Railway Age magazine

The Chicago Chapter of the National Association of Railway Business Women (NARBW) is marking 100 years of empowering women in rail with a celebration, to be held Nov. 1 at the Palos Hills Country Club in Orland Park, Ill. The event will feature a commemorative program, dinner, dancing, and opportunities to connect with industry colleagues, family, and friends.

In the early 20th century, women working in rail offices were often excluded from professional spaces and advancement opportunities. One defining moment came when Hazel Cornell saw a sign at Chicago Union Depot that read “FOR RAILROAD MEN ONLY.” In response, she co-founded what would become the NARBW—creating a space where women in rail could find support, recognition, and community. Her vision sparked a movement that continues today in chapters across the country.

Founded in 1925 as the second NARBW chapter, the Chicago Chapter has been a driving force for mentorship, leadership, and lifelong friendships. Once nearly 1,000 members strong, the chapter faced steep decline as rail jobs shifted. But in 2015, a small group of determined women reignited its legacy. Today, with more than 50 active members, the chapter continues to thrive.

NARBW’s motto—Connecting, Learning & Giving—is more than words; it’s a lived experience in Chicago. The chapter hosts guest speakers and social events that foster connection and growth, offers a scholarship program to support learning, and engages in community service projects that reflect a spirit of giving. From professional development to charitable outreach, the Chicago Chapter embodies the values that have guided NARBW for a century.

“This centennial is more than a celebration—it’s a tribute to the resilience, leadership and camaraderie that define our chapter,” says Jasmine Manley, President of the Chicago Chapter. “We’re excited to honor our legacy and look ahead to the next 100 years.”

Following are the details for the Centennial Celebration:

• Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025
• Palos Hills Country Club, 13100 Southwest Highway, Orland Park, Ill.
• $100 per guest (includes dinner, dancing, and open bar). Pay via Zelle or PayPal: narbwchicagotreasurer@gmail.com (reference “100th ANNV”)
• Coming from out of town? Stay at DoubleTree by Marriott – Alsip.
  • Group Code: NAR
  • Rate: $157.07 per night
  • Dates: Oct. 31–Nov. 1.  Book by Sept. 30.
  • Free shuttle to/from Midway Airport (advance request required).

Looking beyond the Centennial Celebration, NARBW members will gather again for the National Convention, taking place in Roanoke, Va., on May 1-2, 2026. This annual convention offers members from across the country a chance to connect, share ideas, and shape the future of women in rail.

NARBW is a supporting organization for the 2025 Railway Age / RT&S Women in Rail Conference, to be held Oct. 15-16 at the Hyatt Regency Schaumburg in Schaumburg, Ill.

NARBW Chicago Chapter members at a recent meeting after electing the chapter Woman of the Year. (NARBW Chicago Chapter Photograph)

The post NARBW Chicago Marks 100th Anniversary appeared first on Railway Age.

A runaway Montreal, Maine & Atlantic train with five locomotives and 75 loaded DOT-111 tank cars carrying volatile Bakken crude rolled into Lac-Mégantic and derailed on July 13, 2013. Much of the city center was destroyed and some 2,000 people were evacuated. 

The government of Canada on May 11, 2018, confirmed that it would fund 60% of the construction costs of the new Lac-Mégantic rail bypass, estimated at C$133 million at the time. The government of Quebec confirmed that it would fund 40% of that amount. The project will be managed by Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC). The Class I railroad will also own the bypass. Canadian Pacific, which merged with Kansas City Southern in 2023 to form CPKC, acquired the Central Maine & Quebec Railway (formerly the Montreal, Maine & Atlantic) in December 2019.

“Following extensive environmental consultations, Transport Canada and the rail operator [CPKC] reached a key milestone with the submission of the application to the CTA,” the government reported Sept. 20. The application includes environmental studies, consultation reports, as well as a well monitoring plan. These documents will be made available online as part of the public consultation process, which will be launched shortly, according to the government.

The project’s application was filed with the CTA in accordance with section 98 of the Canada Transportation Act. “This section states that, on application by the railway company, the CTA may grant approval to construct a railway line if it considers that the location of the railway line is reasonable, taking into consideration requirements for railway operations and services and the interests of the localities that will be affected by the line,” the government of Canada said. “To help determine whether a location is reasonable, the CTA takes into consideration the views of the communities, individuals and groups that will be affected by the railway line. The application submitted to the CTA for approval includes numerous mitigation measures to minimize the project’s impacts on the community and environment. Transport Canada and the rail operator have added environmental mitigation measures that were presented at the public consultation on hydrogeological [the study of the distribution and movement of water both on and below the Earth’s surface, as well as the impact of human activity on water availability and conditions] in the fall of 2022.”

cta_approval_railway_line_construction-lac-megantic_rail_bypass_0Download

The selected route for the bypass project “removes the rail right-of-way from downtown Lac-Mégantic and reduces the number of buildings near the railway,” according to the government (see map, top, and watch video, below). It was recognized “as the most advantageous one by the Bureau d’audiences publiques sur l’environnement du Québec (BAPE) and as having the least impact on agricultural land by the Commission de protection du territoire agricole du Québec (CPTAQ),” according to the government.

The bypass project will establish two yard tracks in the Lac-Mégantic industrial park to allow rail operations from Nantes and Frontenac to be relocated to that location, “thereby maximizing rail safety,” according to the government, which noted that this component was announced by the Minister of Transport in 2019, and is in response to the request from the mayors and the community of Lac-Mégantic.

The main steps of the Lac-Mégantic rail bypass construction project. (Courtesy of the government of Canada)

Construction of the bypass will begin once all regulatory approvals have been obtained, including from the CTA. The government said it “maintains an open dialogue and is working with all stakeholders to complete this project.”

“We will remove the railroad tracks from downtown Lac-Mégantic,” said Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons. “The bypass project is becoming increasingly concrete now that the project’s application was officially submitted to CTA. All the information required to assess the project and start the public consultation process is now available to the CTA. We will be ready to go as soon as the application is approved by the CTA.”

The Coalition des Victimes Collatérales (CVC) on Sept. 22 reported issuing an open letter to Steven MacKinnon opposing the proposed Lac-Mégantic rail bypass. The group said “the project lacks social acceptability, with strong opposition from local citizens and municipalities.” According to CVC, “the bypass fails to improve rail safety and instead increases risks, including higher derailment probability, faster train speeds, and significant threats to drinking water.” Additionally, CVS said the letter “highlights irreversible environmental damage—destruction of wetlands, forests, and streams. It also denounces ballooning costs, which have grown from [C]$133 million in 2019 to over [C]$1 billion in 2025.” CVC said it “demands that Transport Canada immediately suspend the project, commission an independent safety and environmental review, and consider safer, less destructive alternatives.”

Further Reading:

• Report: Quebec Court of Appeal Upholds Ruling That CP Was ‘Not Liable’ for Lac-Mégantic Disaster
• Two Essential Agreements Signed for Lac-Mégantic Rail Bypass
• Lac-Mégantic Bypass Project Proving Problematic
• Lac-Mégantic Bypass Work Continues
• Bypass Build Slated for Lac-Mégantic
• New rail line to bypass Lac-Mégantic center
• Railroad won’t face criminal charges in Lac-Mégantic disaster

The post Lac-Mégantic Rail Bypass Project Advances appeared first on Railway Age.

The students representing the university were Elijah Davis, Emma Lovely-Gonzalez, Sophie Perrigin and Bradley Sills. This year’s case, “A Port of Clearview,” addressed the real-world challenge of congestion at a hypothetical port, asking them to develop solutions for mitigating gate congestion while balancing operating and customer costs.

In addition to MSU, IANA’s other competing scholarship schools included: Cal Poly Maritime Academy, College of Charleston, Georgia Southern, University of Arkansas, University of Houston, University of North Texas, SUNY Maritime, University of Maryland, University of North Florida, University of Tennessee, Knoxville and University of Wisconsin, Superior. IANA’s scholarship awards support curriculum designed to attract students to intermodal transportation and related careers.

Since the Scholarship Program’s inception in 2007, IANA has awarded more than $6.0 million to support students in university programs focused on freight and intermodal transportation. The Program funds tuition, student research projects on intermodal issues, and curriculum development.

“We are extremely proud of our team. The competition brings together great students from leading universities, so for Mississippi State to win in our first year as a scholarship school and event participant was especially exciting and meaningful,” said Dr. Chris Boone, the university’s associate professor of supply chain logistics. “We’re very grateful to IANA for this opportunity and for their commitment to supporting students and developing the next generation of intermodal talent.”

“We’re thrilled to congratulate Mississippi State University on their well-deserved win. The team’s creativity and commitment really stood out,” said IANA President and CEO Anne Reinke. “It is inspiring to see the next generation from all of the IANA scholarship schools bringing such energy and fresh ideas to our industry.”

The post MSU Takes Top Spot at IANA Case Competition appeared first on Railway Age.

Philadelphia’s SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) is again operating its former level of service, despite recent threats of severe cutbacks. Riders are paying significantly more, but they are not forced to accept significantly less service for the money. A deal that prevented the cuts allows money previously dedicated to capital funding to be used for operations.

There could be long-term consequences from such a spending shift, but SEPTA did not appear to have a choice. With the fiscal cliff that many transit providers are facing today, the potentially Faustian bargain that SEPTA made to keep going at current service levels could become the industry standard, whether anybody likes it or not.

Higher Fares, Same Service

Railway Age has been covering the SEPTA story in depth lately, and several reporters have pitched in. The Fiscal Cliff that has been haunting the transit industry in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and changes in ridership and revenue that it caused has placed SEPTA and many other providers in difficult financial straits, which threatened a large increase in fares on top of historically deep service cuts. They began on Aug. 24. At that time (updated immediately after Labor Day), I reported the first set of bus-service cuts and impending drastic rail service cuts. Dozens of bus routes were eliminated, and service was reduced on many others. There was also a plan to reduce local rail service by 20% and cut regional rail service in half. That was to be only the beginning. After the New Year, five regional rail lines, two trolley routes and a subway line would be eliminated entirely, along with more reduction in bus service. To add insult to injury for many riders, fares were slated to rise by more than 20% (21.5% in many instances). For example, the base fare would increase from $2.50 to $2.90 per ride.

According to SEPTA, the agency faced a $213 million deficit, believing that only a steep fare increase and drastic service cuts could fill the gap. On July 21, Railway Age Senior Editor Carolina Worrell reported ridership increases on the system, and that SEPTA had instituted cost-cutting measures. These factors reduced the deficit somewhat, but they weren’t enough.

Meanwhile, advocates for riders sued SEPTA to stop the fare increase and service reductions. As we reported on Sept. 2, Judge Sierra Thomas-Street of the Court of Common Pleas (Pennsylvania’s name for a court of general jurisdiction) granted temporary relief that the plaintiffs had requested. The fare increase and the service cuts (including on rail) that were supposed to take effect after Labor Day were put on hold. A hearing regarding permanent relief was held on Sept. 4. Executive Editor Marybeth Luczak reported on Sept. 8 that the judge had issued a ruling after the hearing. Service would be restored to the level that had run before the first cuts were made Aug. 24, but the 21.5% fare increase, as SEPTA had requested, would take effect Sept. 14. According to SEPTA, it would take until then to reassemble train crews, bus drivers and other employees for the return of the previous level of service.

Capital Dollars to Operations

Transferring funds originally earmarked for capital spending over to the operating side is a practice that managers do not like, and neither does the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). Yet it has become a relatively widespread practice among transit agencies. In SEPTA’s case, it was the practice that allows the agency to keep offering the level of service to which the riders have become accustomed, for the next two years anyway. Luczak reported: “According to CBS, Gov. [Josh] Shapiro ‘directed PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll to flex $394 million’ from the Public Transit Trust Fund and directed SEPTA ‘to address its structural challenges and report to PennDOT every 120 days the steps taken and progress made to increase efficiencies within the system.’ ‘This is not a solution,’ said [SEPTA General Manager Scott] Sauer, according to 6ABC. ‘This is a band-aid that will get us through a couple of years, but at the expense of future capital programming.’”

