Gondola instead of light rail? Sound Transit might look into it
An urban gondola system does not give the impression of a fierce competitor, but it could be one for light-rail transit projects in the West Seattle area.
Railroad News
Ohio Rail Development Commission approves $75,000 grant to Tessenderlo Kerley, Inc.
On March 9, 2022, the Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC) approved a grant in the amount of $75,000 to assist Tessenderlo Kerley, Inc. expand the on-site rail infrastructure at the site of the company’s new facility located in Defiance.
As asbestos cleanup ends, BNSF will monitor impacted right-of-way in Montana
A toxic cleanup effort along a railroad right-of-way in Montana is coming to an end.
CSX makes temporary fix to rail crossing in Mich., but problems continue
Holland, Mich., is famous for its Tulip Day Festival every year. Right now, the town is fearful of other things that have been popping up over an at-grade railroad crossing.
UP train derails in county where most U.S. derailments have happened since 2019
A Union Pacific train derailed in San Bernardino County, Calif., on March 21, and the area could be considered the most dangerous when it comes to these types of rail accidents in the country.
BART Red line service restored March 22
RT&S reported on March 9 that BART suspended Red line service due to a damaged power cable. Here is an update on that story.
Metra BNSF schedule changes coming March 28
Metra’s BNSF line will see schedule changes and service increase to nearly pre-pandemic levels.
March editorial: Watch for childish behavior
My youngest stepped on pavement the same way he stepped on grass.
CTA holds meeting on Red Line Extension Project, with focus on future contracted work
As part of its commitment to extend contracting opportunities to the communities it serves, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) hosted a virtual meeting for local small businesses and disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs).
Watco chosen by Port of Corpus Christi to provide rail service
The Port of Corpus Christi and Watco have announced the signing of a ten-year contract for Watco to become the operator of the short line railroad servicing the Port of Corpus Christi.
Canadian National to donate over $1M toward helping displaced Ukrainians
Canadian National has joined Canadian Pacific, Wabtec, and Kansas City Southern in donating to help Ukranian victims of the horrific war in their country.
The Port of Victoria announced plans for new regional logistics hub, the Texas Logistics Center
The Victoria County Navigation District announced the Texas Logistics Center at the Port of Victoria (TXLC).
Charleston, S.C., looking at major project to eliminate at-grade railroad crossings
The city of Charleston, S.C., wants to eliminate some at-grade rail crossings, and is ready to put up some serious money to do so.
BNSF Rail Talk: The forecast calls for clearer wind data
Operating in the plains and deserts of the United States, BNSF and other western railroads often confront extremely high winds, with some so powerful that they can blow a standing train on its side. In this post, BNSF discusses how these winds behave and how the railroad leverages technology to enable train crews to avoid them.
Kansas City Southern to give $500,000, along with employee gift match, to American Red Cross for Ukrainian relief efforts
As Russian attacks on Ukraine become more intense, and the humanitarian crisis grows, Kansas City Southern has joined Canadian Pacific and Wabtec in donating to relief efforts.
Virginia rail and transportation director to become deputy administrator at FRA
Jennifer Miller, the director of the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, will become deputy administrator of the Federal Railway Administration (FRA) in April.
Amtrak employee charged with CARES Act fraud and theft of government funds
U.S. Attorney Duane Evans announced that Stacey Santemore, Sr., age 46, formerly of New Orleans but now a resident of Houston, Texas, was charged on March 3, 2022 in a two-count bill of information with making false statements and theft of government funds related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).
Right down the middle—study says Silver Line should change course
Cutting right through the heart of uptown is a lot better than a bypass.
Wabtec, CP supporting Ukraine relief efforts
The horrors of war befalling Ukraine during the past two weeks have dominated nearly every news outlet in the world.
BNSF Railway announces 2021 economic development results
BNSF Railway Company (BNSF) reported investments from customers served by the freight rail provider in 2021 totaled approximately $1.5 billion.