Metro Transit in Minneapolis suspends service through Sunday, May 31

Metro Transit in Minneapolis has suspended nearly all service through Sunday, May 31. The suspension stems from the unrest of three consecutive nights protesting the death of George Floyd. Metro Transit’s website

BNSF continues layoffs in Topeka, Kan.

RT&S has reported previously on BNSF layoffs in Topeka, Kan. This week, the railroad announced the layoff of 8 additional employees. In a statement from BNSF spokesman Ben Wilemon, the railroad said:

RT&S Special Report: Railroad Cybersecurity – an interview with AAR

During the past several months, RT&S News has reported on concerns about cybersecurity in the industry. These concerns are not new, as they have been the subjects of numerous articles, speeches and

U.S. DOT to distribute cloth facial coverings to America’s transportation workforce

Today, the Trump Administration announced millions of cloth facial coverings will be sent to workers in critical sectors of America’s economy. Approximately 15.5 million will be sent to the Nation’s transportation workforce.

TriMet’s budget adjustments due to COVID-19 pandemic focus on preserving service and jobs, ensuring safety

Editor’s Note: TriMet provides bus, light rail and commuter rail transit services in the Portland, Oregon, metro area. Like other transit agencies, TriMet has been dealing with a plethora of issues related

Rail traffic—a faint light at the end of the tunnel? ‘Perhaps,’ says AAR

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) today reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending May 23, 2020. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 428,715 carloads and intermodal units,

U.S. DOT announces $302.6 million in State of Good Repair grants

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) today announced the recipients of more than $302 million in grant funds under the Federal-State Partnership for State of Good Repair Program (Partnership

Indiana Rail Road and Venture Logistics win prestigious business development award for rail-served warehouse

The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) selected the Indiana Rail Road Company (INRD) as the winner of its 2020 Business Development Award, recognizing the INRD for its collaboration with

Railroad employment continues to shrink

Since before the worldwide pandemic hit, rail employment levels had been shrinking for many months. Declining traffic volume, especially reductions in coal movements, were considered the key culprits. Now, add the horrific

Canadian National to offer new intermodal service between Moncton and Halifax

CN announced that, in collaboration with the Halifax Port Authority, stakeholders, ocean carriers and customers, it will offer integrated solutions through its Moncton yard aimed at reducing short-haul trucking in Halifax. “This

NRC names RailPros’ Erika Bruhnke to its board of directors

The National Railroad Construction & Maintenance Association (NRC) has appointed Erika Bruhnke, Vice President of Training Services with RailPros, to its Board of Directors. Ms. Bruhnke brings to the NRC board invaluable

Amtrak and PennDOT to restore Pennsylvanian and Keystone Service

In coordination with state partners at the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, beginning June 1, Amtrak is fully restoring Pennsylvanian service (New York – Philadelphia – Pittsburgh) frequencies and Keystone Service (New York

OmniTRAX

Ten OmniTRAX railroads receive ASLRRA safety awards

Ten of the railroads operated by OmniTRAX, one of the fastest growing railroads in North America and an affiliate of The Broe Group, earned safety commendations from the American Short Line and

Feinberg, Koos nominated to Amtrak Board

President Donald J. Trump on May 18 announced his intent to nominate Sarah E. Feinberg and Chris Koos to Amtrak’s Board of Directors. Sarah E. Feinberg, a Democrat, has served as Interim

SEPTA providing multiple options for participation in virtual budget hearings

Editor’s Note: Issues at the SEPTA budget hearings this week are likely to be of interest to many RT&S readers. While the coronavirus has precluded in-person attendance at events such as this,

NJ Transit awarded $1.4 billion in CARES ACT funding

NJ TRANSIT has been awarded $1.4 billion in federal aid through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. This critical emergency relief funding will enable NJ TRANSIT to continue to

Railroads looking to federal government for pandemic relief

Economists will tell you that when a major industry’s business is suffering, it can be devastating to that industry. North American railroads are suffering. Economists will also tell you that when one

SEPTA and Lightsource BP sign contract for 43.8 megawatts of solar power

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), among the largest transit agencies in the United States serving the Greater Philadelphia region, and Lightsource BP, a global leader in the development, financing and management

Amtrak engineer Bostian’s case drags on – charges reinstated

After five years of criminal charges being levied then dropped several times, Amtrak engineer Brandon Bostian is again facing criminal charges involving the derailment of Amtrak train 188 after a ruling by

Canadian Pacific to improve brake tests

On February 4, 2019, a Canadian Pacific grain train derailed while rolling through Kicking Horse Pass, which is close to Field, B.C. All three crew members were killed. The tragedy began shortly

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