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Hot News! Edited by Carl G. Perelman |
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BEST PHOTO TO BE FEATURED IN 2009 AMTRAK CALENDAR: Calling all shutterbugs! Amtrak's fifth annual "Picture Our Train" photo contest is underway. Amtrak employees and rail fans are invited to submit their best photograph of an Amtrak train, with the winning image to be featured on Amtrak's 2009 wall calendar. Amtrak encourages passengers and train enthusiasts to enter their best shot of Amtrak equipment for the chance to receive a $1,000 travel voucher and a photo credit on the calendar. The four runners-up will receive travel vouchers ranging from $100 to $500. The calendar contest runs now through July 11. A panel of judges will review each entry and select the best original color photograph featuring a train with the current Amtrak logo and livery visible, or trains displaying Amtrak Acela, Amtrak Cascades, Amtrak California and Amtrak Pacific Surfliner paint scheme. Contestants must submit an 8x10 original photo suitable for enlargement up to 25 inches. To enter, please mail photograph to: Amtrak Wall Calendar Contest, 60 Massachusetts Ave. NE, Suite 4E-315, Washington, DC, 20002. Digital photos will be considered, provided the resolution permits enlargement to poster size. All entries must be postmarked no later than July 11. For complete contest rules, visit www.amtrak.com/photocontest. Safety First..... Contestants are reminded to stay away from tracks, moving trains, yards, railroad structures (such as bridges, trestles, towers and wires) and the railroad right-of-way. Photographers must not trespass on railroad property or on private property adjacent to the railroad. Stay in public access areas such as stations, sidewalks or parking lots. All participants agree to assume the risk of harm and release Amtrak from all liability for personal injury and loss of property. Photographers are reminded that railroad tracks, trestles, yards and equipment are private property and that trespassers are subject to arrest and fines. Some stations served by Amtrak trains require advance permission for photography. Always obey all local rules and laws. (Amtrak - posted 5/13) MTA LIRR PLANS TO MODIFY USE OF TRAIN HORNS: MTA Long Island Rail Road President Helena Williams today announced plans to reduce the use of train horns and their decibel level at numerous locations where residents have complained about noise in the past. "I have heard the complaints of our neighbors along the LIRR's right of way loud and clear," said Williams. "Now we are doing something about it." After careful study, Williams said the LIRR has concluded it could, in certain circumstances, achieve these aims without compromising the safety of passengers, employees or the general public. The LIRR is amending its operating rules to reduce horn use and is seeking two federal waivers that would permit further reductions. The Railroad is also installing a muffling-type device on its M-7 electric trains designed to direct the sound of the horn forward rather than letting it disperse to the sides. "This directional muffler developed by the very resourceful members of our Maintenance of Equipment Department is an important part of our strategy to lower the volume on this railroad and improve the quality of life for the thousands of people in Nassau, Suffolk and Queens who live and work close to our tracks," Williams said. The LIRR is also eliminating horn soundings previously required when trains passed stations without stopping during morning and evening rush hours. Instead, engineers will only be required to sound the horn when they see someone standing too close to the edge of the platform or for other safety reasons. The waivers being sought from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) address two issues. Since 2005, FRA regulations have required train engineers to sound two long blasts, one short one and one additional long blast at all public highway rail grade crossings. The LIRR is seeking permission to return to its former practice of one short blast of the horn when trains depart from stations located within 50 feet of these crossings. The Railroad has identified 24 such locations, 18 in Nassau, five in Suffolk and one in Queens. The second waiver seeks to lower the minimum 96-decibel level required by the FRA on the LIRR's electric fleet. "Train horns are critical safety devices, warning motorists and pedestrians to remain clear of the track when a train approaches a grade crossing," President Williams said. "They also remind passengers on station platforms to stand back from the edge and protect track workers and other employees engaged in projects along the right of way." "While we cannot eliminate horns, we can and have taken a careful look at our equipment and our operations, and have developed the steps I am announcing today which we believe can be taken to reduce train horn noise without compromising public safety or the essential transportation services we provide to 86 million people annually." (LIRR - posted 5/13) CN OFFERS NEW INTERMODAL SERVICE BETWEEN EASTERN QUEBEC, ONTARIO, AND WESTERN CANADA: CN ( announced today a new intermodal service between the Eastern Québec region, Toronto and Western Canada. The new service will appeal to forest products producers and manufacturers seeking cost-effective transportation to key markets in Ontario and Western Canada. Stan Jablonski, CN senior vice-president, sales, said: “We believe there is strong interest in this intermodal option in the Québec City area and beyond, including Jonquière, Chicoutimi, Montmagny, La Pocatière and Rivière-du-Loup. We have the capacity to accommodate new traffic volumes between these centres, Toronto and the West.” The new CN product will appeal to shippers of heavy products who can load 60,000 pounds in a 40-foot container, which has the equivalent capacity of a 53-foot truck trailer. Jablonski said: “The service will reduce wear and tear on long-distance truck fleets and extend the environmental benefits of rail to a new group of shippers. Moving freight by rail for the long haul and truck for the short haul is the most environmentally responsible, efficient and economical transportation choice for shippers.” CN will offer Québec City shippers daily service to Toronto, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver. (CN - posted 5/12) CANADIAN PACIFIC AND COLIN JAMES TO BRING OLYMPIC SPIRIT TO CANADIAN COMMUNITIES: Canadian Pacific today announced it will launch a mobile ambassador for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games . The Canadian Pacific Spirit Train will carry Olympic pride to communities across Canada while celebrating Canada’s once-in-a-generation opportunity to welcome the world as host of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Beginning in September 2008, the Spirit train will stop in communities across Canada for day-long celebrations where families can meet Olympic and Paralympic athletes and will have an opportunity to interact with Olympic and Paralympic partners. “CP first united Canadians almost 127 years ago when our rail line initially connected Canadians from coast to coast,” said Canadian Pacific CEO Fred Green. “The Spirit Train is a natural extension of that legacy. Our employees are excited and proud to be involved in this initiative, demonstrating that our commitment to Canada’s Olympiad has a community flavour which extends beyond moving products and providing logistic services.” CP also announced Canadian recording artist Colin James and his Band will be the musical headliner for the 2008 Spirit Train. "I'm excited to represent Vancouver and the west coast on this cross Canada train adventure. The band and I are really looking forward to this chance to play - and to meet the athletes who will be representing Canada along the way. And to do it all by train will be a truly unique experience," said six-time Juno award-winner Colin James. “CP has once again put their ingenuity to work and developed a creative way to involve all Canadians in the Vancouver 2010 journey,” said John Furlong, CEO of the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC). “The Canadian Pacific Spirit Train is a wonderfully inclusive way to celebrate sport, culture and sustainability with Canadians from coast to coast.” The Spirit Train includes an elaborate Olympic-themed Spirit Train Village which will include family-friendly booths, Olympic sport simulation activities, pin trading, video message centres, unique entertainment and engaging interactions with other participating Olympic partners such as Rona. The Spirit Train will unite Canadian communities under its maple leaf banner to create momentum for the Olympic spirit over the next three years. The 2008 tour includes Metro Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Thunder Bay, Sudbury, Toronto, Smiths Falls and Montreal. Further details about the Canadian Pacific Spirit Train, including lists of local and First Nations performers and the latest Olympic partners to join the Spirit Train experience, will be posted in time on http://www.cpspirittrain.com/, a new interactive website also launched today. (Canadian Pacific - posted 5/09) U.S. RAIL TRAFFIC MIXED IN APRIL: U.S. railroads reported mixed results in April, with carload freight up and intermodal traffic down, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported today. A total of 1,668,255 carloads of freight were originated during the month, up 14,883 carloads (0.9 percent) from April 2007. U.S. railroads also originated 1,117,511 intermodal units in April 2008, a decline of 24,323 trailers and containers (2.1 percent) from April 2007. Seven of the 19 major commodity categories tracked by the AAR saw U.S. carload increases in April 2008 compared to April 2007. Commodities showing carload gains in April 2008 included coal (up 36,530 carloads, or 5.3 percent, to 721,973 carloads), grain (up 21,333 carloads, or 20.6 percent, to 125,124 carloads), and chemicals (up 4,417 carloads, or 2.9 percent, to 158,060 carloads). “The Bureau of Economic Analysis recently reported preliminary first quarter 2008 GDP growth was 0.6 percent. That's pretty low, of course, but it actually exceeded what some economists were predicting,” noted AAR Senior Vice President John Gray. “The fact that rail carload traffic was up in April is another indication that our economic situation, while still difficult, might not be as