — At least one broken bolt holding the rail in place caused the fiery derailment of a Union Pacific train moving volatile crude oil through the Columbia River Gorge on the Oregon-Washington border, railroad...
Inspection found ‘very serious’ problems with UP prior to Mosier derailment
(Source: The Oregonian, June 10, 2016) PORTLAND, Ore. — After Union Pacific's fiery oil train derailment in Mosier last week, the railroad company repeatedly emphasized its record and commitment to safety. But federal records and newly released inspections from the...
CSX train derails in Baltimore tunnel, no injuries
(Source: Associated Press, June 13, 2016) BALTIMORE, Md. — Authorities say a freight train has derailed in a tunnel in Baltimore, but there are no injuries or hazards to the public. Full story: Washington Post
UP fined $7 million for safety violations from 2014-2015, more than any other railroad
(Source: Associated Press, June 12, 2016) WASHINGTON, D.C. — Union Pacific penalties surpass those of every railroad nationwide for the past two years, a media organization said. Full story: Washington Post
MTA increases security at Grand Central after terror attack in Orlando
(Source: Bridgeport Daily Voice, June 13, 2016) FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. — The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has beefed up security along Metro-North lines and at Grand Central Terminal after 50 people were killed early Sunday in a massacre that President...
Desert rail line to be re-built between U.S. and Mexico
(Source: CBS 8, June 9, 2016) SAN DIEGO, Calif. — The Metropolitan Transit System Board of Directors Thursday approved a bi-national agreement that will clear the way for rebuilding a mostly unused 70-mile stretch of railway in the southeastern San Diego County...
Northwest tribal leaders highlight risks of oil trains
(Source: Associated Press, June 9, 2016) MOSIER, Ore. — Leaders of several Pacific Northwest tribes gathered Thursday near the site of last week's fiery oil train wreck in Oregon to condemn the shipping of fossil fuels through the Columbia River Gorge, a scenic...
Oil trains can benefit from $7 million bypass at CSX Selkirk yard
(Source: Albany Times Union, June 9, 2016) BETHLEHEM, N.Y. — The state is spending $3.5 million to help build a five-mile freight rail bypass around the sprawling Selkirk switching yard, a key hub that keeps cargo moving between the Midwest and New England. Full...
Illinois DOT plans more upgrades as part of Midwest high-speed rail prep
(Source: Belleville News-Democrat, June 10, 2016) ALTON, Ill. — The Illinois Department of Transportation plans to carry out crossings upgrades this year as it prepares to provide high-speed rail passenger service between Chicago and St. Louis by 2017. Full story:...
Operation Lifesaver offers safety tips during international crossing awareness observance
(Source: Operation Lifesaver press release, June 9, 2016) WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. rail safety education nonprofit Operation Lifesaver, Inc.(OLI) will participate in the eighth annual observance of International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD) June 10-11 as one of...
Teamsters test new voter registration tools in Colorado, New Hampshire
(Source: International Brotherhood of Teamsters press release, June 9, 2016) WASHINGTON, D.C. — Teamsters in Colorado and New Hampshire this week started testing new technology that will help the union ramp up its voter registration efforts in advance of the November...
Opinion: We don’t just need rail safety, we deserve it
(Source: Opinion column by Tommy G. Thompson in The Hill, June 9, 2016. Thompson was the longest serving Governor of Wisconsin, the former Chairman of Amtrak and the former Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.) WASHINGTON, D.C. — It was just over...
Carmen’s union challenges MBTA changes to attendance policy
(Source: Boston.com, June 9, 2016) BOSTON — The MBTA’s largest labor union, Carmen’s Union Local 589, is challenging changes to the agency’s attendance policy that the T says have helped cut down on absenteeism and overtime spending this year. Full story:...
Booker, Menendez: NJ Transit, Amtrak need safeguards to prevent terrorist attacks
(Source: www.nj.com, June 9, 2016) TRENTON, N.J. — Eight years after Congress passed legislation to make Amtrak, commuter railroads and transit systems more secure, the Transportation Security Agency has yet to enact regulations. Full story: www.nj.com
BLET News
No Results Found
The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.