The request was necessary because of ‘the ongoing state budget impasse,’ according to 6ABC.” Shapiro, a Democrat, supported a deal that would fund transit, as did the Pennsylvania House, where Democrats hold a slim majority. Republicans hold a more substantial majority in the Pennsylvania Senate, and they balked at funding transit instead of increasing the highway appropriation. So, there was no funding deal.

Developing Problem

SEPTA’s situation is not unique. Many transit agencies, including the ones that operate sizeable rail networks, are facing financial woes as time moves them closer to the Fiscal Cliff. In the summer of 2024, I reported on the impending fiscal crunch that many providers were about to face, considering the recent COVID-19 pandemic and changes in commuting and other riding patterns. While local media reported on the plight of local agencies, this remains an underreported story at the national level.

On Dec. 5, 2024, I reported on SEPTA’s woes at the time, and on a 7.5% fare increase that had gone into effect. The agency’s money problems were serious then and held the likely prospect of getting worse. At that time, I reported: “So, at the very least, a fare increase became necessary, with the possibility of severe service cuts, too.” Luczak reported the story as it unfolded through the fall. On Sept. 6, she reported that the agency was considering a fare increase. It would be a relatively mild one, with the base fare staying at $2.50, the cash price at the time, but eliminating discounts for using a stored-value card and other changes. It was slated to take effect Dec. 1 and raise $14.4 million in annual revenue.

Before that increase could be approved by the SEPTA Board and before hearings were held (they were scheduled for Dec.13), Luczak reported 30 days earlier, on Nov. 13, that “SEPTA had a bigger shock in mind for its riders. Fares would rise by 21.5% on top of the previously proposed 7.5%, and service cuts of 20% across all modes (including regional rail and streetcars both in the city and interurban-style lines in nearby suburbs) that would take effect early in 2025, after the required hearings had been held.” Thus, the SEPTA story has been developing for more than a year, the large fare increase is now in effect, and the reprieve that riders got last year ended up lasting for about nine months.

Did SEPTA Have a Choice?

In a statement concerning this year’s fare hike and the restoration of service, both scheduled for Sept. 14, SEPTA General Manager Scott A. Sauer thanked the riders for their understanding and said that the fight for long-term funding continues: “While we restored full service, I want to be clear that we still don’t have a long-term solution to the funding crisis that’s at the heart of it all. For the short term, we’ve received permission to transfer funds that were set aside to replace or upgrade aging equipment and infrastructure. But to guarantee the future of public transit in our region, we will continue the fight to secure the resources our system needs to meet those expectations.”

Many major transit providers are facing similar problems (not to mention smaller agencies that only run buses) and face a hard choice. Get the money from somewhere or cut service drastically and make the riders pay much more money for much less mobility. But is that really a choice, or is the course of action determined by circumstances beyond the transit agencies’ control, or even the control of elected officials, many of whom do not ride transit and do not necessarily understand the needs of the riders who depend on it?

Some places, like New Jersey and the New York City area, have raised some taxes and fees to help pay for transit, at least for the next three or four years. Other places made attempts to reach similar deals, but they fell through (Pennsylvania is an example). The analogous situation is a family that has been saving money to make major improvements on their house (a capital investment), but the family income has decreased, and they need to use that money for food, heat and other necessities. The home improvements will just have to wait, and the folks facing such a situation can only hope that the emergency will be over before too long. It appears that transit providers must act similarly during the current emergency. They know that people need to get to their jobs and to other places, and not everybody has a private vehicle available for the purpose. They also know (or should know) that the local economy in many places, especially in the larger cities, depends on having viable transit.

Government agencies like the FTA disfavor using capital dollars for operating purposes, because the practice detracts from efforts to keep the systems in a state of good repair. Managers don’t like the idea, either, and some rider-advocates are concerned about the same issues. The situations that transit providers are now facing can also damage those providers’ financial ratings. Luczak reported on the SEPTA situation on Sept. 8: “In a related development, SEPTA on Sept. 4 reported that Moody’s Ratings had revised its outlook from stable to negative for the transit agency but did not change any of its ‘currently positive ratings for SEPTA’s debt.’”

The memorandum from Moody’s attached to the report explained the downgrade “SEPTA is currently under significant operating stress linked to uncertainty around increased state transit funding and an Aug. 29 court ruling that prevented the agency from implementing a 21% fare increase and further service cuts. These changes were part of SEPTA’s plan to balance an estimated 13% ($213 million) budget gap left unfilled by the Commonwealth’s budget impasse. If the injunction becomes permanent and the commonwealth does not provide additional funding, then SEPTA would have to rely on reserves to balance its budget, resulting in a stark decline in liquidity.”

The Moody’s report also summarized the Ratings Outlook: “The negative outlook reflects SEPTA’s sizeable structural budget gap that will be difficult to resolve without further financial support from the Commonwealth or significant adjustments to operations. In the event the court ruling is reversed and SEPTA enacts fare increases and service cuts, the resulting ridership losses could create persistent budget gaps that weaken operations, asset quality and metrics over time.” Moody’s also mentioned factors that could lead to future upgrades, or to more downgrades in the future.

Whither (Wither) Transit?

It appears that the transit agencies are between the proverbial rock and a hard place. Rriders, especially those who depend on transit and whose jobs help keep the local economy going, are in an even worse position. Worse yet, the federal government does not appear supportive of transit, which increases the pressure on transit providers and local and state-level elected officials to come up with a means to keep the local transit going with a reasonable level of service.

If a “good result” for the agencies and for the riders means a strong level of service without requiring those riders to pay significantly more for their transit, we can’t look forward to many “good results,” possibly not any. The question then becomes how to mitigate the damage to the greatest extent possible. “Flexing” capital dollars over to the operating side has its difficulties, but at least it can allow the riders to have as much mobility as possible. If that’s not the bottom line for transit everywhere, it probably should be.

Gov. Shapiro’s act of releasing the capital funds for SEPTA’s operations will have some negative consequences, but probably not as severe as the repercussions that drastic service cuts would have brought to Philadelphia and its surrounding area. It’s not easy for many transit riders to withstand such a large fare increase, but at least they still have their transit. They would have been much worse off without it. Similar dramas will play out in other cities soon, and we’ll be here to report on them.

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According to the USDOT, the NOFO (download below) includes approximately $2.4 billion of the $4 billion the Federal Railroad Administration de-obligated in August from the California High-Speed Rail project, which it said will “now be reinvested into successful projects, critical infrastructure upgrades, and rail safety.” The California High-Speed Rail Authority is suing the POTUS 47 Administration for the $4 billion funding pull-back.

FRA-FY24-25-NOFO-FSP-9.22.25_PDFaDownload

The “new National Railroad Partnership Program,” administered by the FRA, will fund projects that improve safety, including grade crossing safety, or that reduce the state-of-good-repair backlog or otherwise improve performance, the USDOT said.

The FRA is reissuing the NOFO for fiscal year (FY) 2024 and adding funding for the FY 2025 National Railroad Partnership Program. The FY 2024 NOFO was originally published last September as the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant Program, and the USDOT said that the reissued NOFO includes several important changes, including:

• “The repeal of unlawful diversity, equity, and inclusion requirements.”
• “Emphasizing grade crossing safety projects within the program.”
• “Supporting projects that align with the Administration’s focus on the American family and ensuring a more seamless travel experience, such as adding mothers’ rooms, expanding waiting areas, adding new family restrooms, creating children’s play areas, and other projects improving overall travel for families in U.S. intercity passenger rail stations.”

Eligible National Railroad Partnership Program applicants include:  

• a State.
• a group of States.
• an Interstate Compact.
• a public agency or publicly chartered authority established by one or more States.
• a political subdivision of a State.
• Amtrak, acting on its own behalf or under a cooperative agreement with one or more States.
• a Federally recognized Indian Tribe.  
• any combination of the entities described above.  

Applications are due no later than 11:59 p.m. ET on Jan. 7, 2026, and FRA will provide technical assistance to potential applicants prior to the deadline.

Meanwhile, the USDOT also obligated four grants totaling more than $42 million to fund rail safety projects on the Brightline Florida corridor. The grants, the oldest of which was issued three years ago, are a part of a “backlog” of more than 3,200 “unobligated grants,” and support installing safety fencing, grade crossing upgrades, and a trespassing alert system, according to the Department.

The four grants include:

1. $24,934,138 for the East Coast Corridor Trespassing and Intrusion Mitigation Project. Announced in August 2022, the RAISE grant went to the Florida Department of Transportation for improvements to 330 highway/rail grade crossings along 195 miles of corridor, including fencing, crossing delineators, crisis support signage, and other intrusion prevention mitigations, according to the USDOT.
2. $1,648,000 for a Trespassing Identification and Classification System. Announced in September 2023, the grant was under the CRISI Grant Program for FY22. “The project will advance a technology that will provide real-time alerts and aggregate data to generate heat-maps of trespassing and potential collision events on the Florida East Coast Railway right-of-way from Miami to Cocoa,” USDOT said.
3. $15,440,000 for the Broward County Sealed Corridor Project. Announced in June 2023, the funding will be used to increase safety at 21 grade crossings along the Brightline/Florida East Coast Railway corridor with additional crossing gates and delineators, according to the USDOT.
4. $150,000 for the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office “to support overtime costs for targeted enforcement of pedestrian trespassing at identified hot spots,” the USDOT reported. 

“Under [U.S. Transportation] Secretary [Sean P.] Duffy’s direction, the Department of Transportation is working diligently to accelerate the distribution of these long-overdue funds and address core infrastructure projects,” the USDOT said. 

Further Reading:

• USDOT Approves $3.2B for 180 Infrastructure Grants

The post USDOT: $5B Available for National Railroad Partnership Program Projects, $42MM Going to Brightline Florida Corridor Safety appeared first on Railway Age.

U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood (R-Ill.) alongside U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Ill.) and 41 additional cosponsors (32 original) in mid-February reintroduced the Freight RAILCAR (Rail Assets Investment to Launch Commercial Activity Revitalization ) Act, bipartisan legislation backed by the Railway Supply Institute (RSI) and the Rail Security Alliance (RSA) that would “encourage the replacement and modernization of the U.S. freight railcar fleet.” Now, Senators Jim Banks (R-Ind.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) have introduced a companion bill, S. 2758. The legislation’s intent, supporters say, “would lead to a renewed investment in higher capacity, fuel-efficient freight railcar manufacturing in the United States.” It would “provide a nonrefundable 10% tax credit to help offset the costs to replace or upgrade existing railcars to improve fuel efficiency or capacity. ” 

The current North American railcar fleet comprises more than 1.6 million railcars, with roughly 20% in storage.

“The companion bill marks the first time the Freight RAILCAR Act has been introduced in the Senate,” said RSI President Jim Riley. “We encourage Congress to pass this vital legislation, which will encourage investment in the modernization of the North American railcar fleet, improve sustainability, and support American manufacturing jobs.”

BACKGROUND U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood (R-Ill.; left) and U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Ill.). U.S. Government photos.

The Freight RAILCAR Act of 2025 (H.R. 1200) debuted in 2020 (H.R. 8082), and was reintroduced in 2021 (H.R. 2289), 2022 (H.R. 7902), and 2023 (H.R. 838). In all these instances, the legislation went nowhere and did not produce a companion Senate bill. The Act would provide a nonrefundable 10% tax credit for the replacement or modification of existing railcars over a three-year period. The credit is limited to 1,000 new freight cars per taxpayer, and existing railcars must have been in service during the 48 months prior to enactment.