dire as some had thought.” Commodities showing carload decreases in April 2008 included motor vehicles and equipment (down 21,092 carloads, or 19.5 percent, to 87,326 carloads); coke (down 10,518 carloads, or 35.7 percent, to 18,976 carloads); and crushed stone, sand, and gravel (down 6,805 carloads, or 6.0 percent, to 106,347 carloads). For the first four months of 2008, total U.S. rail carloads were up 61,639 carloads (1.1 percent) to 5,841,221 carloads, with the biggest gains coming in coal (up 113,026 carloads, or 4.6 percent), grain (up 69,595 carloads, or 18.2 percent), and chemicals (up 14,921 carloads, or 2.7 percent). Strong export demand is a major reason for the growth in grain and coal carloadings so far in 2008. U.S. intermodal traffic, which consists of trailers and containers on flat cars and is not included in carload figures, was down 144,267 trailers and containers (3.5 percent) for the first four months of 2008 to 3,936,606 units. Total volume for the January-April period was estimated at 604.4 billion ton-miles, up 2.3 percent from 2007's first four months. Canadian rail carload traffic was down 25,318 carloads (6.2 percent) in April 2008 to 381,031 carloads, and down 49,812 carloads (3.6 percent) for the year to date to 1,332,030 carloads. Commodities showing carload declines in April for Canadian railroads included motor vehicles and equipment (down 7,625 carloads, or 21.7 percent) and lumber and wood products (down 6,789 carloads, or 30.9 percent). Canadian intermodal traffic was up 8,378 units (3.5 percent) in April 2008 compared with April 2007 to 246,564 units, and up 35,114 units (4.4 percent) for the first four months of 2008 to 840,488 units. Carloads carried on Kansas City Southern dé Mexico, a major Mexican railroad, were down 785 carloads (1.5 percent) in April 2008 to 52,893 carloads, while intermodal units carried totaled 25,058 units, up 4,247 units (20.4 percent). For the year-to-date, KCSM carloads carried were down 3.7 percent (7,100 carloads) to 186,314 carloads, while intermodal units carried were up 13.4 percent (10,025 units) to 84,999 trailers and containers. For just the week ended May 3, the AAR reported the following totals for U.S. railroads: 335,761 carloads, up 2.1 percent (6,984 carloads) from the corresponding week in 2007, with loadings down 3.6 percent in the East and up 6.7 percent in the West; intermodal volume of 225,059 trailers and containers, down 3.7 percent (8,636 units) from last year; and total volume of an estimated 34.8 billion ton-miles, up 3.6 percent from the equivalent week last year. For Canadian railroads during the week ended May 3, the AAR reported volume of 73,653 carloads, down 11.9 percent from last year; and 50,145 trailers and containers, up 3.5 percent from the corresponding week in 2007. Combined cumulative rail volume for the first 18 weeks of 2008 on 12 reporting U.S. and Canadian railroads totaled 7,173,251 carloads, up 0.2 percent (11,827 carloads) from last year, and 4,777,094 trailers and containers, down 2.2 percent (109,153 units) from 2007's first 18 weeks (AAR - posted 5/09) AMTRAK CELEBRATES NATIONAL TRAIN DAY WITH CEREMONY HONORING PULLMAN PORTERS IN CHICAGO: Amtrak, in partnership with the Chicago-based A. Philip Randolph Museum, will host a ceremony during National Train Day this Saturday (May 10, 2008) to honor the contributions of the legendary Pullman Porters to the nation's railroads. Amtrak employees will gather to give heartfelt thanks in person to six porters who proudly served as far back as the mid-1940s. Honored are Eugene Bowser of Chicago, Linus J. Scott of Gary, Ind., William Turner of Cincinnati and three men from Omaha, Neb.: Terry Edwards, Johnny Newsome and Raymond Willis (biographical information attached). "The celebration is an opportunity for Amtrak's current employees to express their gratitude and recognize the dedication and service of their forebears, the Pullman Porters," said Darlene Abubakar, Amtrak Director of National Advertising. "The service of the Pullman Porters often goes under-reported as a part of American history. Today we celebrate their courageous journey, victorious struggle for equality, and contributions to passenger rail travel." "It's significant when an organization like Amtrak takes the time to honor those who contributed directly to its own history," said Lyn Hughes, Founder of the A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum. "It's also very appropriate as it's the culmination of the effort to create the Pullman Porter Registry. We started the Registry with Amtrak and now we're coming full circle with its completion and the honoring of these great African American men." Ms. Hughes is also author of An Anthology of Respect: The Pullman Porter National Historic Registry. The Pullman Company, founded by George Pullman, manufactured railroad cars from the mid-1800s into the 20th Century and developed sleeping cars that bore the company's name, Pullman cars. The Pullman Company hired African-Americans to work as porters on board their trains, and these porters became renowned for their outstanding service. Pullman Porters, as they came to be known, were organized into the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters under the leadership of A. Philip Randolph in 1925. The Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters was the first labor union led by African-Americans to receive a charter in the American Federation of Labor. This public event begins at 12:30 p.m. in the Great Hall of Amtrak Chicago Union Station, 210 South Canal Street, preceded that morning by a private reception with Amtrak employees. Amtrak will also host another reception for retired Porters in San Francisco in August, for former Porters in the West. The Pullman Porter recognition event is part of Amtrak's National Train Day in Chicago, one of the four largest of the dozens of celebrations nationwide in the first-ever event of its kind. For more information, visit www.nationaltrainday.com (Amtrak - posted 5/08) BALANCED TRAFFIC MIX DRIVES SUCCESS, MOORMAN TELLS STOCKHOLDERS AT ANNUAL MEETING: A balanced mix of traffic has enabled Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) to post solid financial and operating performance in spite of softness in the housing and automotive markets, said Chief Executive Officer Wick Moorman during the company's 26th annual stockholders meeting, held today in Norfolk, Va. "Our results speak volumes for something that we talk about all the time - the strength of our balanced portfolio of business," Moorman said. "We're really seeing two different economies out there in that a large component of our business is very healthy. Our agricultural business and anything having to do with commodities are very strong, along with coal, steel, metals, and some other business. At the same time, we are seeing the ongoing effects of slowdowns in housing-related and automotive-related transportation business." Moorman said that factors supporting long-term growth in rail freight demand, including higher fuel prices, increased highway congestion, and truck driver shortages, "all remain in place, and we're confident that volume growth will resume as the economy rebounds. We continue planning for a future that we have every reason to believe is bright for our company and our industry." In official business, stockholders re-elected four directors: Gerald L. Baliles, director of the Miller Center of Public Affairs at the University of Virginia; Gene R. Carter, executive director and chief executive officer of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development; Karen N. Horn, a partner with Brock Capital Group, former president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, and former chair and chief executive officer of Bank One, Cleveland, N.A.; and retired Navy Adm. J. Paul Reason, a member of the Naval Studies Board of the National Academy of Sciences, and former commander in chief of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet. Stockholders also ratified the appointment of KPMG LLP as auditors. (Norfolk Southern Corporation - posted 5/08) SEPTA TO CELEBRATE THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF 69TH STREET TERMINAL, ROUTE 100 SERVICE: While it’s true you’re only able to reach the century mark once in a lifetime, SEPTA will be celebrating the monumental occasion twice on Saturday, May 10. The dual commemoration is in recognition of 100 years of transportation service to and from 69th Street Terminal and the 100th anniversary of service on what is now known as the Route 100 Norristown High Speed Line. SEPTA will provide free rides for passengers of the Route 100 during part of the day on Saturday and host a special centennial reception for the public at 69th Street Terminal. During the early part of the 20th century, 69th Street Terminal played a pivotal role in merging transportation services between Philadelphia and its suburbs when it opened in 1907. Owned and operated by predecessors of SEPTA, the terminal served as the primary hub of three private rail lines, including rail service between 69th Street Terminal and Strafford by the Philadelphia and Western Railroad Company. This route, which also began operations in 1907, later expanded and eventually evolved into SEPTA’s Route 100. To mark the occasion, SEPTA will provide free service for Route 100 passengers from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday. Regular SEPTA fares, however, will apply on all other modes of transportation during the entire service day. An exhibit featuring photos from those early days to the present time will also be on display from 11:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the terminal. The public is invited to participate in the festivities as longtime Philadelphia DJ Jerry Blavat will serve as emcee and provide musical entertainment. Activities at the terminal will also include a magician, stilt walker, juggler and refreshments. In addition, Upper Darby Township will hold a sidewalk sale and parade from 69th & Walnut Streets to the terminal at 69th & Market Streets beginning at 10:45 a.m. The parade will include classic cars, the Shooting Stars and Miss Pennsylvania. SEPTA General Manager Joseph Casey will be joined at the festivities by US Congressman Joe Sestak, State Representatives Mario J. Civera, Jr. and Greg S. Vitali as well as other elected officials and SEPTA Board member Jettie Newkirk. Blavat will also emcee the event. (SEPTA - posted 5/07) GOVERNMENT