BRACE Act to make shortline tax credit permanent re-enters Senate
Legislation has been introduced into the U.S. Senate that would make permanent a tax credit used to repair and upgrade shortline and regional railroads.
Freight
Canadian Pacific: The beaver is back
Canadian Pacific is updating its logo to a design that the railroad says expresses strength and confidence while recognizing its past.
Ottawa’s Stage 2 LRT plans expand
Ottawa’s planned Stage 2 Light Rail Transit Project is expanding its scope with a proposal that would extend the project to the west, south and east. Stakeholders also explained a recommended procurement model for the project.
CSX appoints Eliasson as president; Ward, Gooden to retire in May
CSX has appointed Fredrik J. Eliasson as president, effective Feb. 15, 2017. Michael J. Ward, chairman and CEO of CSX, and Clarence W. Gooden, president, will retire effective May 31, 2017.
TSB calls on Transport Canada to develop strategies to mitigate severity of dangerous goods derailments
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is calling for Transport Canada to develop strategies to reduce the severity of derailments involving dangerous goods, following its investigation into the derailment and fire of a Canadian National train near Gogama, Ontario in February 2015.
CP campaign touts preventative use of in-cab cameras for safety
Canadian Pacific Railway on Tuesday launched an awareness campaign highlighting the safety benefits of the preventative use of inward-facing cameras in the cabs of locomotives.
Concerns amid discussions with Mantle Ridge, Hunter Harrison prompts CSX to call special meeting
CSX has called a special meeting of shareholders for March 16, 2017, “to seek shareholder guidance on certain extraordinary requests of Mantle Ridge and Hunter Harrison.”
Canadian Pacific names Brooks CMO
Canadian Pacific has enhanced its sales and marketing team in a move the railroad said will better meet the needs of its current and potential customers.
Port of Virginia begins three-year expansion project
The Port of Virginia (VPA) began a three-year, $320-million expansion effort at the Virginia International Gateway (VIG) on Feb. 13.
Alaska Railroad eliminates 49 positions, lays off 31
The Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC), citing reduced business and revenues, has cut 49 positions, laying off 31 employees.
Dewberry to develop master plan for Carolina Connector
Dewberry, a privately held professional services firm, has been selected by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to develop a transportation and freight master plan for the new Carolina Connector (CCX) intermodal train hub in Rocky Mount, N.C. This facility will serve as a major intermodal transportation center for CSX in the southeast.
Short Line Safety Institute hopes small tips produce big safety gains
The Short Line Safety Institute (SLSI) launched a new safety initiative aimed at providing small railroads with seasonal safety tips.
High-speed rail, Peninsula electrification make California wish list for federal funds
The state of California put forth its initial list of priority infrastructure projects to the National Governor’s Association for consideration by the federal government.
CN plans CA$2.5 billion capital program in 2017
Canadian National has planned a CA$2.5 billion (US$1.9 billion) capital program in 2017, down CA$25 million (US$19 million) from 2016.
GWI adds Heart of Georgia to its family of shortlines
The 219-mile Heart of Georgia Railroad (HOG), Inc., will be under new ownership in the second quarter of 2017, following approval by the Surface Transportation Board.
Broken axle caused events resulting in fiery Casselton accident
A broken axle has been cited as the probable cause of a series of events that resulted in two derailed trains and close to 476,000 gallons of crude oil being spilling near Casselton, N.D.
Patriot Rail restructures commercial sales team
Patriot Rail Company, LLC (Patriot Rail), a shortline railroad and rail services company based in the U.S., has announced promotions in two key roles and an addition to the commercial sales team.
Biloxi eyes closing six crossings in order to build two
Biloxi, Miss., is considering the closure of six out of the city’s 29 crossings to accommodate road extensions and is working with CSX to identify the best options.
Union Pacific board approves $3.1 billion 2017 capital program
The Board of Directors of Union Pacific approved its $3.1 billion capital program for 2017.
Fuller to retire as GWI chairman; Hellmann to take role in May 2017
Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (GWI) Chairman of the Board of Directors Mortimer B. Fuller III has announced his retirement effective following the company’s annual stockholders’ meeting this May.