“What we need to see is an equipment cycle driven by demand, not by tax credits or congestion or poor service—those never end well,” commented Railway Age Financial Editor David Nahass in February. “It seems odd that the RAILCAR Act would be re-proposed while the issues around tariffs for Canada and Mexico remain so unsettled. With more than 90% of the railcars manufactured in North America being produced outside the U.S., it feels like the Illinois Congressional team should take some time to read the room before proposing tone-deaf legislation. Perhaps their effort would be better spent by working on ensuring carveouts for railcar and railcar component manufacturing from the proposed blanket tariffs applied against Canada and Mexico and from the steel and aluminum tariffs currently being proposed. There is zero chance that the proposed legislation causes a pivot to increase railcar production in the U.S. at this time.”
According to RSI, the Freight RAILCAR Act:

• “[E]ncourages greater investment by introducing time-limited tax credits to offset costs associated with replacing or modernizing railcars that are outdated. Due to modern manufacturing methods, innovative new materials, and improved safety standards, new railcars have significant safety and efficiency improvements, which increases reliability across the board.”
• Supports environmental sustainability by “encouraging the replacement of older railcars with new, more efficient ones.” If just one-third of the nearly 300,000 outdated hopper cars were replaced by higher capacity railcars, RSA said, 4.3 million gallons of diesel fuel would be saved in the first year alone.
• “[S]upports supply chain reliability and the critical movement of essential goods and services on the U.S. rail interchange system every day.”
• Provides economic benefits. “The freight rail supply industry is a key contributor to the economies of the U.S. as seen in its 240,000 American jobs and $75 billion GDP in 2023 alone,” RSA reported. “The Act will spur job growth within the freight rail manufacturing industry, ensuring thousands of family-wage jobs are sustained and new opportunities are created.”

The Freight RAILCAR Act was reintroduced on Feb. 11 and referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means on the same day.

The post Freight RAILCAR Act: A Bit More Traction (UPDATED 9/23) appeared first on Railway Age.

Caltrain

Caltrain on Sept. 22 marked the first anniversary of its fully electrified service, “celebrating a transformative year that has delivered record ridership growth, cleaner air for communities, and faster, more frequent service for riders throughout the Peninsula.”

Since the launch of electrified service in September 2024, Caltrain says it has recorded a “dramatic surge” in ridership. Over fiscal year 2025, Caltrain carried 9.1 million passengers, up from 6.2 million in FY 2024. Weekend ridership has more than doubled, and July 2025 alone saw ridership increase 78% compared to the same month the year prior, making it the second consecutive month with more than one million riders. Special event travel has also surged, with monthly San Francisco Giants ridership up by as much as 82% over last year, and Caltrain running popular themed trains for special events since last December. Youth ridership has also quadrupled since the introduction of the $1 Youth Fare, which launched the same month as electrification. 

“Electrification has completely transformed Caltrain,” said Michelle Bouchard, Caltrain Executive Director. “We’re delivering cleaner, faster, and more frequent service, and riders are responding in record numbers. This first year has shown what’s possible when we invest in sustainable rail, and we’re only just getting started.”

Electrification, Caltrain says, has allowed the agency to expand service while cutting travel times:

• Express trains now travel between San Francisco and San Jose in just one hour.
• Local trains cover the same distance in 75 minutes, 33% faster than diesel service.
• Weekend service has doubled, with trains every 30 minutes.
• Every station on the line is now served by at least one train in each direction every thirty minutes, with 16 stations seeing trains every 20 minutes and 11 stations seeing one every 15 minutes.

These upgrades have expanded system capacity by 30%, providing more options for riders across the Peninsula and beyond, according to Caltrain.

The new fleet also enhanced the onboard experience for Caltrain riders, offering free Wi-Fi and charging outlets at nearly all seats, all while being cleaner and quieter than ever before.

The transition to electrified service has also produced immediate environmental benefits, the agency noted. Caltrain’s electric fleet is returning 23% of its power supply to other trains or the grid, thanks to its new regenerative braking technology. Additionally, the new fleet is even more efficient than projected, costing $3 million less than expected.

SFMTA

This month, SFMTA is celebrating 30 years of the F Market & Wharves historic streetcar line.

The F Line, which shuttles people back in time along its six-mile route, is served by a diverse fleet of streetcars ranging from 73 to 129 years old. With a rainbow of vehicles from around the world, the F is an “icon on par with the cable cars,” SFMTA noted.

Streetcar 1051 is dedicated to San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk and is painted in one of Muni’s mid-century color schemes. (SFMTA)

A skilled maintenance team and dedicated operators keep the wheels turning daily. This one-of-a-kind transit experience wouldn’t be possible without their work. It would also not be possible without long-time support from Market Street Railway, SFMTA said.

Looking to the future, there are proposals to extend the F through the Wharf to Fort Mason. In 2013, the National Park Service, which owns Fort Mason, completed an impact study. Three years later, the proposal was recommended to the SFMTA Board by the Citizen’s Advisory Committee. While not an active project, this extension would add almost one mile to the line, traveling along Aquatic Park and through an old railroad tunnel, and connecting people to the Powell-Hyde cable car and Fort Mason Center.

More information on the history of the F Line is available here.

MassDOT

MassDOT is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the state’s purchase and rehabilitation of the “Knowledge Corridor” tracks within Massachusetts, which helped sustain the Amtrak Vermonter passenger rail service that first launched in December 2014.

The 49-mile stretch of tracks between the northern and southern borders of Massachusetts, which the state formally purchased in 2015, enable passenger rail trips on Amtrak’s Vermonter line, from St. Albans, Vermont to Greenfield, Northampton, Holyoke, and Springfield. Since the 2015 purchase, three new stations were built along the corridor, including in Northampton, Holyoke, and Greenfield.

The Restore Vermonter project, funded largely through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, rehabilitated the tracks between Springfield and Northfield now known as the Knowledge Corridor. This, MassDOT says, enabled the Vermonter to travel this new alignment in December 2014, saving 25 minutes of travel time over the previous alignment that detoured through Palmer. As part of the project, MassDOT constructed stations in Greenfield and Northampton, rehabilitated the Stone Arch Bridge in Bernardston, and completed a pedestrian and bike underpass in Northampton. 

Owning the line, the agency says, has enabled MassDOT to invest in rail and infrastructure projects, increasing corridor capacity for both passenger service and freight trains. As a result of the improvements and funding, the Amtrak Valley Flyer, a MassDOT-funded service, began operating on the Knowledge Corridor in 2019. Massachusetts, MassDOT adds, continues to work towards improving rail infrastructure to support increased service levels through current projects, such as the Springfield Area Track Reconfiguration Project and the Inland Route, both part of Compass Rail, the long-term vision for intercity passenger rail in the Commonwealth.

Brightline

Brightline on Sept. 22 announced a series of operational changes “designed to optimize the guest experience and respond to evolving ridership patterns.” The updates follow two years of full-service operations across the state and are based on extensive guest feedback and data analysis.

“These changes reflect our commitment to delivering a predictable, reliable, and comfortable travel experience,” said Patrick Goddard, Chief Executive Officer, Brightline Florida. “We’ve listened to our guests and studied ridership trends to ensure our network evolves with their needs.”

South Florida commuters will benefit from more frequent departures during peak hours, with trains running approximately every 30 minutes.

• Five southbound trains arrive in MiamiCentral between 7:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
• Five northbound trains depart MiamiCentral between 3:45 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.
• Four northbound trains depart MiamiCentral between 7:45 a.m.- 10:00 a.m.
• Four southbound trains arrive MiamiCentral between 4:15 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Boca Raton now offers more daily departures, significantly increasing the number of stops in the past six months from 19 to the new 28 daily departures. With these new adjustments, 80% of South Florida trains and 90% of Orlando-bound trains include a Boca Raton stop.

For travelers going between South and Central Florida, Brightline will deploy longer eight-coach trains during peak travel periods. Those trains will grow to 10-coach trains before the year’s end—adding nearly 100% more capacity when compared to same time last year—to accommodate the growth in demand from travelers heading to and from Central Florida.

Brightline will also now offer guests traveling within South Florida predictable pricing based on peak and off-peak travel windows, primarily aligned with commute times and rush-hour demand. South Florida peak is comprised of departures between 6:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Special event trains—such as the HOME RUNNER for Marlins baseball games, END ZONE EXPRESS for Dolphins football games, and CONCERT CONNECT for special events—will be designated as peak, regardless of time or day of week, and marked with a special icon on the Brightline website and app.

Brightline’s PREMIUM service will retain its core benefits, including lounge access, complimentary food and drinks, and flexible cancellation policies. The Uber credit previously included with PREMIUM tickets has been removed due to low utilization. New additions to PREMIUM tickets include:

• Pre-boarding service in Miami and Orlando.
• Dedicated Guest Services line and turnstile access.
• Priority baggage claim.
• Complimentary checked bag (Standard or Large size), in addition to two carry-on size bags.
• Onboard welcome refreshments.

Additional modifications include some updates to the on-board food & drink menu available to guests in SMART, enhanced food options available in stations, and a new website feature that allows guests toggle on or off taxes/fees when viewing ticket prices. Guests will still be able to purchase Brightline Passes, offering fixed rate fares for 10-, 20-, or 40-Ride options for SMART travel.

“As guests have integrated Brightline into their lives, we continue to learn valuable lessons about their preferences,” added Goddard. “Brightline has shown people will get out of their cars and integrate hospitality-driven train travel into their lives. We believe these changes will enhance that experience even further.”

Metro-North Railroad

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) on Sept. 22 announced that new 4,200-horsepower Siemens Charger locomotives received last year for testing have begun passenger service on Metro-North Railroad’s Hudson Line, “providing riders with even more reliable service while reducing airborne pollutants by 85%, all while producing 1,000 more horsepower than the current fleet.”

(NYMTA photo)

The new locomotives, MTA says, will be able to travel farther under electric power than the current fleet of locomotives, the GE P32s, which operate under electric power only in the tunnels in and out of Grand Central Terminal, a distance of four miles. The new locomotives can operate in electric mode the entire 102 miles of Metro-North’s third rail territory, which extends to Croton-Harmon on the Hudson Line, Southeast on the Harlem Line, and Pelham on the New Haven Line. The new locomotives are compliant with Tier IV of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s vehicle emission standards, significantly improving emissions and noise pollution in densely populated areas across the State of New York.

Enhanced reliability is made possible by “ultramodern monitoring and diagnostic systems that allow crews to spot and fix issues quickly,” the agency noted.

In 2021, the MTA’s Metro-North Railroad placed an order with Siemens Mobility for 27 Dual Mode Charger locomotives, known by the model number SC42-DM. These locomotives operate on both diesel-electric and third-rail electric power, enabling them to run on all of Metro-North’s non-electrified lines and switch to electric power for electrified routes, including in Grand Central Terminal. These locomotives are being manufactured at the Siemens Mobility rolling stock facility in Sacramento, Calif., and delivered to Metro-North through 2027.

The purchase of these new Siemens Charger locomotives was funded by the MTA’s 2015-19 and 2020-24 Capital Plans, along with funding from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).

“Transit is already the antidote to climate change, and it’s only getting cleaner and greener as we replace Metro-North’s aging diesel fleet with top-of-the-line diesel-electric locomotives,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “These are just the first of many new trains to come as part of the MTA Capital Plan’s $11 billion investment in new rolling stock.”

GCRTA

GCRTA Board Members on Sept. 23 unanimously voted to approve the Rail Car Replacement Team’s request to exercise a negotiated competitive contract option for the purchase and delivery of up to six new railcars from Siemens Mobility Inc.

The approval, the agency says, is another step towards fulfilling the contract agreement with Siemens Mobility for the total purchase of 60 Siemens Model S200 railcars, which will then replace GCRTA’s existing fleet of Heavy and Light rail trains.