OF CANADA ANNOUNCES ECOFREIGHT FUNDING TO REDUCE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS FROM FREIGHT TRANSPORTATION IN NOVA SCOTIA: The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, on behalf of the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, announced today the Government of Canada will help a Nova Scotia freight transportation company limit the emission of greenhouse gases and other air contaminants. Funding is being provided under the Freight Technology Incentives Program. "The ecoFREIGHT program aims to reduce the environmental and health effects of freight transportation through the use of technology," said Minister MacKay. "Nova Scotians will see real results through cleaner air." Cape Breton and Central Nova Scotia Railway Limited will receive a contribution of up to $72,146 towards the purchase of four diesel auxiliary power units (APUs). These APUs will allow locomotives to be shut down during extreme temperatures by keeping the engine oil warm and batteries charged to ensure a reliable engine startup. In addition, the units provide heating and cooling when the locomotive is not running, further reducing the need to idle the locomotives generally. "These ecoFREIGHT initiatives help transport companies acquire available technology. The result is lower emissions of greenhouse gases and other air pollutants," said Minister Cannon. "It demonstrates our government's strong commitment to the environment and our support for the sector in today's highly competitive market." The Freight Technology Demonstration Fund and the Freight Technology Incentives Program together are part of Transport Canada's ecoFREIGHT Program. This program aims to reduce the effects of freight transportation on human health and the environment by promoting environmentally sound technologies and best practices in the industry. The Freight Technology Demonstration Fund helps test and measure new and underused freight transportation technologies that can reduce emissions when operated in Canadian conditions. The Freight Technology Incentives Program provides incentives for companies to purchase and install proven but underused freight transportation technologies that reduce emissions. Projects funded under both these programs are eligible for a contribution of 50 per cent of eligible costs, up to a maximum of $500,000, and must be implemented within a two-year period. Remaining costs must be contributed by funding recipients and their partners. Each company will be responsible for securing any provincial permits or authorizations that may be required for projects in those jurisdictions. All funding is subject to signature of a contribution agreement with Transport Canada. The ecoFREIGHT Program falls under the ecoTRANSPORT Strategy, which is part of the Government of Canada's ambitious agenda to protect the environment and the health of Canadians, and to further Canada's economic prosperity. Initiatives under the Freight Technology Demonstration Fund and the Freight Technology Incentives Program will help significantly lower emissions of greenhouse gases and other air pollutants. A list of the funding by initiative and by company is found in the attached backgrounder. (Transport Canada - posted 5/07) NORFOLK SOUTHERN EXHIBIT CAR WILL VISIT 23 CITIES: The Norfolk Southern Exhibit Car, a traveling showcase highlighting the Thoroughbred of Transportation, will tour 23 cities in 2008. The nine-state May-December itinerary for the rebuilt passenger coach will include a five-city whistle-stop train operated by Norfolk Southern to promote safe transportation of hazardous materials, as well as three special trains supporting Operation Lifesaver, the national rail safety education group. The Exhibit Car, which has hosted some 1.5 million people in several hundred communities since 1971, houses interactive displays featuring Norfolk Southern's transportation network. New for the 2008 tour is an updated locomotive simulator that puts guests in the engineer's seat in control of a virtual train. Here is the 2008 Exhibit Car tour schedule:
NJ TRANSIT CUSTOMERS GET INSTANT ACCESS TO SENIOR RAILROAD OFFICIAL IN FIRST-EVER WEB CHAT: NJ TRANSIT customers who have questions about upcoming schedule changes on the Northeast Corridor will have the opportunity to get answers directly from a senior railroad official as the corporation hosts its first-ever live online chat. Scheduled for 12:30 p.m. tomorrow, Wednesday May 7, the online chat will focus on service impacts associated with a long-term Amtrak project to replace prematurely worn concrete ties on the Northeast Corridor. NJ TRANSIT Vice President and General Manager William B. Duggan will host the online discussion and respond to questions from customers participating in the live event. “We have made a commitment to keep our customers informed about the Amtrak tie-replacement project and how it will affect their trips, and this new communication platform will provide customers with instant access to NJ TRANSIT’s senior management team,” said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Richard Sarles. “We have scheduled this event at lunchtime to maximize participation.” The online chat supplements an array of more conventional communication channels—including fliers, posters, website postings and electronic updates sent to My Transit email alert subscribers—that the corporation has used to publicize the impact of the Amtrak project, which starts May 11. The tie-replacement project, which is expected to continue through the end of this year and into 2009, will have an impact on Northeast Corridor service because it requires closure of one of the four tracks between Jersey Avenue and Trenton stations. While efforts have been made to minimize service impact to customers traveling in the peak direction during peak hours, adjustments have been built into new timetables that account for the loss of 25 percent of the capacity on what is one of the busiest passenger railroads in the world. New timetables will take effect May 11 on all NJ TRANSIT rail lines. “This project will have the same impact as a lane out of service on a congested four-lane highway, so we are employing innovative ways to get the message out to our customers and listen to their concerns,” said NJ TRANSIT Customer Advocate Sandra Check. To participate in the web chat, customers should log on to njtransit.com shortly before 12:30 p.m. tomorrow and click on the “chat live” button on the homepage. Among the impacts:
CANADIAN PACIFIC TO TEST TWO ECO-FRIENDLY LOCOMOTIVES IN SOUTHERN ONTARIO: Canadian Pacific will test two environmentally friendly locomotives in southern Ontario thanks to Transport Canada's ecoFREIGHT Program announced Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer Kathryn McQuade today. "We commend Minister Cannon and his colleagues for helping us improve the environment in the communities we serve," said McQuade. "The Government of Canada's ecoFREIGHT program helps us test and prove innovative products sooner." Canadian Pacific has ordered two high efficiency National Railway Equipment Company "GenSet" locomotives. The locomotives are unique in that instead of one 2,100 horsepower diesel locomotive engine they utilize three independent diesel engine GenSets to achieve the same amount of total horsepower. Overall, the technology aims to achieve significant fuel savings, ultra-low emissions and longer engine life. "Moving goods long haul by rail is already much more fuel efficient and safer than other modes of transportation," added McQuade. "We are always looking for innovations that reduce our environmental footprint and make rail an even cleaner mode of transportation." Canadian Pacific's emissions per Revenue Tonne Mile (RTM) have decreased almost one quarter (24.1%) since 1990 while RTMs have increased 37.4% over the same period. RTMs are a standard measure of rail traffic volumes. Additionally, CP has equipped three quarters of its existing locomotive fleet with automatic engine start/stop technology, which reduces emissions from idling locomotives. (Canadian Pacific - posted 5/06) CSX STATEMENT CONCERNING CENTRAL FLORIDA RAIL PROJECT: CSX is disappointed that the Legislature has failed to endorse this important investment in Florida's future. Today's legislative action means that the company's transaction with the state will not go forward this year, and regrettably, it does not appear that commuter rail will be available in Central Florida. CSX is reviewing its timeline for rail infrastructure modifications in Florida and studying other implications of today's activity. CSX commends the leadership and vision of officials including Congressman John Mica, Congresswoman Corrine Brown, U.S. Senator Mel Martinez, former Governor Jeb Bush, Governor Charlie Crist, FDOT Secretary Stephanie Kopelousos, state Rep. Dean Cannon, and state Sen. Daniel Webster. Since the August 2006 announcement of the agreement in principle with the state, CSX has focused on delivering the economic and environmental benefits promised in this far-reaching restructuring of Florida's transportation network. Despite this setback, the company, with 1,650 miles of track and 6,500 employees in its headquarters state, looks forward to continued and significant contributions to Florida's progress. (CSX - posted 5/05) PROVIDENCE & WORCESTER RAILROAD ANNOUNCES LISTING ON THE NASDAQ STOCK MARKET: Providence and Worcester Railroad Company (AMEX: PWX ) announced today that its Board of Directors has approved the decision to transfer the listing of its common stock from the American Stock Exchange to The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC (“NASDAQ”). Effective May 14, 2008, the Company will trade under the symbol NASDAQ: “PWX.” P. Scott Conti, the Company’s President, said, “We believe that NASDAQ’s electronic multiple market maker structure will provide our Company with enhanced exposure and liquidity. As the world’s largest electronic stock market, NASDAQ attracts leading growth companies from a diverse group of sectors. We are proud to be a part of The NASDAQ Stock Market.” P&W is a regional freight railroad operating in the states of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut and New York. P&W transports a wide variety of commodities, including automobiles, construction aggregates, iron and steel products, chemicals, lumber, scrap metals, plastic resins, cement, coal, construction and demolition debris, processed foods and edible foodstuffs, such