Rail Industry News
CP Rail, CN Rail stare down ‘near impossible’ comparisons to last year’s gangbuster results
(Source: Financial Post, June 1, 2015) OTTAWA — The two biggest Canadian railways are facing stronger volume headwinds and “near impossible” comparisons to last year’s gangbuster results, resulting in a downgrade for one and price target cuts for both at Raymond...
Downeaster ridership, revenue down as track work forces cancellations
(Source: Portland Press Herald, June 1, 2015) PORTLAND Maine — The Downeaster is expected to carry 57,000 fewer riders and take in $1 million less in revenue this fiscal year than in the prior 12 months because of bad winter weather and problems with an ongoing track...
New York county issues oil train safety report
(Source: Albany Times Union, May 29, 2015) ALBANY, N.Y. — A state oil spill cleanup fund, recently boosted from $25 million to $40 million, is still woefully short of what could be needed after a major spill, explosion or fire, and should eventually grow to as much as...
In letter to Pa. Gov. Wolf, Norfolk Southern defends oil train safety measures
(Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, June 1, 2015) PITTSBURGH, Pa. — Norfolk Southern Railway has outlined its safety measures that exceed federal standards in a response to Gov. Tom Wolf’s suggestion last month that the major rail carrier isn’t doing enough to curb the...
Norfolk Southern suggests it may file legal challenge against new federal oil train safety rules
(Source: Philadelphia Inquirer, June 1, 2015) PHILADELPHIA — Norfolk Southern Corp. touted its safety efforts in transporting crude oil in a letter to Gov. Wolf, but the railroad suggested it may file a legal challenge over some recent federal safety rules. Full...
U.S. won’t weaken oil train public disclosure rules
(Source: Philadelphia Inquirer, May 30, 2015) PHILADELPHIA — Responding to congressional and public criticism, federal regulators said Friday they would not weaken rules requiring certain disclosures about trains transporting crude oil and other hazardous materials....
AFL-CIO pressing for quick confirmation of FRA nominee Feinberg
(Source: The Hill, June 2, 2015) WASHINGTON, D.C. — The AFL-CIO’s Transportation Trades Department is pushing Congress to quickly approve President Obama’s nominee to lead the Federal Railroad Administration. Full story: The Hill
Safety officials to testify before Congress today on Amtrak crash
(Source: Reuters, June 2, 2015) WASHINGTON, D.C. — Transportation safety officials are set to appear on Tuesday before a congressional panel to discuss their investigation into the May 12 derailment that killed eight people and injured about 200 when an Amtrak train...
Roanoke welcomes home the 611 steam locomotive
(Source: Roanoke Times, May 30, 2015) ROANOKE, Va. — Rail fans from all around the country followed the train’s progress online, traveled to places all along the 200-mile route to capture new photos of the engine in motion, and even boarded the train for a nostalgic...
San Fernando leaders confront state officials over bullet train route
(Source: Los Angeles Times, May 30, 2015) LOS ANGELES — Finding a route into the Los Angeles Basin for the California bullet train is proving far more difficult than it seemed a year ago, as opposition is surging in wealthy and working-class communities alike. Full...
Stormy weather across Oklahoma brings rail service to a halt
(Source: Associated Press, May 31, 2015) OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — Flooded and washed-out train tracks across Oklahoma had transportation officials hoping for less rain so the ground could dry out and repairs could begin. Full story: Washington Times
Rail stock prices are too high, analyst says
(Source: Globe and Mail, June 1, 2015) TORONTO — A deepening slump in railways’ energy shipments has analysts and even the companies themselves revising forecasts for profits, share prices and freight volumes. Full story: Globe and Mail
Why BNSF is using drones to inspect thousands of miles of rail lines
(Source: Fortune, May 29, 2015) NEW YORK — After years of accusations of foot-dragging on unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) regulation, the Federal Aviation Administration has recently been speeding exemption approvals and announcing new regulatory programs. One...
Illinois Attorney General files lawsuit, injunction against UP for oil spill
(Source: Illinois Attorney General press release, May 29, 2015) CHICAGO — Attorney General Lisa Madigan today filed a lawsuit and a motion for preliminary injunction in Champaign County Circuit Court against Delaware-based Union Pacific Railroad Company after a...
Statement from U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx on President Obama’s intent to nominate Sarah Feinberg as FRA Administrator
(Source: U.S. Department of Transportation press release, May 29, 2015) WASHINGTON, D.C. — “Sarah Feinberg has already proven to be a steady and capable leader at FRA, and especially during the tragic Amtrak derailment in Philadelphia, where she remained on site...
Amtrak gaining passengers as politicians debate its merits
(Source: Reuters, May 31, 2015) ABOARD THE EMPIRE BUILDER — Its passengers are mostly silver-haired retirees, oil-field workers and a few young families gazing out the windows of Amtrak’s least-profitable and third-longest line, rumbling from Chicago through eight...
Editorial: Amtrak privatization zealots don’t know railroad history
(Source: Philadelphia Inquirer, May 31, 2015) PHILADELPHIA — You don't hear much about privatization from the freight railroads, which one would think would be the most interested in acquiring Amtrak. Could it be that the major railroads such as CSX, Union Pacific,...
Applying for a Railroad Retirement annuity
(Source: U.S. Railroad Retirement Board press release, May 11, 2015) CHICAGO — Railroad employees who are planning to retire should be aware of what steps to take and what documents are required when applying for an annuity from the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB)....
Amtrak funding on the line in final days of Illinois budget battle
(Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch, May 28, 2015) ST. LOUIS, Mo. — As the Illinois Legislature enters the final days of hashing out a budget, the future of Amtrak service on routes that rely heavily on state funding — including service between St. Louis and Chicago —...
Amtrak wants to return baggage to passengers of derailed train
(Source: www.nj.com, May 29, 2015) PHILADELPHIA — Amtrak wants to help passengers who were on the train that derailed earlier this month get back the belongings they left behind at the scene, according to a report by NBC 10. Full story: www.nj.com
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