“I am extremely pleased for our customers and proud of my team on this amazing achievement,” said GCRTA General Manager, Chief Executive Officer India L. Birdsong Terry. “Today’s approval by the GCRTA Board Trustees emphasizes the importance of public transportation to our region and subsequent investment in our communities. Together, we move forward in strengthening our transportation network and associated infrastructure.”

New railcar features include:

• High floor light rail vehicles with two-door heights for high-and low-level platform accessibility that provides the ability for the trains to operate on all rail lines.
• Advance infotainment system for enhanced digital and travel experience.
• Modern operator cab area with dedicated HVAC unit, heated windshield, and enhanced visibility.
• Ice cutter pantographs installed on every car.
• 52 passenger seats, four wheelchair areas, and two bicycle rack locations per railcar.

The railcar replacement project total budget currently stands at $450 million, inclusive of new railcars, infrastructure modifications, railroad connections, engineering, testing, training, field support, spare parts, and special tooling. Support for this project comes from the FTA, Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) and GCRTA.

GCRTA will be featured at Light Rail 2025, presented by Railway Age and RT&S. Railcar Replacement Program Manager Bryan K. Moore and Rail Equipment Manager Casey Blaze will present on Oct. 1 and discuss Cleveland’s new rolling stock.

The post Transit Briefs: Caltrain, SFMTA, MassDOT, Brightline, Metro-North, GCRTA appeared first on Railway Age.

Following Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) approval in April and launch of Phase 1 in June, Parallel Systems, in partnership with Genesee & Wyoming (G&W), has transitioned to Phase 2 of its first commercial pilot to deploy its railcars along a 160-mile stretch of two Georgia short lines.

Phase 1 testing was performed on a two-mile section of track on the Heart of Georgia Railroad. The Parallel vehicle was operated for a total of 90 miles, “passing all safety milestones,” the company said. Tests were also performed for speed, automatic compliance with track warrant limits, slow order bulletins, concurrent warrant limits and Form A slow order bulletins. In addition, the system’s communications links and monitors “were verified to ensure proper connectivity and safety.”

“With this important milestone behind us, we have now launched Phase 2 of the test program over a 30-mile section of track,” Parallel Systems said. “The test region includes 43 grade crossings that will all be protected with flaggers. During this phase, we will evaluate system performance across different terrains, vegetation, and weather conditions. Our specific test activities include speed and position accuracy, stopping distance, audible warnings for grade crossings, and activation of grade crossing warning devices.”

“On our Heart of Georgia Railroad (HOG) near Glenwood, G.a, we moved forward with the official kick off of our pilot test with Parallel Systems,” G&W stated in a June 4 LinkedIn post. ”If these self-propelled rail vehicles prove safe and effective, we see potential to reinvigorate rail traffic on some of our more rural lanes in Georgia that are today dominated by truck. Thank you to the Federal Railroad Administration for your rigorous review of our pilot application, your continued commitment to this project, and for being on site with us today.”

Parallel Systems closed its Series B funding round of $38 million, led by Anthos Capital, joined by Collaborative Fund, as well as Congruent Ventures, Riot Ventures, and others. As of April 21, the company had raised approximately $100 million in funding.

Parallel Systems is a U.S.-based manufacturer and transportation technology innovator whose mission, the company says, “is to deliver a safer, more efficient and sustainable alternative to short-haul trucking.” The company’s autonomous battery-electric system delivers significant benefits, including:

• “Enabling railroads to grow by increasing their role in shorter-route transportation.
• “Making America’s busiest roadways safer for motorists by decongesting.
• “Reducing the costs of shipping.
• “Creating high-skilled, high-wage jobs.
• “Reducing pollution.”

“Federal Railroad Administration approval and closing our Series B funding round are two critical milestones for Parallel Systems,” said Founder and CEO Matt Soule. “Together with our strategic partnerships within the rail industry, Parallel Systems is now poised to fully commercialize our battery-electric rail system, starting with the FRA-approved project in Georgia.”

The Parallel freight system, the company says, allows for small groupings of vehicles, typically 10-30 vehicles, to operate in a platoon without couplings between the vehicles. “Railroad operations become far more nimble, safe, and cost competitive with Parallel’s technology operating system,” the company said.

The latest funding round will be used to propel commercialization of Parallel Systems with strategic railroad partners in the U.S. and Australia. The company already has a backlog of more than 300 autonomous battery-electric vehicles with leading railroads and expects to launch initial commercial operations by 2026.

Parallel Systems is scaling production of its Generation 3 vehicle and accompanying train control systems and autonomy software. In collaboration with Union Pacific, the company has tested the new technology’s compatibility with Positive Train Control (PTC) for its safe use on the nation’s railroad network.

Parallel Systems on June 23 held a virtual roundtable with industry leaders to discuss the technology. The panelists were: Michael Miller, CEO, G&W; Mason George, President, National Accounts, IMC Companies; Erez Agmoni, Co-Founder and General Partner, Interwoven Ventures; Matt Soule, Founder and CEO, Parallel Systems; and D’Andrae Larry, Head of Intermodal, Uber Freight. Wall Street Transportation Analyst Tony Hatch served as moderator.

Summed up Miller at the event: “This doesn’t change the whole supply chain; it actually just makes the supply chain better. It leverages the benefits of the technology to places where there’s the most friction, and when you eliminate that friction, every participant in the supply chain actually wins. So we’re still going to run two-mile long intermodal trains from L.A. to Chicago. We’re still going to run intermodal trains from Savannah to Memphis, but we don’t run intermodal trains from Savannah to Macon, Ga., and this creates a platform where you can do that. And I think everybody just has to step back and not look at this as a threat, but really look at it through the lens of what does this actually mean for the business?”

Watch the Virtual Roundtable Below: Further Reading:

• FRA Reviews GC, HOG Petition to Pilot Parallel Systems Technology
• Watch: Parallel Systems Tests Railcar ‘Platooning’ in California
• Watch: Parallel Systems Debuts 2nd-Gen Autonomous Battery-Electric Freight Car
• GC, HOG File Petition with FRA to Pilot Parallel Systems Technology
• Parallel Systems Wins $4.4MM DOE Grant

The post Parallel Systems First Commercial Pilot: Phase 2 Under Way (UPDATED 9/23) appeared first on Railway Age.

The “next generation” of Evolution Series units, Wabtec said, will improve fuel efficiency and operate for longer periods between maintenance overhauls. Their “production will involve multiple plants,” the company told Railway Age. “There will be kits coming from the U.S. and final assembly occurring at our LKZ [Lokomotiv Kurastyru Zauyty] plant in Astana,” Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan is the largest country in Central Asia and part of the “Middle Corridor,” also known as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, which connects Southeast Asia and China to Europe (see map below).

Railway Map of Kazakhstan
(Maximilian Dörrbecker (Chumwa) – Own work, using this file by NordNordWest as background Logo of Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ) Train logo / Wikimedia Commons)

“Over the past 20 years, GE Transportation, now Wabtec, has played a key role in the transformation of Kazakhstan’s rail industry,” according to a 2024 Wabtec report. “Between 2004 and 2007, more than 400 units of the existing diesel freight locomotive fleet were modernized, and since 2009, the transfer of advanced technology for the assembly of diesel freight, passenger and shunting locomotives has been under way. While we initially started services in Kazakhstan with a locomotive modernization program, we began to grow engineering capability to build new locomotives.

“Gaini Duisenova, Vice President, Field Services and Maintenance Management, a long-time employee who has seen the evolution of Wabtec in Kazakhstan, shares, ‘GE Transportation, which later merged with Wabtec, came to Kazakhstan when there were no international companies in heavy engineering. Our company opened a new page in Kazakhstan history with the production and servicing of Evolution diesel main line locomotives. I am glad to be part of that change.’”

Kasachstan Temir Scholy class TE33A developed by GE Transportation (now Wabtec) between Aynabulak and Kopr, Kazakhstan. (Kabelleger / David Gubler, Wikimedia Commons)

“With a vision to become a manufacturing and technology center, construction of the LKZ factory in Astana began in 2007,” Wabtec continued in its report. “LKZ was originally built in partnership with Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), the country’s state-run railroad. The plant meets all global quality standards, such as ISO 9001-2001, and employs about 700 people, most of whom were trained at production sites in the United States. Wabtec acquired full ownership of the LKZ factory in December 2023. With the full manufacturing might of LKZ added to the Wabtec footprint, the ambition to drive exports for the region has grown stronger.”

Gokhan noted in the report that “Since the LKZ factory manufactures locomotives for 1,520 [mm broad]-gauge operation, which is standard in Central Asia, we have exported to all countries in the region including Tajikistan, Mongolia, Moldova, Ukraine, etc. Now that LKZ is 100% owned by Wabtec, plans are on to expand the range of operations beyond the region as a supplier of components, systems and subsystems for our global operations.”

In November 2023, Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister awarded Wabtec for its continuous investments in the technology and people of the region. (Photograph and Caption Courtesy of Wabtec)

According to Wabtec, the company also has eight service shops in Kazakhstan providing scheduled and unscheduled maintenance of locomotives in the KTZ fleet, as well as an engine overhaul facility, Astana Diesel Service. Wabtec said ADS is “the only facility outside the United States with state-of-the-art technology to remanufacture and overhaul not only our GEVO12 diesel engines but also other locomotive components.” Additionally, the company has a Technology and Engineering Center in Astana, based out of the LKZ plant. It opened last summer.

Wabtec in September 2023 signed a framework agreement with KTZ and the President of Kazakhstan to not only “extend and advance” the production of Evolution Series locomotives, but also “help address the increased demand for freight haulage in Kazakhstan and the central corridor.”

The 300 newly ordered locomotives “will enhance KTZ’s ongoing rail expansion and fleet renewal and are designed to operate in the demanding weather conditions and mountainous terrain of Kazakhstan,” Wabtec said in its Sept. 22 announcement. “The order also includes maintenance services agreements to support the new locomotives and KTZ’s existing railroad fleet. The services are tailored to help maximize reliability and availability of KTZ’s fleet at optimal operating costs.”

Left to right: Rafael Santana (President & CEO of Wabtec), Howard Lutnick (United States Secretary of Commerce), Kassym-Jomart K. Tokayev (President of the Republic of Kazakhstan), Talgat Aldybergenov (CEO of National Railway Company of KTZ). (Photograph Courtesy of Wabtec)

“For over two decades, our partnership with KTZ has been critical in transforming Kazakhstan’s rail industry,” said Rafael Santana, President and CEO of Wabtec. “This historic agreement embodies KTZ’s visionary approach for the country’s rail network as the primary link between Europe and Asia. By delivering advanced locomotives and long-term service solutions, Wabtec is a proud partner in Kazakhstan’s progress, helping to unlock the region’s enormous potential and developing the engineering competencies in the country’s railway industry.”

“Kazakhstan plays a key role in realizing the transit potential of the Eurasian continent,” KTZ CEO Talgat Aldybergenov said. “This new agreement confirms our commitment to advanced technologies in the transport sector and will also make a significant contribution to the development of industry and railway engineering in Kazakhstan.”

In other news, July marked the 10th anniversary of Wabtec’s Evolution Series Tier 4, described as “one of the most modern diesel locomotives serving North America and the first freight locomotive to meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Tier 4 emission standards.”

Further Reading from IRJ, Railway Age’s sister publication:

• Kazakhstan accelerates infrastructure work
• Kazakhstan secures infrastructure loan
• China develops Trans-Caspian freight route
• Kazakhstan’s first Chinese shunting locomotives ready for service
• Kazakhstan wants to liberalise freight operations
• Six nations to develop China – Europe container traffic
• Alstom deepens partnership with Kazakhstan

The post Wabtec Lands $4.2B Kazakhstan Locomotive Contract appeared first on Railway Age.