as frozen foods, corn syrup and animal and vegetable oils. By agreement with a private operator, P&W also operates two approved custom-bonded intermodal yards in Worcester, MA, primarily for the movement of container traffic from the Far East destined for points in New England. (Providence and Worcester Railroad Company - posted 5/02) NEW COSTING APPROACH KEY TO RAILROAD CAPITOL MARKET ACCESS, EXPANSION, GROWTH: The nation's freight railroads today asked the Surface Transportation Board to adjust the way it measures railroads' revenue adequacy, making the metrics conform to modern day financial practice and consistent with the standards recently adopted by the board for rate case analysis. “This will give railroads the ability to better compete for capital in today's financial markets,” said Edward R. Hamberger, president and CEO of the Association of American Railroads. “Access to capital is key to our ability to grow and expand. Without that capital, railroads will not be able to invest in the infrastructure America needs to handle the growing increase in freight. And that means less freight on the rails, and more on our already congested highways.” AAR filed a petition on Thursday that asks the agency to institute a rulemaking proceeding to adopt the use of replacement costs to determine whether freight railroads are earning adequate revenues. Under current rules, the STB decides each year if a railroad is earning a return on its capital investment equal to the railroad industry cost of capital. If so, the railroad is revenue inadequate. If not, it is revenue inadequate. Until now, the agency has used the depreciated book value of a railroad's assets to determine its capital investment base. As a result, railroads' revenue needs have been underestimated. Using replacement costs -- instead of book value -- to determine revenue adequacy should result in a more accurate estimate of the revenues railroads need to maintain the industry's capital-intensive network and expand rail infrastructure. A recent study by Cambridge Systematics paints a dire picture if freight rail capacity isn't increased. The study called for $148 billion in new rail infrastructure over the next three decades, highlighting the need for new tracks, signals, bridges, tunnels, terminals and service facilities needed to keep pace with demand. “The board has already adopted simplified measures of replacement costs for use in certain rate cases,” noted Hamberger. “We urge the Board to use these same replacement costs to simplify revenue adequacy calculations.” (FRA - posted 5/02) CSX ANNOUNCES NATIONAL GATEWAY TO IMPROVE FLOW OF FREIGHT: CSX Corporation today launched the National Gateway, a $700 million public-private infrastructure initiative to create a highly efficient freight transportation link between the Mid-Atlantic ports and the Midwest. When completed, the National Gateway would provide greater capacity for product shipments in and out of the Midwest, reduce truck traffic on already crowded highways, and create thousands of jobs that directly or indirectly support the National Gateway. CSX has already committed $300 million to the National Gateway, and will work with several states and the federal government to secure additional funding. The National Gateway incorporates two primary parts. First, CSX would build or expand several high-capacity, job-producing intermodal terminals where product shipments are exchanged between trucks and trains. At the same time, CSX would work together with state and federal government agencies to create double-stack clearances beneath public overpasses along the railroad. Double-stack clearances allow rail carriers to stack intermodal containers atop each other, enabling each train to carry about twice as many cargo boxes. Currently many overpasses only accommodate single-stack trains. "More and more, the nation is becoming aware of the tremendous safety, economic and environmental benefits that railroads create. Our trains can move a ton of freight 423 miles on a single gallon of fuel, and one train can carry the load of more than 280 trucks," said Michael J. Ward, chairman, president and chief executive officer of CSX. "The National Gateway leverages those benefits to the fullest by combining the resources and expertise of the public and private sectors." The National Gateway was launched at the offices of Pacer International, a CSX customer, in Dublin, Ohio with Governor Ted Strickland. The governor has pledged to work with state and federal officials to support the initiative, which calls for two new intermodal terminals in Wood County and Columbus at a cost of $130 million to CSX. The terminals will ultimately spur the development of related businesses and thousands of jobs to support them. "In Ohio, this initiative helps solidify our state's position as a transportation gateway for the country," said the Governor. "This is a major competitive advantage that can greatly benefit the citizens of Ohio, and the state of Ohio is committed to doing its part to help build this sort of needed infrastructure. In doing so, we'll also be setting an example for other states around the nation." "We are delighted that CSX and Governor Strickland are taking these important steps to ensure the future viability of our transportation system," said Michael E. Uremovich, Chairman and CEO, Pacer International. The National Gateway will enhance three existing rail corridors that run through Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia. Those corridors include:
VIA RAIL TO HOLD TWO DAY OPEN HOUSE AT HALIFAX STATION: VIA Rail Canada is pleased to welcome school groups, families, and railfans alike to a two-day open house event in its Halifax Station. The theme of the event is safety - on the rails, on the road, at home, school or work. VIA's Halifax Station will be open to the public on May 6 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm and May 7 from 1:00 pm to 8:30 pm. VIA employees will offer tours of the station, VIA train equipment and a locomotive. The station will also play host to a full gamut of local emergency services and other organizations with an interest in safety. Visitors will have an opportunity to visit a train, a police cruiser and an ambulance, chat with safety experts and rail enthusiasts, view a model train display, and learn about injury prevention, workplace health and safety, drug abuse prevention, and of course, rail safety. Entries in the Rail Safety poster contest by area school children will also be on display. All activities are free of charge and open to the public (VIA Rail Canada - posted 5/01) CANADA'S RAILWAYS CLEANER AND GREENER: Canada's railways continue to invest in greener technologies and to introduce cleaner operating practices. The industry's just-released Locomotive Emissions Report for 2006 shows the railways acquired 60 new, more fuel-efficient locomotives during the year, upgraded 19 high-horsepower units and retired 21 older ones. "The railways are always seeking new ways to save energy," said Cliff Mackay, President and CEO of the Railway Association of Canada, which represents the almost-60 freight and passenger railways operating in Canada. "They have changed policies and procedures and introduced new technologies that reduce locomotive idling, minimized fuel consumption with automatic engine stop-start devices and maximized their asset utilization." Conservation awareness and improved train handling procedures is now part of staff training. Acquisition of higher-capacity freight cars and lower-weight aluminum gondola cars also help achieve fuel efficiency gains, he said. Freight fuel consumption per 1,000 revenue tonne kilometres has declined 24.3 per cent since the program's base year of 1990, for example, and greenhouse gas emissions intensity declined 23.7 per cent during the same period. Passenger operations' environmental performance has tracked the rest of the industry. The annual Locomotive Emissions Report is published in accordance with the terms of a new five-year Memorandum of Understanding signed between Transport Canada, Environment Canada and the RAC last year that runs until 2010. The railways transport 65 per cent of surface freight in Canada, carry 65 million inter-city and commuter passengers annually yet generate only three per cent of the country's transportation greenhouse gas emissions. For further details, go to www.railcan.ca. (Railway Association of Canada - posted 4/30) FINGER LAKES SCENIC RAILWAY TO OPERATE NEW YORK CENTRAL RAILROAD MEMORIAL TRAIN RIDES ON MAY 17 AND 18: The Finger Lakes Scenic Railway will operate special train excursions on Saturday, May 17, 2008, and Sunday, May 18, 2008, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the last passenger train over the New York Central Railroad "Auburn Road" line. Saturday's train will travel from Geneva, NY, to Solvay, NY, and return. Sunday's train will travel from Geneva, NY, to Canandaigua, NY, and return. Both trains will make stops at historic freight and passenger stations in communities along the line. New York Central Alco RS-3 #8223 will power the trains. For complete details about the special train excursions, visit the Finger Lakes Scenic Railway website at www.fingerlakesscenicrailway.com. (posted 4/30) GENESEE & WYOMING SIGNS AGREEMENT TO ACQUIRE CAGY INDUSTRIES: Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (GWI) announced today that it has signed an agreement to acquire CAGY Industries, Inc. (CAGY) for approximately $78.4 million in cash. The final purchase price will be adjusted for working capital at the time of closing. In addition, GWI has agreed to pay contingent consideration of up to $18.6 million upon satisfaction of certain conditions over the next two years. The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions, including the expiration of the 30-day notice period required by the Surface Transportation Board for GWI to obtain authority to control CAGY. GWI expects to close the acquisition and commence operations on June 1, 2008. Founded in 1975 and headquartered in Columbus, Miss., CAGY is the parent company of three short-line railroads, Columbus & Greenville Railway (C&G), Chattooga & Chickamauga Railway (CCKY) and Luxapalila Valley Railroad (LXVR). CAGY's three railroads employ 48 people, own and operate a fleet of 22 locomotives, own and lease more than 280 miles of track and are expected to haul more than 26,000 carloads of freight traffic over the next 12 months. C&G operates more than 