Pittsburgh Regional Transit Facing Financial Crisis
PITTSBURGH –– Pittsburgh Regional Transit reported this week that it is facing a major financial crisis unless more state funding is forthcoming.
Author: David C. Lester
Active Construction on New Hudson Tunnel Project Supporting Domestic Jobs and Economic Output
NEW YORK –– The Gateway Development Commission released a study this week that shows construction of the New Hudson Tunnel is supporting significant domestic jobs and economic output. The analysis shows that 94% of $2.2 billion in capital spending for the project to stay within the United States.
Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner Resigns
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Amtrak President & CEO Stephen Gardner announced his resignation this week.
NRHS, Railway Age, RT&S Announce Third Annual Outstanding Railroad Historic Preservation Award
NEW YORK and ATLANTA ––The National Railway Historical Society has kicked off its third annual recognition of a railroad’s historic preservation efforts. NRHS is again partnering with Railway Age and Railway Track & Structures to present the Outstanding Railroad Historic Preservation Award in recognition of a working common-carrier railroad for its efforts to preserve railroad history in the United States, Canada or Mexico.
U.S. DOT Tells Metropolitan Transit Authority That Funding May Be Withheld If Safety Reporting Project Is Not Completed
NEW YORK –– U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy penned a letter this week to New York’s M.T.A. requesting detailed information about crime on New York subways and said that federal funding for the agency would be withheld if it did not comply.
CPKC and Patriot Rail to Partner on New Transload Facility in Texas
JACKSONVILLE –– Patriot Rail, an operator of short lines and regional railroads, along with transloading and other rail services, this week announced jointly with CPKC that a new transload terminal will be built on the CPKC network in Denton, Texas.
Sound Transit board close to finalizing an agreement with a new CEO
Seattle, Wash. –– Sound Transit has announced that it has selected a new CEO and is now negotiating the contract with this individual.
CSX Asks To Use Trip Optimizer Feature To Stop And Start A Train; Union Objects
JACKSONVILLE –– While locomotive and train operation matters are not within the usual purview of RT&S coverage, this story is the latest example of management and labor disagreement when it comes to the implementation of technology, which is an issue most railroaders must address at some point.
Rail Safety Progress Confirmed by FRA Data
WASHINGTON, D.C. –– The Association of American Railroads reported this week that the Federal Railroad Administration has released 2024 data that rail transportation is becoming even safer.
Watco Will Acquire Great Lakes Central Railroad
PITTSBURG, Kan. –– Watco this week announced that it is acquiring the Great Lakes Central Railroad (GLC).
Michael Naatz Named Chief Operating Officer at Anacostia Rail Holdings
CHICAGO — Anacostia Rail Holdings (ARH) this week announced the appointment of Michael Naatz as its Chief Operating Officer.
Oregon Legislators Consider 4% Tax On New Tires To Fund Public Transit, Rail, and Wildlife Crossings
SALEM, Ore. –– The Oregon Legislature is considering a 4% tax on the sale of new tires throughout the state to fund wildlife crossings, public transit, and rail.
RT&S Virtual Conference –– Crossties & Fasteners –– April 10, 2025 –– Conference Preview #1
ATLANTA –– As we reported last week, our Virtual Conference focused on Crossties & Fasteners will be held on Thursday, April 10 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
RT&S Virtual Conference –– Crossties & Fasteners –– Coming On April 10, 2025
ATLANTA –– The first RT&S Virtual Conference of 2025 will focus on crossties and fasteners. We’ll have two presenters, each subject matter experts.
BNSF Coal Train Derails in Montana
MILES CITY, Mont. –– BNSF and the Custer County Fire Chief reported the derailment of a loaded coal train west of Miles City at about 11:00 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24.
Former Amtrak Vice President and PTSI Advisor Brian Rosenwald Has Died
CHICAGO –– Brian Rosenwald, who was instrumental in upgrading Amtrak’s Coast Starlight, has died at 72.
Norfolk Southern Affirms Continuing Support of Employees and Communities In Wake of Severe Weather
ATLANTA –– Norfolk Southern this week provided an update on restoration and support of its infrastructure, employees, and the communities in which it operates that were impacted by the severe storms of last week.
Pennsylvania Bearish On Moving Forward With Rail Projects
HARRISBURG, Pa. –– Pennsylvania Transportation Secretary Mike Carroll has expressed doubts about the wisdom of moving forward with state transportation projects funded with federal grants.
NTSB Final Report On The CSX Collision of April 15, 2024 Released This Week
WASHINGTON, D.C. –– The National Transportation Safety Board this week released its final report on the April 15, 2024 head-on collision of two CSX freight trains.
Bad Weather Hammering NS & CSX
ATLANTA & JACKSONVILLE –– Norfolk Southern and CSX, which serve the same general territory, have been hit hard with severe flooding, along with ice and snow.