They are as follows:

• “Lake Providence Port Commission—Feeder Line Application—Line of Delta Southern Railroad Located in East Carroll & Madison Parishes, La. (FD 36447). This long-standing proceeding involves efforts by LPPC, a noncarrier political subdivision of the State of Louisiana, to acquire portions of the McGehee-Tallulah rail corridor owned by Delta Southern Railroad, Inc. (DSR), a Class III rail carrier, through a Board-ordered sale. The proceeding was placed in abeyance in August 2024, pending resolution of certain issues raised in related state court actions. Chairman Fuchs has offered a draft action for consideration by the full Board and expects the Board to issue a decision in September 2025.
• “City of Philadelphia—Petition for Declaratory Order (FD 36768). In April 2024, the City of Philadelphia petitioned to Board for a declaratory order addressing the agency’s jurisdiction over certain property underlying a portion of the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad Company’s former Ninth Street Branch. Chairman Fuchs has offered a draft action for consideration by the full Board and expects the Board to issue a decision in September 2025.
• “Mendocino Railway—Petition for Declaratory Order (FD 36868). In July 2025, Mendocino Railway petitioned the Board to issue a declaratory order confirming that Mendocino Railway is a Class III common carrier subject to the Board’s jurisdiction, entitled to the protections of any applicable federal preemption that comes with that status. Chairman Fuchs has offered a draft action for consideration by the full Board and expects the Board to issue a decision in September 2025.
• “Improving STB Environmental Regulations. Consistent with Executive Order 14154, Unleashing American Energy, issued January 20, 2025, and related guidance from the Council on Environmental Quality, Chairman Fuchs has offered a course of action for consideration by the full Board and expects the Board to issue a decision no later than October 2025.
• “Reporting Requirements for Positive Train Control Expenses & Investments (EP 706). In August 2024, the Association of American Railroads petitioned the Board to reopen and terminate certain 2013 railroad reporting requirements on capital and operating expenditures for Positive Train Control (PTC). Current PTC reporting requires carriers to break out expenditures to reflect PTC implementation, which is now complete. Chairman Fuchs has offered a course of action for consideration by the full Board and expects the Board to issue a decision in September 2025.
• “Consolidated Rail Corp.—Abandonment Exemption—in Hudson County, N.J. (AB 167 (Sub-No. 1189X)). This longstanding proceeding involves a request from Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail) for authority to abandon an approximately 1.36-mile portion of a line of railroad, known as the Harsimus Branch, located in the City of Jersey City, N.J. In May 2025, the Board, through the Acting Director of the Office of Proceedings, rejected the City of Jersey City’s Offer of Financial Assistance to purchase certain of Conrail’s interests in the Harsimus Branch, which has been appealed to the full Board. Chairman Fuchs intends to offer a course of action for consideration by the full Board in October 2025.
• “The Great Walton Railroad Company—Petition for Declaratory Order (AB 1242 (Sub-No. 1)). This longstanding proceeding involves a request for the Board to issue a declaratory order clarifying that a portion of the Great Walton Railroad Company’s runaround track in Hart County, Georgia is a line of railroad subject to the agency’s exclusive jurisdiction. Chairman Fuchs intends to offer a course of action for consideration by the full Board in October 2025.
• “Fortress Investment Group LLC et al.—Control Exemption—Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway (FD 36878). In August 2025, Fortress Investment Group submitted a petition for exemption from the formal requirements of 49 U.S.C. § 11323 for the acquisition of control of The Wheeling Corporation and its wholly owned railroad subsidiaries. Chairman Fuchs expects the Board to issue a decision no later than November 2025.”

The update, STB says, “continues the agency’s efforts to promote transparency and accountability.” The last update was provided on May 5, 2025.

The post Fuchs Provides Update on Outstanding STB Proceedings appeared first on Railway Age.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Bureau of Statistics (BTS) recently released its Progress Towards Safer Rail Tank Cars Transporting Flammable Liquids: 2025 Report, highlighting the progress in upgrading the rail tank car fleet to the DOT-117 standard, which meets new safety requirements, and summarizes the type of rail tank cars carrying Class 3 flammable liquids.

There is a rolling phase-out schedule of tank cars based on both tank car type and flammable liquids carried. According to the report (download below), there were no phaseout deadlines during 2024, and all tank cars were in compliance with the 2015 Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act. The next major deadline was May 1, 2025, when jacketed CPC-1232 tank cars were prohibited from carrying ethanol and crude oil and all DOT-111 and CPC-1232 tank cars were prohibited from carrying other flammable liquids in packing group I. Compliance with 2025 phaseouts will be evaluated in the 2026 report.

In 2024, 101,116 rail tank cars were used to carry Class 3 flammable liquids, a 0.2% increase from 2023, the BTS reported. In 2016, only 8% of the fleet that carries crude oil and other Class 3 flammable liquids consisted of DOT-117s (new or retrofitted), compared to 73% in 2024. For crude oil alone, 98.7% of the tank car fleet consisted of DOT-117s, up from 96% in 2023.

Based on a survey of facilities capable of building and/or retrofitting DOT-117 and DOT-117R, respectively, 3,546 new DOT-117 tank cars are projected to be built 2025 and 890 DOT-117R tank cars are projected to be retrofitted, for a total of 4,436 additional DOT-117/DOT-117R tanks projected in 2025, according to the report.

The annual BTS report is required under FAST Act, Section 7308. Additionally, Section 7308(c) requires BTS to estimate the anticipated number of DOT-117 tank cars for each year from 2018 through 2029 by collecting data from tank car shops that build or retrofit tank cars. “It is expected that, by the end of 2029, all Class 3 flammable liquids will be carried in rail tank cars that meet or exceed DOT-117 specifications,” according to the BTS report.

dot_86425_DS1Download

The post New BTS Report Highlights Progress in Converting Tank Cars to Safer Standards appeared first on Railway Age.

Union Pacific and the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers–Transportation Division on Sept. 22 announced an agreement they said “guarantees that SMART-TD members working in train and yardmaster service will have job protection for the length of their careers following the [UP-Norfolk Southern merger] transaction, subject to the usual requirements for continued employment.” UP and NS, which together would create a U.S. transcontinental railroad, notified the Surface Transportation Board late last month of their intent to file an application seeking merger approval on or before Jan. 29, 2026. It is expected that the application will be filed by Oct. 29.

UP “has committed that these [SMART-TD] employees will not face involuntary furloughs as a result of the merger,” in addition to “lifetime job protection” and “preferential hiring for affected terminal employees,” according to the railroad and the nation’s largest rail union. They reported that SMART-TD “is proud to announce its support” of the UP-NS merger. That support, they added, “will be reflected before the Surface Transportation Board in Docket No. 36873, where the union will stand behind the agreement as a model of protecting workers while advancing the industry.”

“This is a proud day [Sept. 22] for our members,” said Jeremy R. Ferguson, President of SMART-TD, which opposed the merger prior to what the railroad and union call a “groundbreaking” agreement. “For generations, railroaders have worried about what mergers might mean for their jobs and whether or not they would be given the opportunity to reach retirement on the rail. Today, we can say with confidence that the biggest railroad and the biggest rail union in America are breaking new ground. We are protecting jobs, protecting families, and protecting the future of the U.S. supply chain. I want to thank [UP CEO] Jim Vena, [NS CEO] Mark George and their teams for thinking outside the box and putting their employees at ease in unprecedented times. This is a bold agreement, and I’m proud of the mutually beneficial work done here and what Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern, and SMART-TD were able to accomplish.”

“I want to thank SMART-TD for its leadership,” Jim Vena said. “When we announced our intent to create the first transcontinental railroad in America [sic*], I made a promise to protect the jobs of all unionized employees. Those who have a job when the merger is approved will continue to have one. I am confident we will unlock new sources of growth for the country and our industry, taking more trucks off taxpayer-funded highways, serving new markets, and keeping more railroad jobs in America.”

“This merger will create opportunities for growth—not just for our business, but for our people,” Mark George said. “That’s why, from the outset, we made clear that every union employee at the combined company would have a job. Today’s [Sept. 22] commitment with SMART-TD takes that promise a step further and reflects our deep appreciation for and confidence in the people who keep our railroads moving every day.”

(Photograph Courtesy of UP and NS)

According to a Sept. 22 Associated Press report, “Tony Cardwell, president of the BMWED [Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division–International Brotherhood of Teamsters], said his union rejected similar offer from Union Pacific a couple weeks ago because the railroad wouldn’t agree to protect workers if it decides to lease more of its tracks to short-line railroads to handle the final deliveries as it has already done in a couple locations. He said what good is a promise of a job if it means either taking a pay cut to go to work for a smaller railroad or moving across the country to keep a job with Union Pacific. Cardwell said that until workers in those situations are protected ‘We’re not going to support it [the proposed UP-NS merger]. In fact, we’ll vehemently deny it. And we feel like we have a close enough relationship right now with the White House that we can have an impact on this.’”

Following the proposed merger announcement on July 29, the Transport Workers Union of America (TWU) reported “strongly” opposing it, and urged “federal regulators, lawmakers, shippers, and unions to block the deal.” The TWU currently represents NS workers in Chicago, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Baltimore, along with Toledo, Ohio; Elkhart, Ind.; Harrisburg, Pa.; and other locations. 

Noted TWU International President John Samuelsen at that time: “Union Pacific has a shameful safety record.” Added TWU Rail Division Director John Feltz: “Union Pacific cut railroad jobs even as other freight railroads ramped up hiring after the pandemic. They are not to be trusted by railroad workers nationwide and the TWU will fight any attempt to ram through a merger that Wall Street might like but is bad for railroad workers and the safety of everyone. This is going to be a long, drawn-out process where many groups will have a say.” 

* Should be “U.S. transcontinental railroad.”

Further Reading:

• Mr. Vena Goes to Washington
• Kloster, Schultz Chosen for STB by POTUS 47
• Merger Dialogue: Shades of ‘Pride and Prejudice’
• Deal Vs. No Deal
• Mixed Views on Mergers
• NEARS: Consolidation, Weak Economic Backdrop Highlighted
• Transcon Merger Discussion with a Former Class I CEO
• UP+NS: An ‘Absolute Monster of a Railroad’
• UP + NS: What Comes Next?
• Union Pacific + Norfolk Southern: It’s Official

The post SMART-TD Supports Proposed UP-NS Merger appeared first on Railway Age.

Duos

Doug Recker has been named a Corporate Officer and President of Duos reporting to Chuck Ferry, CEO. A seasoned telecommunications and data center executive with more than 30 years of experience, Recker has been “a driving force behind Duos’ expansion into the Edge Data Center (EDC) and colocation markets through the company’s Duos Edge AI subsidiary,” the company reported Sept. 15.

In his new role, Recker will assume broader leadership responsibilities across the organization, leveraging his expertise to advance Duos’ strategy in Edge AI, and digital infrastructure solutions, according to the company. In addition to working with the leadership team to expand Duos’ footprint across the digital infrastructure ecosystem, Recker will continue to oversee the design implementation and deployment of Duos Edge Data Centers, “which will facilitate more robust connectivity and compute capabilities to underserved communities as well as help broaden reach for schools, hospitals, local governments, local fiber carriers, and first responder networks,” Duos said.

Further Reading:

• Next-Level Safety and Efficiency
• Duos Secures 11th Railcar Tech Patent
• Duos, CN Ink Five-Year Strategic Agreement

MARTA

MARTA has announced a restructuring of its leadership team “with a renewed focus on operational safety, reliability and project delivery.”

“The way to rebuild public trust in MARTA is by delivering routine excellence every day,” MARTA Interim General Manager and CEO Jonathan Hunt said on Sept. 12. “I believe these organizational changes will strengthen accountability, create space for innovation, and enhance service delivery.”