80 miles in the state of Mississippi, from the Port of Greenville on the Mississippi River to Greenwood, where it interchanges with Canadian National. C&G also operates between Columbus, Miss., and West Point, Miss. In addition, C&G operates throughout the Columbus, Miss., area and provides connections to Norfolk Southern, Kansas City Southern, CSXT, BNSF, Alabama & Gulf Coast Railway and Golden Triangle Railroad, as well as LXVR, its sister railroad. Customers of C&G include (i) major feed suppliers to the catfish and pork industries, including Delta Western, Fishbelt Feeds and Prestage Farms, (ii) major milling operations in the rice industry, including Producers Rice and MasterFoods, (iii) several facilities serving the agriculture industry including PYCO Industries, ConAgra, Farmer's Grain and Platte Chemical, and (iv) other customers including USG Corporation, Columbus Brick and a new Scott Petroleum bio-diesel plant. In addition, C&G is one of two railroads that serve the new $850-million SeverCorr electric arc furnace (EAF) steel facility in Columbus, Miss., which is 100-percent-owned by Severstal. SeverCorr commenced production in the second half of 2007 and is expected to complete an expansion in 2010 that would increase annual capacity from 1.5 million tons to 3.0 million tons. LXVR runs 36 miles from Columbus, Miss., to Belk, Ala., and serves both Georgia-Pacific and Weyerhaeuser lumber mills and SDR, a new steel dust recycling facility. CCKY operates over two branch lines that run south from Chattanooga, Tenn., for a combined 65 miles to Hedges, Ga., and Lyerly, Ga. CCKY serves both Reichhold Chemical (subsidiary of Dow Chemical) and Shaw Industries (subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway). "Over the past three decades, CAGY has built an impressive short-line railroad organization," GWI Chief Executive Officer John C. Hellmann said. "With the support of local communities, customers and employees, CAGY has succeeded in revitalizing its rail infrastructure and substantially increasing rail traffic. The addition of CAGY to GWI will expand our already significant presence in the southeastern United States and further diversify our commodity base. We are pleased that Roger Bell, who has been the architect of CAGY's success as president and CEO, will continue to lead the rail operations as part of the GWI family of railroads." GWI expects to fund the acquisition under its $225-million senior revolving credit facility. Following the acquisition, GWI will have approximately $117 million of remaining funding capacity, inclusive of cash. As of March 31, 2008, pro forma for the acquisition, GWI's consolidated net debt to capitalization is expected to be approximately 43 percent including contingent consideration with net debt to pro forma EBITDA of approximately 2.4x. GWI expects the acquisition to be immediately accretive to its earnings per share and free cash flow. GWI owns and operates short line and regional freight railroads in the United States, Canada, Australia and the Netherlands and owns a minority interest in a railroad in Bolivia. Operations currently include 48 railroads organized in eight regions, with more than 5,700 miles of owned and leased track and approximately 3,000 additional miles under track access arrangements. GWI provides rail service at 16 ports in North America and Europe and performs contract coal loading and railcar switching for industrial customers.(GWI, Randy Kotuby - posted 4/29) B&O RAILROAD MUSEUM UNVEILS RESTORED ALL AMERICAN LOCOMOTIVE: The Baltimore & Ohio (B&O) Railroad Museum is pleased to announce that the restored diesel locomotive (GP38-2), CSX No. 9699, formerly Baltimore & Ohio 3802, will be unveiled to the public in the Museum's National Historic Roundhouse to its 1982 appearance when Trains Magazine designated it the "All American Locomotive" on Saturday June 28, 2008. B&O Railroad Museum members will be invited to a special preview of the restored locomotive from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM. The general public will be admitted at 10:00 AM. Trains Magazine and a private donor provided funding for this historically important restoration. Trains chose the B&O as the recipient of a $10,000 grant because of the connection between the magazine and the locomotive. At the time, then Associate Editor (now Senior Editor) Dave Ingles selected the unit as the most typical from about 26,000 diesels in operation. "The 3802 was significant 25 years ago because it was so ordinary it represented the norm of locomotion at the time. Today it is a rarity as a small locomotive (in horsepower and axles) in a world of much bigger trains with typical locomotives today in the 4,000 hp range with six axles. It is important to preserve the engine as it was when it achieved its fame for being plain so we can understand where railroading has been and where it is today," said Jim Wrinn, Editor of Trains Magazine. "This important partnership with Kalmbach Publishing and Trains Magazine will result in the preservation and interpretation of an icon of American railroading. The locomotive B&O No. 3802, a GP38-2, is a cornerstone of the Museum's historic diesel collection and, once restored to its colorful Chessie System livery, will be a real attraction for our visitors from around the world," stated Courtney Wilson, executive director of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum. The CSX No. 9699 locomotive has had a colorful past. Built in 1967 by General Motors in LaGrange, Ill., for the former B&O Railroad, it originally sported the B&O blue color and was numbered 3802. A standard "GP38," it was one of 100 locomotives on order to the B&O and C&O. When Trains Magazine did a nationwide search in 1982 for what would be considered an "all American locomotive" for its 34th Annual Motive Power Survey, the magazine selected No. 3802. At that time, the locomotive was dressed in Chessie System's color scheme and had logged almost a million miles of service. The magazine presented the locomotive with commemorative plaques to honor the award, and these were attached to the diesel during a small ceremony in Baltimore. When the locomotive was overhauled in West Virginia in 1983, it returned to service - but minus the plaques. In 1987 and 1998 the locomotive was repainted and renumbered twice, ultimately sporting the CSX orange maintenance-of-way paint scheme and renumbered No. 9699. When the B&O Railroad Museum acquired the locomotive in 2000, it was as CSX No. 9699. (B&O Railroad Museum - posted 4/29) CANADIAN PACIFIC POLICE SPREAD THE MESSAGE OF RAIL SAFETY ACROSS THE COUNTRY: The Canadian Pacific Police Service is taking its public safety message directly to schools and community groups this week announced Police Chief Ivan McClelland at the start of Rail Safety Week. Police officers will remind students, pedestrians, cyclists and motorists of the important message of staying safe around railway property, in particular at railway crossings. As part of Railway Safety Week in Canada, which runs from April 28 to May 4, CP Police will conduct safety awareness blitzes at a number of crossings, survey rail property for trespassers and target a variety of educational institutions with rail safety presentations. "Rail Safety Week is important as it serves as a focused reminder that we all play a role in staying safe around the railway," said Chief McClelland. "CP Police from Montreal to Vancouver will be participating in more than 100 events targeting everyone from preschoolers to those learning to drive semi-trucks." CP events will coincide with those being put on by other Canadian railways, associations and organizations dedicated to further reducing the amount of fatalities and serious injuries tied to rail-related incidents each year. Transport Canada reported 209 crossing collisions across Canada, 27 fatalities and 21 serious injuries in 2007. There were also 100 trespasser incidents, including 57 fatalities and 25 serious injuries. "Our officers devote a significant amount of time year round to educating communities so they can co-exist safely with the railway," added Chief McClelland. In addition to risk of death or serious injury, people who trespass on railway property or fail to yield the right-of-way to an approaching train at a crossing are subject to being charged federally under the Rail Safety Act. The public is asked to assist in reporting offences occurring at crossings and on railway property by contacting the Canadian Pacific Police Service at: 1-800-716-9132 or their local police. (CP - posted 4/28) LONG ISLAND RAIL ROAD'S QUEENS INTERLOCKING UPGRADE: A major modernization program that will bring start-of-the-art technology to an important LIRR switching point between Queens Village and Bellerose is scheduled to begin on Monday, June 16. The $60.4 million project at a junction known as Queens Interlocking, where the busy Main Line and Hempstead Branch merge, will take ten weeks to complete and result in temporary schedule changes. The plan is to replace the current signal system with microprocessor technology and reconfigure the track to include high-speed crossover switches. "This project will benefit our customers by providing a smoother and faster ride over the crossovers, and a reduction in maintenance-related track outages at a very busy section of the Railroad, west of the Bellerose station," said LIRR Senior Vice President-Operations Ray Kenny. The switch replacement will result in AM and PM peak train cancellations on the Hempstead, Port Jefferson and Ronkonkoma Branches as well as other peak and off-peak schedule adjustments throughout the system. The Hempstead Branch will be significantly affected because one of the two main tracks on the branch will be out of service between June 30 and August 24. The project will begin and end with two major weekends of service changes. The first will be on the Hempstead Branch on the weekend of June 21-22. The second will occur on the weekend of August 23-24 and will require the shutdown of the entire Main Line with buses replacing trains between Mineola and Jamaica affecting Hempstead, Oyster Bay and Port Jefferson Branches. The work will also affect the Ronkonkoma Branch to a lesser degree. Customers are advised to check timetables and even consider using south shore branches that weekend. The Railroad will send out additional reminders as the project's start date draws closer (MTA- posted 4/25) STRONG COAL, GRAIN LOADINGS REPORTED ON U.S. RAILROADS: