New York governor calls for construction of Interborough Express
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced plans to move forward with the Interborough Express as part of her 2022 State of the State.
Railroad News
Ind. mayor says CSX is not responding, but Class 1 is ready to make crossing repairs
The mayor of Michigan City, Ind., is not going to leave CSX alone anytime soon.
Rail cybersecurity with Shift5’s Josh Lospinoso
In December 2021, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration deployed a Security Directive that shined a spotlight on rail cybersecurity following a series of global cyberattacks that occurred at the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Class I CSX and short-line operator OmniTRAX, as well as several rail companies around the globe.
Reciprocal switching returns to Surface Transportation Board (STB) agenda
While this is not a topic RT&S would normally cover, the debate over reciprocal or “competitive” switching has been brewing for years, and all members of the rail and rail supply & maintenance industries should be aware of it.
Just for fun: the restoration of Chesapeake & Ohio 2-6-6-2 #1309
Much of the recent steam locomotive restoration news focuses on Union Pacific’s 4-8-8-4 “Big Boy” #4014, which has been operating periodically for the past couple of years.
Digital transformation and rail – news and commentary
The railroad industry is becoming more digital each day.
Brightline investing millions of dollars in railroad safety and mental health awareness
Brightline is taking on the challenges of railroad safety and mental health.
STB Grants approval for Watco acquisitions in Wisconsin and Michigan
The Surface Transportation Board issued a decision granting approval for exemptions sought by Watco Holdings, Inc., and two of its subsidiaries (collectively, Watco) in the acquisition of approximately 652 miles of rail line in Wisconsin and Michigan from Wisconsin Central Ltd. (WCL), which is controlled by Canadian National Railway Company.
Michigan DOT announces rail-highway grade crossing surface repair award recipients for 2022
As part of the Michigan Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) commitment to improving safety and the quality of Michigan’s transportation system, MDOT has announced the recipients for the sixth annual Local Grade Crossing Surface Program.
San Pedro train engineer pleads guilty to terrorism charge for intentionally derailing locomotive near U.S. Navy hospital ship
A train engineer at the Port of Los Angeles has pleaded guilty to a federal criminal charge for running a locomotive at full speed off the end of railroad tracks near a United States Navy hospital ship that was deployed to provide medical relief during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Amtrak announces Bill Flynn to retire, Stephen Gardner will become president and CEO
Amtrak will soon have a new CEO.
Government of Canada approves changes to improve railway track inspections
The Government of Canada is continuing to move ahead with concrete actions which improve railway track safety to better protect those living and working near Canada’s rail corridors.
MTA extends signal modernization
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced that the MTA Board approved the first of three contract awards that will extend signal modernization along the Queens Boulevard Line east of Kew Gardens-Union Turnpike station with Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC).
Maryland lawmakers could override governor veto to help businesses impacted by Purple Line
Small businesses impacted by Purple Line light-rail construction in Maryland might be receiving some relief soon.
HART will resolve electricity problems with special equipment
HART trains can have a negative impact on the Honolulu power grid.
Developing story: SEPTA trolley collides with CSX freight train
A SEPTA trolley and CSX freight train collided outside of Philadelphia this morning.
Project Connect may close Austin’s Drag to car/bus traffic
The Drag in Austin, Texas, might be a strip for just light-rail cars to show off their speed.
Illinois officials vow to hold BNSF responsible for flooding
Cicero and Cook County, Ill., officials want BNSF to be held accountable for flooding problems for residents as a result of concrete resurfacing of the Class 1’s properties.
Altamont Corridor Express extension in Calif. receives second environmental clearance
The Altamont Corridor Express (ACE) extension project in California just received a significant stamp of approval.
Federal Railroad Administration announces availability of $198 million for intercity passenger rail projects
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) today issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Federal-State Partnership for State of Good Repair Grant Program (Partnership Program).