MARTA Chief Customer Experience Officer Rhonda Allen has been appointed Deputy General Manager, and will oversee several critical departments including the Divisions of Customer Experience and Technology, Operations and Urban Planning, Capital Programs, Engineering and Infrastructure, and Administrative Services, as well as the Department of Police Services and Emergency Management.

Larry Prescott, MARTA’s Assistant General Manager of Infrastructure, will serve as Interim Chief Capital Officer. While Prescott has been involved with the planning and development of MARTA’s capital projects, MARTA said it will launch a national search to identify a permanent leader to take on this role.

MARTA’s Chief of Operational and Urban Planning, Paul Lopes, will expand his responsibilities to include oversight of all transit operations including Bus, Rail, Mobility (paratransit), and the Streetcar.

TriMet

TriMet General Manager Sam Desue Jr. has selected two women who spent decades growing and learning with TriMet for new roles with the agency. He named Inessa M. Vitko as Chief Operations Officer and elevated Mary L. Hill to Executive Director of Transportation.

“The promotions come at a time of historic change at TriMet,” the agency reported Sept. 16. “They are part of an agency-wide focus to improve fiscal efficiency and stewardship. Over the summer, TriMet announced a large-scale effort to reduce costs amid a significant and growing budget gap and impending fiscal cliff. Changes to the agency’s executive leadership team are among the many steps TriMet is taking to achieve a balanced budget by July 2028.”

“As we work toward this goal, I felt it was important to begin with adjustments at the highest level of management,” Desue said. “As I’ve also committed to you, we are doing this all with care, compassion and transparency. I am honoring that commitment.”

Vitko joined TriMet in 2006 as a training services administrator, and Hill began her agency career in 2003 as a bus operator. Coincidentally, both left TriMet to gain additional experience at C-TRAN, before returning in the 2020s for more challenging roles.

“Moving into this new role nearly 20 years after I started my career at TriMet is an incredible privilege, and to be honest, it’s a little surreal,” Vitko said. “I am excited and thankful to continue to be part of an invested and dedicated leadership team, and look forward to TriMet’s future as we navigate our path ahead.”  

Formerly TriMet’s Senior Director of Operations Command Center and Rail Operations, Hill joins TriMet’s executive leadership team in her new role, assuming the position previously held by Vitko. 

“I’m honored to continue my journey with TriMet in this new role, building on the lessons I’ve learned from the front lines as a bus operator to our leadership team,” Hill said. “This promotion reflects the incredible opportunities TriMet provides for growth and the importance of supporting women and people of color in leadership.”

Vitko holds a Master of Public Administration and a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and statistics from Portland State University. Hill holds a master’s degree in business administration and a bachelor’s degree in business management, both from Western Governors University. 

As part of the reorganization at TriMet, Desue eliminated the agency’s Chief Operating Officer role, which has been vacant since May. Vitko’s position as Chief Operations Officer is different, with a revised scope and narrower focus on day-to-day operations, according to TriMet.

“TriMet is conducting a full-scale operational assessment to identify additional opportunities for streamlining and reducing costs, as the agency works to close our budget gap,” the agency reported. “Some of the earliest efforts focus on changes at the top of the organization. For example, the Executive Director position for the agency’s Transit Systems Asset and Support Division, open since May, has been eliminated, as the agency considers the division’s future. Staffing changes and internal savings alone, however, will not be enough. TriMet will also begin reducing service this fall, as we look for new avenues to increase revenues.”

The post People News: Duos, MARTA, TriMet appeared first on Railway Age.

Amtrak / USRC

The U.S. Department of Transportation on Sept. 18 reported that Amtrak and the USRC Boards of Directors unanimously agreed to approve the terms of a renegotiated cooperative agreement restoring federal control of the facility. The new agreement among USRC, Amtrak, and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) “will fast track restoration efforts, improve security, and attract new economic development,” according to the government.

It said the terms of the cooperative agreement “will enable the management changes necessary to:

• “Address state-of-good-repair projects, 
• “Increase revenue through first-class retail, office, and event space, 
• “Improve security, 
• “Enhance multi-modal transportation uses, 
• “Set the stage for increased private investment, 
• “Create a family-friendly environment,
• “And provide a gateway to the nation’s capital worthy of this great country.”

USDOT said that under its leadership, Amtrak and USRC will “collaborate to move toward a new formal governance structure.”

As the owner of Washington Union Station, USDOT said it will:

• “Bring a ‘one building’ approach to station management,
• “Demand improved security, 
• “Focus short-term work on addressing a backlog of capital projects, and 
• “Promote a long-term vision of Union Station that leverages private investment and expertise and minimizes costs to the federal government.”

Under USDOT’s direction, USRC will:

• “Operate the retail, office, and event space, along with parking, to maximize revenue for reinvestment,
• “Provide Amtrak with new passenger areas as part of a world-class rail travel experience, complemented by the new Acela trainsets,   
• “Provide enhanced security to establish a family-friendly station, in cooperation with federal law enforcement agencies and Amtrak,
• “Restore the station to a state of good repair, and
• “Position this unique asset for a more reasonable expansion plan that can draw private investment and limit taxpayer risk.”

Amtrak will:

• “Return its D.C. offices to Washington Union Station, through a lease with USRC that allows Amtrak’s taxpayer-funded office expenses to be reinvested in a federal asset rather than being spent on private realty,
• “Continue to provide a police presence, in coordination with USRC and Federal agencies,
• “Leverage new space to create modern and attractive waiting areas, and
• “Refocus on its operations in a ‘back to basics’ approach to railroading, featuring its state-of-the-art Acela II trainsets.”

“This revitalization will not only beautify and secure the station but also provide additional space to Amtrak that improves the passenger experience,” FRA Acting Administrator Drew Feeley said. “Reasserting control of the facility will free up Amtrak to focus on its core mission of providing rail transportation.”

“In partnership with DOT and USRC, we’re committed to delivering a safer, cleaner, and more seamless travel experience for every passenger,” said Roger Harris, President of Amtrak. “We’ve already made significant strides—welcoming over a dozen new retailers, bolstering Amtrak Police presence, rolling out station refresh and deep-clean initiatives, and streamlining operations—and this new agreement accelerates that momentum.”

“We appreciate this strategic decision from the Department of Transportation to designate Union Station Redevelopment Corporation with direct oversight of the station,” said Doug Carr, USRC CEO. “USRC is well prepared to deliver benefits for the station, our passengers, the public, and our partners. We look forward to ongoing collaboration with the FRA and Amtrak to identify and implement capital improvements related to the station, including its retail operations, as we continue to enhance the Union Station experience for all users.”

Further Reading:

• Report: Amtrak to Control Washington Union Station Leasehold
• “Amtrak as Bully”
• “Amtrak Bullying Now Targets SEPTA”

Transit Tech Lab (Courtesy of Transit Tech Lab)

The Transit Tech Lab—a public-private initiative created by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and the Partnership Fund for New York City to facilitate advancements through technology in public transportation—has published a report on its 2025 proof-of-concept phase results.

Over the course of this eight-week phase that began in May 2025, 12 companies worked with the MTA, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and the NYC Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) to test their technology for improving the ridership experience, and optimizing inspection and maintenance processes.

The two challenge areas—Ridership Improvement and Inspection & Maintenance—were announced in January and generated 112 applications from around the world.

The Ridership Improvement Challenge sought technology that would help agencies accurately measure, capture and improve paid ridership and travel demand data to optimize transit schedules and communicate effectively.

Finalists include Jawnt, Libelium Comunicaciones, and Matawan. The companies worked with agency partners to:

• “Redesign paper-based workflows to accelerate contactless fare payment adoption.
• “Use real-time sensors to monitor crowding and inform train schedules
• “Integrate large-scale fare data to optimize transit planning.”

The Inspection and Maintenance Challenge sought technology that would help agencies digitize manual inspections and optimize maintenance processes.

Finalists include Censys Technologies, FlipAI, Kinexio, Previsico, Routora, SafetyCulture, SahayAI, Tomorrow.io, and TwinKnowledge. The companies worked with agency partners to:

• “Utilize AI-powered tools to accelerate inspections, data analysis, and document review.
• “Digitize user-friendly workflows that reduce manual labor, drive time for [what], and administrative overhead.
• “Produce predictive systems that improve weather forecasting and operations response.”

This is the seventh annual program of the Transit Tech Lab. Previous challenges focused on improving subway signaling, transit accessibility, resiliency, and customer experience. Since the program’s inception in 2018, more than 1,000 companies have applied to participate in the program, 81 companies have tested their technologies, and 29 solutions have commercially scaled or informed commercial procurements.

Join Stacey Matlen, Senior Vice President of Innovation for The Partnership for New York City, at the Railway Age / RT&S Women in Rail Conference, to be held Oct. 15-16, 2025. She will discuss the latest technologies stemming from the Transit Tech Lab challenges.

Further Reading:

• NYC Transit Tech Lab Announces 2025 Project Partners
• TTL Selects 13 Companies to Continue Partnering With Transit Agencies

CTA (CTA Photograph, Courtesy of USDOT)

CTA on Sept. 15 officially launched a pilot featuring new vending machines that dispense free naloxone at five rail stations. The move follows a June partnership agreement with Cook County Health (CCH).

According to the transit authority, these stations were chosen based on community input and data that “zeroed in on areas with higher opioid-related emergencies”:

1. 47th Street (Red Line)
2. Wilson (Red/Purple Line)
3. Jefferson Park (Blue Line)
4. Harlem/Lake (Green Line)
5. Central Park (Pink Line)

CCH has invested $100,000 to cover the costs of procurement, installation, and maintenance of the machines as part of the six-month pilot, with the option to expand based on community impact, according to CTA. This investment is supported by funds from the U.S. Department of Treasury, under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocated to CCH by Cook County Government.

“Naloxone, an FDA-approved nasal spray, can rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose,” CTA said. “Public health leaders emphasized at today’s event that the medication is safe, easy to use, and empowers anyone to act in an emergency.”

“By placing naloxone vending machines at five key CTA stations, we are meeting people where they are and breaking down barriers to provide lifesaving tools within reach,” Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said.  “Public transit hubs are vital arteries of our city and county, and making this life-saving medication available in these locations removes a significant barrier to access. This initiative is about harm reduction and saving lives.”  

“Our partnership with Cook County Health is a powerful and innovative way for public transit to support the communities we serve,” CTA Acting President Nora Leerhsen said. “CTA rail stations are often hubs in Chicago communities, and we believe that these vending machines have the potential to help save lives and support the health and well-being of those in need of Naloxone.”

CTA said this effort builds upon its existing efforts to aid those suffering from substance abuse on the system, which include dedicated social service outreach teams deployed on the system each night to offer assistance and resources. CTA said its other “harm-reduction” initiatives include a pilot with the Chicago Department of Public Health to offer a public health machine that dispenses “free health and hygiene products, as well as other harm-reduction supplies” at the 95th/Dan Ryan terminal. This program launched in 2023 and will soon expand to include three additional locations, according to the transit authority.

Further Reading:

• Report: RTA Redirects Funds From Metra, Pace to Prevent CTA Service Reductions
• CTA Launches Innovation Studio Challenges

NJT

NJT’s “FARE-PAY” card is now available to riders of the Newark Light Rail, Hudson-Bergen Light Rail and River LINE systems, as well as buses statewide. The reusable cards are said to allow riders to purchase and store monthly passes, 10-trip bus tickets or cash value for a “tap-and-go” experience. 

The FARE-PAY card was piloted on a limited scale in April at four bus park & rides—Willowbrook Mall (Wayne), Mothers (Wayne), Wayne Transit Center (Wayne), and Allwood Road (Clifton)—and on the Newark Light Rail system.