Thanks to strong increases in loadings of coal and grain, carload freight was up on U.S. railroads during the week ended April 19 in comparison with the corresponding week last year, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported today. Carload freight in the week ended April 19 totaled 336,847 cars, up 1.5 percent from last year. Volume was up 2.5 percent in the West and 0.3 percent in the East. Intermodal volume, which is not included in the carload data, totaled 224,112 trailers or containers, off 3.2 percent from a year ago. Trailer volume was down 2.4 percent, while container volume declined by 3.4 percent. Total volume was estimated at 34.9 billion ton-miles, up 3.3 percent from the 16th week of 2007. Nine of 19 carload commodity groups registered gains from last year, with grain up 17.4 percent, coal gaining 8.0 percent, and nonmetallic minerals rising 8.6 percent. On the down side, lumber and wood products fell 20.8 percent, motor vehicles declined 20.6 percent, and metallic ores were off 17.3 percent. Cumulative volume for the first 16 weeks of 2008 totaled 5,169,692 carloads, up 1.0 percent from 2007; 3,487,182 trailers or containers, down 3.5 percent; and total volume of an estimated 534.9 billion ton-miles, up 2.3 percent from last year. On Canadian railroads, during the week ended April 19 carload traffic totaled 75,135 cars, down 5.0 percent from last year while intermodal volume totaled 49,942 trailers or containers, up 2.5 percent from last year. Cumulative originations for the first 16 weeks of 2008 on the Canadian railroads totaled 1,180,317 carloads, down 3.0 percent from last year, and 741,787 trailers and containers, an increase of 4.6 percent from last year. Combined cumulative volume for the first 16 weeks of 2008 on U.S. and Canadian railroads totaled 6,350,009 carloads, up 0.3 percent from last year, and 4,228,969 trailers and containers, off 2.2 percent from last year. The AAR also reported that carload freight on the Mexican railroad Kansas City Southern de Mexico (KCSM) during the week ended April 19 totaled 10,827 cars, up 0.6 percent from last year. KCSM reported intermodal volume of 5,219 trailers or containers, up 11.7 percent from the 16th week of 2007. For the first 16 weeks of 2008, KCSM reported cumulative volume of 165,576 cars, down 3.4 percent from last year, and 75,718 trailers or containers, up 14.2 percent. Railroads reporting to AAR account for 89 percent of U.S. carload freight and 98 percent of rail intermodal volume. When the U.S. operations of Canadian railroads are included, the figures increase to 96 percent and 100 percent. The Canadian railroads reporting to the AAR account for 91 percent of Canadian rail traffic. Railroads provide more than 40 percent of U.S. intercity freight transportation, more than any other mode, and rail traffic figures are regarded as an important economic indicator. (AAR - posted 4/24) NORFOLK SOUTHERN RESPONSE TO DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE GRANITEVILLE LAWSUIT: The United States Department of Justice filed suit against Norfolk Southern Railway Company seeking civil penalties and injunctive relief under the Clean Water Act and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, related to the Jan. 6, 2005, derailment in Graniteville, S.C., and associated release of chlorine into the atmosphere. DOJ has rejected efforts by Norfolk Southern to resolve the matter and Norfolk Southern is disappointed the government is taking this action given its response following the derailment, its full cooperation in the investigation and its payment of governmental response costs. Norfolk Southern is confident that the civil penalties and relief sought by the Department will not be sustained. (Norfolk Southern Corporation - posted 4/24) IOWA INTERSTATE WILL PURCHASE GE GEVO LOCOMOTIVES: Dennis H. Miller, President and CEO of the Iowa Interstate Railroad, Ltd. (IAIS), announced the purchase of 12 new General Electric Evolution Series locomotives. The locomotives are valued in excess of $2.2 million each, including tooling and warranties. "This transaction will position IAIS to efficiently handle new levels of business that will materialize in 2009. The new GE ES44AC locomotives are 18% more fuel efficient than other alternatives, including rebuilt locomotives, that we considered. One of the new 4,400 Horsepower units will pull a train equivalent to what 2 or 3 of our current units can handle, further reducing our fuel consumption and maintenance costs. These new units are also environmentally friendly and comply with all of the latest EPA requirements. The locomotives will be manufactured at GE's Erie, Pennsylvania plant and we expect them to be delivered by October 1 of this year. Iowa Interstate Railroad has seen traffic growth levels exceeding 50% over the past 5 years and with 5 new ethanol plants starting up over the next year, we expect another 25-30% growth in traffic," Miller stated. Founded in 1984, IAIS is a regional carrier operating over 500 miles between Omaha, Nebraska, and Chicago, Illinois, with connections to all major Class 1 carriers. For more information about IAIS, please visit www.IAISRR.com. IAIS is a subsidiary of Railroad Development Corporation (RDC), a privately held Pittsburgh-based railway management and investment firm, focusing on "Emerging Corridors in Emerging Markets." For more information about RDC and its joint ventures in the USA, Argentina, Guatemala, Peru, Mozambique and Malawi, please visit www.RRDC.com. (IAIS via Alex Mayes - posted 4/23) CN'S ZERO TOLERANCE FOR TRESPASSING: CN invites media representatives to support Rail Safety Week, from April 28 to May 4, 2008. This year, during safety blitz operations conducted at about 150 highway/railroad crossings across the United States and Canada, CN Police will insist on its tough Zero Tolerance policy for trespassers The sustained increase in trespassing fatalities is totally unacceptable and CN pledges to enforce laws and regulations. Over the past decade, fatalities from railroad crossing incidents have been declining steadily while trespassing incidents remain very high. As an ongoing part of CN's All Aboard for Safety community education program, CN Police officers will be alerting motorists to the importance of safety at crossings as well as the deadly risks of trespassing on railroad property. They will also warn them about their uncompromising, Zero Tolerance policy for trespassers. (CN - posted 4/23) CSX TO IMPROVE JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE: U.S. Congresswoman Corrine Brown, Mayor John Peyton, Council President Daniel Davis, Council Member Ray Holt and representatives from JAXPORT joined CSX Corporation officials today to announce the company's intention to invest $40 million in rail infrastructure on Jacksonville's northside. The CSX funded North Main Street bypass would serve as an important element in the city's efforts to effectively manage the flow of goods and materials into and out of JAXPORT. It is also projected to reduce rail traffic on the current train routes that bisect neighborhoods and cross Main Street/US 17 on the northside. Congresswoman Corrine Brown said, "This is a perfect example of good government in action: true constituent service. By working together, we have come up with a win-win situation: we will increase economic development at JAXPORT and protect the local community from a potentially severe traffic increase." "Jacksonville and JAXPORT are uniquely positioned to capitalize on the changing dynamics of international trade into and out of the United States," said Mayor Peyton. "If managed properly over the next few years, international trade will become one of the largest economic drivers in this region, vastly increasing regional prosperity and creating large numbers of good, secure jobs at our port and in related industries such as warehousing, distribution and logistics centers." Peyton added, "Our collective challenge is to ensure that we capture the job opportunities for our citizens and also effectively manage the movement of these goods and materials into and out of our community. Today's announcement is an important example of how public and private organizations can work together to meet this challenge, particularly in light of financial challenges facing local and state governments." CSX has indicated that the funding for this rail enhancement would come from the proceeds of the Central Florida Rail Agreement currently under consideration by the Florida legislature. "Railroads provide connectivity between ports and inland destinations, and we do it in an environmentally friendly way," said Clarence Gooden, CSX's executive vice president and chief commercial officer. "CSX Transportation is proud to be a partner with Congresswoman Brown, JAXPORT and the City of Jacksonville in this innovative solution that will make our port more competitive and contribute to improved air quality." Current activities at JAXPORT support more than 50,000 jobs in Northeast Florida and inject $3 billion into Northeast Florida's economy each year. The port handled almost eight and half million tons of cargo in FY 2007 and saw a seventh consecutive year of record revenues. These figures are expected to continue to grow. Construction on a new $220 million container terminal for Japanese shipping giant Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) will be completed later this year, opening new trade lanes to Asia and Europe. In addition, contract talks are nearly finished on another new terminal for the Korean shipping firm Hanjin, a facility that could open in 2011. Over the next 10 years, it is estimated that port-related development will bring an additional 25-50,000 jobs to Jacksonville. In fiscal year 2007, trade with South and Central America and the Caribbean accounted for more than 60 percent of JAXPORT's business. The Hanjin and MOL terminals will triple the number of containers the port is able to handle annually, and balance east-west trade with north-south trade to make our area an even more vital player in the global economy. "We are pleased to be part of a community that understands the need for investment in transportation infrastructure," said Rick Ferrin, JAXPORT's Executive Director. "As JAXPORT continues to attract jobs and dollars to the region, this commitment will help make sure Jacksonville can welcome these opportunities with open arms." Another important element of the overall transportation solution will be improvements to the roadways. In that regard, the Florida Department of Transportation will begin an $11.8 million construction project later this month. The project will lengthen the ramps on State Road 9A southbound to Heckscher Drive allowing for additional capacity at the intersection and permit the quicker movement of traffic exiting 9A southbound at Heckscher Drive. "While we are excited about the projects announced today and those already planned to address what is truly a problem of success, we will continue to work with private industry, JAXPORT and the state and federal governments to invest in infrastructure in ways that support economic growth and bring all of the other benefits of prosperity to every corner of our city," said Peyton. (CSX - posted 4/23) NORFOLK'S TIDE WILL RECEIVE FEDERAL FUNDS: Federal Transit Administrator James S. Simpson today announced an additional $18.9 million in fiscal year 2008 federal funds to keep The Tide, Norfolk’s light rail project, moving forward. “The Federal Transit Administration is dedicated to the success of this project,” Simpson said. “In fact, we are so dedicated that we found $18.9 million in unallocated federal money that we are bringing to the table today.” Last year, Simpson signed a full funding grant agreement that committed the federal government to provide $128 million for the project through 2010. The agreement allocated $57 million to the project for fiscal year 2008, but that amount was trimmed to $23 million during appropriations. Today’s grant restores some of what was cut in the federal budget process, bringing FTA’s contribution to the project to $75.7 million to date. Simpson was joined by Congresswoman Thelma Drake (R-VA), Congressman Bobby Scott (D-VA) and Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) President and CEO Michael S. Townes to tour the Harbor Park construction site of the light rail line. The Tide is a 7.4 mile system that runs from the Eastern Virginia Medical Center, east through downtown Norfolk to Norfolk State University, and continues along the Norfolk Southern right-of-way adjacent to I-264, to Newtown Road. The $232.1 million project includes 11 stations, three new park-and-ride structures, a maintenance facility, and the purchase of nine rail vehicles. HRT plans to begin operating the line in early 2010, with service at seven-and-a-half minute intervals during peak periods. The Tide will serve between 6,000 and 12,000 riders per day. (US DOT - posted 4/22) NORFOLK SOUTHERN REPORTS FIRST QUARTER EARNINGS: For the first quarter of 2008, Norfolk Southern Corporation reported net income of $291 million, or $0.76 per diluted share, compared with $285 million, or $0.71 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2007. First-quarter 2008 results were impacted by the settlement of a lawsuit relating to the 2005 accident at Graniteville, S.C., which, when combined with other favorable claims-related adjustments, reduced earnings by $0.02 per diluted share. “Norfolk Southern delivered strong financial performance during the quarter, reporting the highest railway operating revenues in its history, in spite of a less than robust economy,” said Norfolk Southern CEO Wick Moorman. “The results clearly indicate the strength of our balanced franchise, and we remain optimistic that we will produce continuing positive results in 2008.” First-quarter railway operating revenues were a record $2.5 billion, an increase of 11 percent, compared with the first-quarter of 2007. Weakness in automotive, housing, and intermodal shipments was partially offset by strong coal and agricultural volumes, resulting in a net 2 percent reduction in traffic volume for the quarter. Higher average revenue per unit more than offset the volume decline. General merchandise revenues reached $1.35 billion, 10 percent higher compared with the same period last year. Coal revenues climbed 19 percent to a record $662 million compared with first quarter 2007 results. Intermodal revenues increased 5 percent to $486 million compared with the first quarter of 2007. Railway operating expenses for the quarter were $1.9 billion, an increase of 12 percent over the same period of 2007, primarily due to higher fuel prices, which rose by $156 million or 63 percent. The railway operating ratio was 76.9 percent, slightly higher compared with 76.5 percent during first-quarter 2007. Norfolk Southern Corporation is one of the nation’s premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway subsidiary operates approximately 21,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serving every major container port in the eastern United States and providing superior connections to western rail carriers. NS operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is North America’s largest rail carrier of metals and automotive products. (Norfolk Southern - posted 4/22) AMTRAK FEASIBILITY STUDY OF PASSENGER RAIL SERVICE FROM QUAD CITIES TO IOWA CITY RELEASED: A study conducted by Amtrak on behalf of the Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) concerning the feasibility of passenger rail service from the Quad Cities to Iowa City on a route originating at Chicago was released today at a news conference in Iowa City. Annual ridership on the full route is estimated at about 187,000 passengers, based on two daily round-trips and if improvements are made allowing maximum speeds of 79 mph. The states of Iowa and Illinois would share the capital investment costs and the estimated annual Amtrak operating contract expense of about $6 million. The estimated cost to upgrade the railroad infrastructure in this example is $54.9 million. "Regional intercity passenger rail service is a positive alternative to highway and air travel. Rail service has tremendous advantages in terms of reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and foreign sources of oil; slowing the growth of highway congestion and associated pollution; energy conservation; and lifestyle enhancement through improved mobility for persons who either cannot or simply do not want to drive or fly," said Iowa Governor Chet Culver. "That's why passenger rail service has a bright future in America and why we are going to have to give it a higher priority in moving people in Iowa." "In light of escalating fuel prices, congested interstates and the environmental impacts of highway transportation, modal opportunities such as rail passenger service need to be seriously examined," said Iowa DOT Director Nancy Richardson. "This project is an excellent example of the type of public-private partnership that will be essential to sustaining and expanding this country's multi-modal transportation network. The Iowa DOT appreciates Amtrak's interest in expanding rail passenger service in Iowa, and is anxious to join them, the Iowa Interstate Railroad and Illinois Department of Transportation in determining the next steps to making this route a reality," Richardson added. "State-supported routes are the fastest growing part of our business. We look forward to working with Iowa and Illinois to meet with the host railroads and take the next steps to initiate this service," said Amtrak President and CEO Alex Kummant. Amtrak has never operated scheduled trains to Iowa City, which lost its Rock Island Railroad passenger rail service in 1970, or the Quad Cities, which lost its Rock Island Railroad service in 1978. The Amtrak study released today is an addendum to an earlier study and report issued in December 2007 for the Illinois Department of Transportation, analyzing the feasibility of rail passenger service from Chicago to the Illinois Quad Cities. Both reports are available at: www.iowadot.gov/amtrakstudy/. The Illinois report found the best route between the Quad Cities and Chicago would use a portion of the former Rock Island Railroad, now owned by Iowa Interstate Railroad (IAIS), from the Quad Cities to a proposed track connection to the BNSF Railway near Wyanet, Ill. The choice of the IAIS/BNSF route is also enhanced by taking advantage of recently improved Amtrak stations at Princeton, Mendota and Naperville, Ill. A map depicting the preferred routes from Chicago to the Quad Cities and from the Quad Cities to Iowa City can be found at: www.iowadot.gov/amtrakstudy/. For Amtrak service to reach Iowa City, passenger rail service must first be established to the Quad Cities. The addendum released today specifically examines the feasibility of extending service the 59 miles from the Quad Cities to Iowa City via the Iowa Interstate Railroad.(Amtrak - posted 4/21) NJ TRANSIT ADVANCES PROJECT TO EXTEND HUDSON-BERGEN LIGHT RAIL TO 8TH STREET IN BAYONNE: Plans to extend Hudson-Bergen Light Rail service farther into Bayonne advanced today, with the NJ TRANSIT Board of Directors awarding a contract for the final design and construction of a one-mile extension of the track alignment and a new station at 8th Street. The Board awarded a $58.4 million contract to George Harms Construction, Inc. of Howell, NJ, for work to extend the light rail line from its current southern terminus at 22nd Street that includes the design and construction of foundations, viaduct structure, track work, intersection improvements, a new station building, landscaping, lighting and customer amenities. “The Hudson-Bergen Light Rail line has been serving Waterfront communities since opening eight years ago,” said Transportation Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Board Chairman Kris Kolluri. “The one-mile extension south in Bayonne will provide new neighborhoods with connections to NJ TRANSIT rail services, trans-Hudson ferries, PATH trains and park-and-ride facilities.” In September 2006, the Board authorized the work needed to advertise a design/build contract, including completion of preliminary design work on the track alignment and the new station, as well as environmental work and other tasks associated with preparation of the design/build package. “This project will provide ready access to employment, education and recreational opportunities for thousands of new customers,” said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Richard Sarles. “By extending the light rail one mile south, we will connect more Bayonne neighborhoods with other communities, as well as to trans-Hudson trains and ferries.” “This is good news for the residents of Bayonne as it expands our commuting options and paves the way for new opportunities,” said Bayonne Mayor Terrence Malloy. “The extension also will