Since Sept. 19, riders have been able to purchase fare cards loaded with bus or light rail monthly passes at ticket vending machines (TVMs) or at the following Bus ticket offices: Port Authority Bus Terminal, Old Bridge, Lakewood, Atlantic City Bus Terminal, Wildwood, and Walter Rand Transportation Center. Beginning Oct. 1, they will be able to purchase new fare cards loaded with 10-trip bus tickets. Riders can tap their “FARE-PAY” cards at the onboard validator while boarding their bus or at platform validating stations on the light rail systems. Select retail outlets will also carry the FARE-PAY card so riders can purchase the card and add cash value.

According to NJT, riders can register their card to protect their stored fare from loss, manage their accounts online, view fare-card activity and current value, auto-reload, and perform other options. A credit/debit card is not required. Riders who use the mobile app to purchase tickets and passes may continue to do so, NJT said. Purchasing a FARE-PAY card is optional. The FARE-PAY cards are not yet available for use on NJT’s commuter rail system.

“With the expansion of FARE-PAY, we’re making it easier for customers to purchase tickets and passes with greater flexibility,” NJT President and CEO Kris Kolluri said. “It’s part of our ongoing commitment to modernize and enhance the everyday experience for those who rely on NJ Transit.”

Further Reading:

• NJT Exercises MLIII, ALP45-DP Alstom Options
• NJT Brings River LINE Operation, Maintenance In-House
• NJT Releases RFQ for Northern Rail MOW Facility
• NJT Sets FY26 Ops Budget, Authorizes Capex Funding

Sound Transit (Courtesy of Sound Transit)

Sounder commuter rail service began 25 years ago with four stations: Seattle’s King Street Station, Auburn, Sumner (with only half its platform ready), and a temporary Tacoma stop near the old Amtrak station on Puyallup Avenue.

(Courtesy of Sound Transit)

Fast forward to 2025 and Sounder now serves 12 stations across the N Line and S Line, connecting thousands of riders each weekday (see map, right). To celebrate the 25th anniversary, Sound Transit rounded up 25 fun facts you may not know about Sounder:

1. Opening Day

Sounder’s first official day of service was Sept. 18, 2000, with King Street, Auburn, Sumner, and Tacoma stations in operation.

2. First Trips = Only Two

For the first two years, Sounder ran just two round trips per weekday.

3. Mariners Came First

Sounder actually ran trains before daily service began — carrying fans to Mariners games in April 2000.

4. Tiny Sumner Platform

On opening day, Sumner’s station had only 300 feet of platform and limited parking.

5. Temporary Tacoma

The original Tacoma stop wasn’t at Freighthouse Square—it was a temporary platform off Puyallup Avenue near the BNSF tracks.

6. First Year Boardings

Sounder carried 25,742 passenger boardings in its first full year.

7. N Line Debut

The N Line launched on December 21, 2003, with a special Seahawks game train. Regular commuter service on the N Line began December 22, 2003.

(Courtesy of Sound Transit) 8. Mukilteo Joins Later

Mukilteo Station opened on May 31, 2008, adding a third stop to the N Line. A second platform and pedestrian bridge at Mukilteo opened on April 11, 2016.

9. Lakewood-to-Tacoma

Service expanded south in October 2012, connecting Lakewood to Tacoma Dome Station.

10. Today’s Network

Sounder now covers 82.9 miles of track — 48.7 miles on the S Line and 34.2 miles on the N Line.

11. 1 Million Riders

Sounder reached its 1 millionth rider in 2004, just four years after opening.

12. King Street Rules

The busiest weekday boarding station is Seattle’s King Street Station, followed by Kent and Puyallup.

(Courtesy of Sound Transit) 13. Maximum Speed

Sounder trains can reach 79 miles per hour.

14. Heavy Hardware

A full 7-car trainset with locomotive weighs about 600 tons. Each locomotive weighs about 285,000 pounds, while each passenger car weighs around 120,000 pounds.

15. Push-Pull Power

Sounder trains don’t “turn around” in Tacoma—they’re push-pull trains with a locomotive on one end and a cab car on the other.

16. Two Crew Members

Just two people—an engineer and a conductor—operate each train.

17. Scenic Views

On the N Line, riders get stunning views of Puget Sound, often with eagles, ospreys, or seals spotted along the way. On clear days, S Line riders enjoy postcard views of Mount Rainier.

(Courtesy of Sound Transit) 18. Point Defiance Bypass

In 2017, S Line service shifted to the Point Defiance Bypass, making trips into Tacoma faster and more direct.

19. Bi-Level Cars

Sounder uses double-deck passenger cars, giving upstairs riders the best seats in the house.

20. Long Platforms

Tacoma Dome Station features one of the longest platforms in the system.

21. Game Day Tradition

Sounder has carried tens of thousands of fans to Seahawks, Sounders FC, and Mariners games.

(Courtesy of Sound Transit) 22. Line Names

In 2020, Sounder officially became the N Line and S Line, joining Sound Transit’s systemwide naming convention.

23. APTA 2001

Sound Transit hosted the APTA Commuter Rail Conference in Seattle from March 31 to April 4, 2001.

24. Future at 50

Sound Transit is planning for longer trains, more trips, and expanded stations — setting Sounder up for another 25 years of growth.

25. ST Shop

Sound Transit has launched a limited-edition Sounder 25 collection at the Sound Transit Shop.

“Whether you’ve been riding since that tiny Sumner platform or just hopped aboard recently, thank you for being part of Sounder’s first 25 years,” Sound Transit said. “Here’s to the next 25!”

NCTD (Courtesy of NCTD)

To celebrate its golden anniversary, NCTD will be hosting pop-up events at stations with free limited-edition giveaways (while supplies last) for riders from Sept. 23 through Sept. 25. NCTD will also host a press conference and public anniversary celebration on Sept. 27 at 10 a.m.

The North County Transit Development Board was established on Sept. 20, 1975, by California Senate Bill No. 802, to plan, construct, and operate public transit in North San Diego County. The new transit agency’s jurisdiction would include Oceanside, Carlsbad, San Marcos, Vista, Escondido, Fallbrook, Pauma, Valley Center, San Dieguito, and Ramona. The Board would serve as the operator of bus service within the North County area, absorbing the municipal bus systems of Escondido and Oceanside.

(Courtesy of NCTD)

Since then, the North County Transit Development Board evolved into the North County Transit District, adopting the acronym NCTD, and is now operating as North County Transit – San Diego Railroad. NCTD expanded its service and established the COASTER commuter rail in 1995, SPRINTER hybrid rail in 2008, FLEX deviated fixed route service, LIFT paratransit service, and NCTD+ on-demand (see timeline above).

Earlier this year, NCTD placed new COASTER cab and coach cars into service and celebrated 30 years of the commuter rail service. NCTD will also redesign its SPRINTER vehicles, the first of which will be launched as part of its 50th Anniversary. NCTD also unveiled a new logo this year (above).

The post Transit Briefs: Amtrak/USRC, Transit Tech Lab, CTA, NJT, Sound Transit, NCTD appeared first on Railway Age.

UP

UP’s iconic Big Boy No. 4014, the world’s largest operating steam locomotive, will journey between Wyoming and Colorado later this month. The limited excursion will offer rail fans another opportunity to see the railroad’s rich history in action.

“The Big Boy not only represents Union Pacific Railroad’s rich history, it symbolizes who we are as a railroad—built on strength, innovation and grit,” said CEO Jim Vena. “It’s an important connector among our communities, customers and employees that serves as a rolling reminder of railroads’ historic role driving our nation’s growth.”

Mark your calendars:

Tuesday, Sept. 30: Cheyenne, Wyo., departs 11 a.m. MDT; Greeley, Colo., 12:45 p.m.-1:15 p.m. MDT

Wednesday, Oct. 1: Eaton, Colo., 12:30 p.m.-1 p.m. MDT (park west of Highway 85 and cross at the Collins Street pedestrian crosswalk); Cheyenne, Wyo., 2:30 p.m.-3:15 p.m. MDT; operational move to turn locomotive at Speer, Wyo., returning to Cheyenne 5 p.m. MDT

After this trip, Big Boy will gear up for a monumental journey in 2026 to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. More information will be available here.

CSX

CSX President and CEO Joe Hinrichs has been recognized with the Champion of Change Award from ACCP.

(Photo Courtesy of Joe Hinrichs via LinkedIn)

The Champion for Change Award recognizes a C-suite executive who provides leadership that advances both social and business impact in communities where the company operates and globally. “Joe Hinrichs works to embed community investment as a priority across the company, and his focus on employee volunteerism as a means to collaboration and engagement makes him an exemplary Champion for Change,” ACCP said in a press release.

“This is just another example of our ONE CSX team delivering for all our key stakeholders – including the communities we live in and serve every day. Special thanks to our entire 23,000 ONE CSX team members who made this possible,” said Hinrichs in a LinkedIn post.

NS

The Frazier-White Site, a 430-acre property in Decatur-Limestone County, Ala., has received nearly $88,000 through the Alabama Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) Act to support critical site readiness activities.

A strategic grant through Alabama’s SEEDS program is helping fast-track development at a promising Limestone County industrial site. (Image: Limestone County EDA)

According to the Limestone County Economic Development Association (LCEDA), the award will help fund a $154,000 due diligence initiative that includes environmental and cultural assessments, wetlands delineation, species studies and other key evaluations necessary for industrial recruitment.

Positioned just 1.5 miles from Interstate 65 and adjacent to two four-lane highways, the Frazier-White Site boasts rail access via Norfolk Southern (NS), robust infrastructure, and proximity to a highly skilled labor force.

“Norfolk Southern is proud to support the development of rail-served sites like the Frazier-White Site,” said NS Senior Industrial Development Manager Tyler Preast. “This SEEDS award represents a meaningful investment in Decatur-Limestone County and reinforces the value of rail in driving economic growth and American reindustrialization.”

With the SEEDS funding now secured, LCEDA said it will advance to the next phase of positioning the site for prospective industries and headquarters in sectors including advanced manufacturing, aerospace, aviation, agriculture technology, and food products.

The post Class I Briefs: UP, CSX, NS appeared first on Railway Age.

According to NCRR, this is the first time the program offered two application rounds in a single year, “a response to increasing interest from communities and site developers.”

“North Carolina’s economic future depends on how well we prepare today,” said NCRR President and CEO Carl Warren. “The Build Ready Sites Program equips communities with the tools to attract transformative industry. Expanding to two grant rounds this year reflects the growing demand for domestic manufacturing capacity.”

Since its launch in 2021, the BRS Program awarded $11.7 million in private grants to 21 counties across North Carolina, helping create more than 4,000 acres of rail-served property for industrial use. These investments, NCRR says, “aim to strengthen local economies, attract new industry and support job creation in both rural and urban communities.”

In the spring 2025 cycle, NCRR awarded $2.5 million overall to four communities preparing rail-served sites for future industrial use. “By investing in rail-served sites, we’re giving North Carolina communities the tools to compete and win-attracting jobs, industry, and long-term growth,” said NCRR Chief Commercial Officer Trish Haver.

The Town of Spencer in Rowan County received $750,000 for water and sewer extensions at the N.C. I-85 South site, a 100-acre property. Partners include the Rowan County Economic Development Council and Samet Corporation.

Mecklenburg County received $500,000 towards clearing and grading as well as connecting to public utility infrastructure at the 40-acre Pence Road site. The Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway Company (ACWR) owns the industrially zoned property and partnered with the county to pursue the grant.

NCRR awarded Wayne County up to $750,000 for utility extension and relocation at a 44-acre lot in ParkEast Industrial Park in Goldsboro, a project advanced in partnership with the North Carolina Global TransPark Economic Development Region. The fourth grant of $500,000 was awarded to Cabarrus County for site readiness regarding rail centric development on the ACWR.

These awards, the company says, “build on NCRR’s commitment to advancing site readiness and ensuring communities are well-positioned to compete for new industrial projects.”

In related news NCRR has received a 2025 Excellence in Economic Development Gold Award from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) for the company’s work in the Recovery, Resiliency & Mitigation category that impacted approximately 1.2 million residents. NCRR representatives were honored at the IEDC 2025 Annual Conference in Detroit, Mich., September 14-17.

“North Carolina Railroad Company is leading the field of excellence in economic development with its Back-on-Track Disaster Recovery Program. This award shines a spotlight on NCRR’s commitment to its community and showcases the significant impact of economic development,” said IEDC President and CEO Nathan Ohle. “IEDC is honored to present this award to North Carolina Railroad Company to celebrate both their leadership and innovation in the field.”

Each year, IEDC honors economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives, and programs that consistently demonstrate excellence in the field. The honorees lead transformational projects that revitalize communities and advance the practice of economic development.

“When disaster strikes, North Carolina communities need partners who understand the stakes, move quickly and bring practical solutions,” said Warren. “We are proud to be that partner and appreciate the IEDC’s recognition of our work in recovery, resiliency and mitigation.”

The Back-on-Track Disaster Recovery Program provided more than $8.2 million within FEMA-designated disaster areas to Class II and Class III short lines, local rail-served industries in need of track infrastructure repairs and nonprofit Economic Development Organizations in need of operational support.

The post NCRR Opens Fall 2025 Build Ready Sites Grant Round appeared first on Railway Age.

Anchored by a newly developed port in Sault Ste. Marie, the Sault to the South Trade Corridor “is a strategic national initiative that will strengthen Canada’s internal trade and export networks, unlock new economic opportunities, and build industrial capacity in key sectors, including mining, forestry, steel, advanced manufacturing, and agriculture,” the City said.

Strategically located on the Great Lakes as a gateway to northern Ontario’s resource zones, the corridor will serve as a logistics and processing gateway, integrating marine, rail, and highway infrastructure to support full-season, multimodal connectivity. The initiative is aligned with the federal Canada Strong plan, the Growth Plan for Northern Ontario, and Ontario’s Critical Mineral Strategy.

“Sault Ste. Marie is a natural fit as a multimodal hub within the Great Lakes corridor,” said HOPA Ports President and CEO Ian Hamilton. “Its geographic position connects seamlessly to industrial bases like Windsor, Port Colborne, Hamilton, and Montreal, forming powerful intra-provincial links between Northern Ontario’s resource base and Canada’s largest industrial and consumer markets.”

As part of this initiative, the partners are exploring the Algoma Steel site as a potential host location for the port facilities. The Algoma Steel site offers significant industrial land, deepwater access, and existing infrastructure that can support co-located economic activities. Positioning the port on Algoma’s footprint would create a unique multimodal hub, linking steelmaking, logistics, energy, and advanced manufacturing, and reinforcing the Sault’s role as a strategic engine of industrial growth in Northern Ontario, the partners noted.

“Having Algoma Steel’s site under consideration as a port location positions us as a central player in regional economic diversification, beyond steelmaking,” said Algoma Steel CEO Michael Garcia. “It underscores our role as an anchor in nation-building infrastructure and highlights Sault Ste. Marie’s importance as a gateway for Canadian industry.”

Benefits of the Sault to the South Corridor include:

• Multimodal Hub: 100+ acres of industrial space with deepwater access and redevelopment potential.
• Transportation Connections: Integrated rail, highway, and marine links with extended-season service.
• Industrial Clustering: Immediate access to key sectors and co-location opportunities for logistics and energy.
• Skilled Labor Pool: Strong base of tradespeople; relationships with Sault College and Algoma University.
• Speed to Market: Base infrastructure; market connections are active and ready to scale.

The project, the partners say, will attract investment and create jobs in construction, marine operations, industrial manufacturing and processing, warehousing and logistics, while fostering academic-industry collaboration through Sault College and Algoma University.

Next steps include stakeholder engagement at provincial, federal, and Indigenous levels; infrastructure analysis; and market outreach in key sectors. The City and HOPA will continue collaborating to advance the business plan and marine/rail infrastructure strategy.

The post City of Sault Ste. Marie, HOPA Ports to Develop Multimodal Port and Trade Corridor appeared first on Railway Age.

After setting a July cargo record, Port of Los Angeles volume remained “strong” in August, according to the California Port, which processed 958,355 TEUs (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units), “nearly the same as last year’s robust performance.”

Latest Monthly Container Counts at Port of LA (Courtesy of Port of LA)

August 2025 loaded imports came in at 504,514 TEUs, 1% less than last year, the Port reported Sept. 17. Loaded exports landed at 127,379 TEUs, a 5% improvement from 2024. The Port processed 326,462 empty container units, 1% less than last year.

Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka recently announced the Port handled 2 million container units in just two months. In this clip, he takes a closer look at the numbers. pic.twitter.com/D71CXn8664

— Port of Los Angeles (@PortofLA) September 19, 2025

Eight months into 2025, the Port of Los Angeles handled 6,934,004 TEUs, 4.5% more than the same period in 2024.

Annual Container Statistics at Port of LA. Container counts (TEUs) for years 1981-1994 are provided in calendar year totals only; monthly breakdowns prior to calendar year 1995 are unavailable. (Courtesy of the Port of LA)

“The Port of Los Angeles moved nearly 2 million containers in July and August combined,” Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka said at a media briefing (see video below). “That’s the best two-month stretch for any port in the Western Hemisphere. Retailers and manufacturers have continued to bring goods in early, both to get ahead of holiday demand and to hedge against any shifts in trade policy. Looking forward, I expect container volumes to ease through the rest of 2025—especially against last year’s unusually high benchmarks. That’s because much of the year-end holiday cargo has already arrived. And economic signals like slowing job growth and lingering inflation are making both importers and consumers a bit more cautious.”

Meanwhile, peak shipping season boosted the Port of Long Beach, Calif., to its second-busiest August on record and the sixth-busiest month in its 114-year history “as retailers continued to see the arrival of goods purchased during a recent pause in tariffs,” the Port reported Sept. 15.

The ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles recently announced they are extending their agreement with Pacific Harbor Line to provide railroad operating and maintenance services within the San Pedro Bay ports complex. Union Pacific and BNSF move cargo in and out of the complex.

Further Reading:

• ITS Logistics Issues August US Port/Rail Ramp Freight Index
• Jacobs Tapped for POLB Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility
• Port of LA Signs MOA to Expand Exports Through Central Valley
• VIDEO: Tariffs Tamp POLA Volume Down
• POLB: $3.2B 10-Year Capex Plan
• Watch: California ‘State of the Port’ Priorities for 2025

The post For Port of LA, ‘Strong’ August Cargo Volume appeared first on Railway Age.

“With the Canada-Mexico Action Plan 2025-2028, our countries will drive progress in strategic areas, particularly in shared prosperity, security, inclusion, and sustainability—advanced by frequent meetings at the leader and ministerial levels,” according to the Canadian government.

It said that the key areas of co-operation include:

• “Prioritizing the development of long-term infrastructure, including ports, rail, and energy corridors.
• “Creating a new bilateral security dialogue to disrupt transnational organized crime, drug trafficking, human trafficking, money laundering, and cybercrime.
• “Building more opportunities for trade and investment—from energy and infrastructure to critical minerals and agriculture.
• “Reinforcing climate and conservation co-operation to protect wildlife and freshwater systems.”

Recibimos en Palacio Nacional al primer ministro de Canadá, Mark Carney. Fortalecemos la amistad entre naciones por el bien de nuestros pueblos. pic.twitter.com/3mtBAiFHWS

— Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo (@Claudiashein) September 18, 2025

As part of a joint statement, Prime Minister Carney and President Sheinbaum said they “reaffirm their commitment to dynamic and forward-looking collaboration” and “recognize the shared benefits of a competitive, dynamic and resilient North American region.” To this end, they both expressed “their commitment to strengthen the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and the bilateral commercial relationship, after more than 30 years of successful trilateral free trade.” Moreover, they said they “recognize how sport can unite nations and inspire a more just and equitable world” and “will celebrate the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, a historic opportunity to showcase the principles, diversity and shared values that bind the three countries of Canada, Mexico and the United States.” The World Cup, to be held June 11-July 19, is slated to bring together 48 countries for 104 games across 16 cities.

According to the Canadian government, Prime Minister Carney announced a new forthcoming trade mission to Mexico, led by Dominic LeBlanc, President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs, Internal Trade, and One Canadian Economy, and C$9.9 million in funding for United Nations-led projects “to support migrant integration initiatives in Mexico and combat the illicit production and trafficking of fentanyl.”

Carney also announced that as Canada, Mexico, and the United States prepare to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport), will serve as Canada’s FIFA Sherpa. Van Koeverden will work with his U.S. and Mexican counterparts “to ensure a successful experience for spectators.” Canada will host 13 matches, including seven in Vancouver, British Columbia, and six in Toronto, Ontario. The World Cup is projected to create more than 24,000 jobs and add C$2 billion to the Canadian economy, boosting tourism, small businesses, hotels, and local communities, according to the Canadian government.

“Canada and Mexico are entering a new era of co-operation,” Carney said in a statement. “We are elevating our partnerships in trade, investment, energy, and security to create more opportunity for Canadian workers, expanded markets for Canadian businesses, and more certainty for Canadian investors, while making North America the most competitive and dynamic economic region in the world.”

Meanwhile, on Sept. 19 in Mexico City, Canadian Pacific Kansas City President and CEO Keith Creel hosted Mark Carney at a grain terminal where a unit train carrying Canada Western Red Spring Wheat grown and harvested in Manitoba had recently arrived. In a social media post, the railroad called it “one example of the expanded trade options open to Western Canadian grain customers and other exporters in Canada and the United States looking to diversify their end markets,” and noted that its trains “move a variety of Canadian grains to Mexico, including wheat, oats, canola oils and specialty crops.”

Our unique three-nation network connects markets and opens opportunities for new trade flows and investment across North America.

Today in Mexico City, CPKC President and CEO Keith Creel was honoured to host Canadian Prime Minister @MarkJCarney at a grain terminal where a unit… pic.twitter.com/AvYKjC7oWJ

— CPKC (@CPKCrail) September 19, 2025

The post Canada, Mexico Launch Action Plan on Trade, Energy, Security appeared first on Railway Age.

The STB is required by law to publish the RCAF on at least a quarterly basis. The Association of American Railroads (AAR) each quarter computes three types of RCAF figures and submits them for STB approval:

1. Unadjusted RCAF: “an index reflecting cost changes experienced by the railroad industry, without reference to changes in rail productivity.”
2. Adjusted RCAF: “an index that reflects national average productivity changes as originally developed and applied by the ICC [Interstate Commerce Commission; the STB’s predecessor], the calculation of which is currently based on a five-year moving average.” According to the STB, the five-year moving geometric average of productivity change for U.S. Class I railroads from 2019-2023 is 1.014 (1.4% per year).
3. RCAF-5: “an index that also reflects national average productivity changes; however, those productivity changes are calculated as if a five-year moving average had been applied consistently from the productivity adjustment’s inception in 1989.” According to the STB, the RCAF-5 for fourth-quarter 2025 uses a productivity trend for the years 2018-2022, which is 1.011 (1.1% per year).

The STB in a Sept. 12 decision (scroll down to download), reported that it has reviewed AAR’s submission and adopted the RCAF figures for fourth-quarter 2025: unadjusted RCAF, 0.966 (up 0.6% from third-quarter 2025’s 9.60); adjusted RCAF, 0.372 (up 0.3% from third-quarter 2025’s 0.371); and RCAF-5, 0.352 (up 0.3% from third-quarter 2025’s 0.351).

Table A shows the index of railroad input costs, unadjusted RCAF, adjusted RCAF, and RCAF-5 for third-quarter and fourth-quarter 2025:

Table B shows the second-quarter 2025 index and the RCAF calculated on both an actual and forecasted basis (the difference between the actual calculation and the forecasted calculation is the forecast error adjustment):

52739 (1)Download

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