help to boost economic development in our City; we look forward to the day of taking the inaugural ride,” he said. From the elevated 22nd Street Station, the light rail tracks will be extended south, hugging the existing Conrail right-of-way along Avenue E. A viaduct will carry light rail vehicles over local streets to an elevated platform at the new 8th Street Station, which will feature an elevator and stairs between street and platform levels. As a result of community meetings, the station will be located at Avenue C and 8th Street, with architecture reminiscent of the old Central Railroad of New Jersey (CNJ) station that once stood near the site. Construction is expected to start later this year with completion in 2010. (NJ Transit - posted 4/18) INTERMODAL FREIGHT UP, CARLOAD FREIGHT DOWN ON U.S. RAILROADS: Intermodal volume was up while carload freight was down during the week ended April 12 in comparison with the corresponding week last year, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported today. Carload freight in the week ended April 12 totaled 329,508 cars, down 2.9 percent from last year. Volume was down 0.4 percent in the West 6.1 percent in the East. Intermodal volume, which is not included in the carload data, totaled 227,366 trailers or containers, up 1.9 percent from a year ago. Trailer volume was up 3.6 percent, while container volume gained 1.5 percent. Total volume was estimated at 34.2 billion ton-miles, down 1.4 percent from the 15th week of 2007. Among the five carload commodity groups registering gains from last year were grain, up 15.1 percent; metals, up 4.2 percent; and food and food products, up 2.8 percent. Fourteen carload commodity groups declined from last year, with lumber and wood products off 18.9 percent, metallic ores down 18.8 percent and motor vehicles off 15.3 percent. Cumulative volume for the first 15 weeks of 2008 totaled 4,832,845 carloads, up 1.0 percent from 2007; 3,263,070 trailers or containers, down 3.5 percent; and total volume of an estimated 500.0 billion ton-miles, up 2.2 percent from last year. On Canadian railroads, during the week ended April 12 carload traffic totaled 74,843 cars, down 9.1 percent from last year while intermodal volume totaled 49,842 trailers or containers, up 5.8 percent from last year. Cumulative originations for the first 15 weeks of 2008 on the Canadian railroads totaled 1,105,182 carloads, down 2.8 percent from last year, and 691,845 trailers and containers, an increase of 4.7 percent from last year. Combined cumulative volume for the first 15 weeks of 2008 on U.S. and Canadian railroads totaled 5,938,027 carloads, up 0.3 percent from last year, and 3,954,915 trailers and containers, a 2.1 percent decrease from last year. The AAR also reported that carload freight on the Mexican railroad Kansas City Southern de Mexico (KCSM) during the week ended April 12 totaled 10,296 cars, down 5.0 percent from last year. KCSM reported intermodal volume of 5,511 trailers or containers, up 37.5 percent from the 15th week of 2007. For the first 15 weeks of 2008, KCSM reported cumulative volume of 154,749 cars, down 3.7 percent from last year, and 70,499 trailers or containers, up 14.4 percent. Railroads reporting to AAR account for 89 percent of U.S. carload freight and 98 percent of rail intermodal volume. When the U.S. operations of Canadian railroads are included, the figures increase to 96 percent and 100 percent. The Canadian railroads reporting to the AAR account for 91 percent of Canadian rail traffic. Railroads provide more than 40 percent of U.S. intercity freight transportation, more than any other mode, and rail traffic figures are regarded as an important economic indicator. ( AAR - posted 4/17) GEORGE HART PASSES AWAY AT THE AGE OF 89: George M. Hart, at the age of 89, passed away this morning in Lehighton, Pa. George was the founding Director of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania (1969-1983) and an active participant in railway preservation, having owned and operated Rail Tours, Inc., and served as President and Treasurer of the Stewartstown RR. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of railroad history and if it were not for his efforts in 1970s, the PRR Historic Collection would have been broken up forever. The viewing will be Sunday, between 7:00 pm and 9:00 p.m., at Melber Funeral Home in East Mauchunk, Pa. (RYPN, Fred Jones, Ann Miller posted 4/17) TRAINS TRANSPORTING THE MOST TOXIC HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MUST USE SAFEST, MOST SECURE ROUTE: Railroads will be required to route every train carrying the most toxic and dangerous hazardous materials on the safest and most secure route under a new federal rule announced today by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters. "This strong measure better ensures that rail shipments of hazardous materials will reach their final destinations safely and without incident," said Secretary Peters, noting the rule applies to trains hauling Poison Inhalation Hazard (PIH) commodities such as chlorine and anhydrous ammonia which are heavily used in farming, water purification, and manufacturing. Secretary Peters explained that beginning June 1, the rule requires railroads to conduct a comprehensive safety and security risk analysis of its primary route and any practicable alternative routes over which it has authority to operate. The analysis must consider information provided by local communities and a minimum of 27 risk factors like trip length, volume and type of hazmat being moved, existing safety measures along the route, and population density, she said. Railroads must implement their routing decisions based on these analyses by September 2009. In addition, the rule includes several rail security provisions designed to guard against tampering with the rail hazmat car during transportation, the Secretary said. The new rule complements the Department’s proposal last month to increase by 500 percent on average the amount of energy a rail hazmat tank car must absorb during a train accident before a catastrophic failure occurs, Secretary Peters said. This dramatic improvement in puncture resistance can be achieved with innovative designs, materials, and technologies available today and in combination with speed restrictions, she said. "Stronger hazmat tank cars moving on the safest and most secure rail routes will enhance safety for people living in big cities and rural towns all across America," Secretary Peters said. The interim final rule on rail hazmat routing was developed by the Department’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration in consultation with the Federal Railroad Administration, and fully complies with the provisions of the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007.(FRA - posted 4/16) NORFOLK SOUTHERN APPOINTS FRIEDMANN AS HEAD OF STRATEGIC PLANNING: John H. Friedmann has been named vice president strategic planning for Norfolk Southern Corporation , effective May 1, with headquarters in Norfolk. He will report to Deborah H. Butler, executive vice president planning and chief information officer. Friedmann began his railroad career in 1993 as a summer intern with Southern Pacific and joined Norfolk Southern in 1994 as manager strategic planning. He later served as assistant to the chairman, division superintendent, and assistant vice president short line marketing before rejoining the strategic planning group as assistant vice president in 2006. He holds an undergraduate degree in business from Carnegie Mellon University and an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania. Friedmann succeeds Daniel M. Mazur, who retires May 1 after 38 years in the railroad industry. Mazur served in marketing and operational capacities with the Grand Trunk Western Railroad, Penn Central, and Conrail before joining Norfolk Southern in 1998. He was named vice president strategic planning in 2006. (Norfolk Southern Corporation - posted 4/16) NORFOLK SOUTHERN'S GREEN MACHINE: Norfolk Southern's new online carbon footprint analyzer puts the environmental benefits of rail transportation into an easy-to-visualize perspective. The "Green Machine" quickly estimates the reductions in greenhouse gas emissions that occur when rail transportation becomes a larger component in shipper supply chains. The Green Machine can be accessed through Norfolk Southern's environmental Web site at www.nscorp.com/future and through its accessNS e-commerce portal at www.nscorp.com. The calculator prompts the user to enter shipment volumes, along with network or lane information. Using graphic slides, the user then can gauge the emission reductions that occur as rail becomes a larger and larger part of freight movements. Carbon emission reductions are converted into familiar terms by showing how many automobiles would have to be taken off congested highways, and how many trees would need to be planted, in order to achieve the air quality improvements equivalent to those offered by the greater use of rail transportation. "The choice of transportation mode is one of the most powerful levers any shipper has to help moderate the size of its carbon footprint," said Blair Wimbush, Norfolk Southern vice president real estate and corporate sustainability officer. "We will continue to get greener at what we do, and that will help make rail the transportation choice for the 21st century." The Green Machine was developed in-house and is a component of Norfolk Southern's broad-based sustainability initiative that includes developing public-private partnerships to improve use of the nation's rail transportation network while supporting the economy; focusing on safety to benefit employees and communities; minimizing use of natural resources; and reducing, reusing and finding alternatives for commonly-used railroad materials. (Norfolk Southern Corporation - posted 4/15) CSX REPORTS FIRST QUARTER EARNINGS: CSX Corporation today reported first quarter earnings of $351 million, or 85 cents per share, versus $240 million, or 52 cents per share, last year. This represents a 63 percent improvement in earnings per share over last year. First quarter results included 5 cents per share from a non-cash equity earnings adjustment this year and 2 cents per share from insurance recoveries last year. On a comparable basis, excluding these items, first quarter EPS was up 60 percent from a year ago. (See table below for reconciliation of quarter items to reported numbers.) “Our highly focused workforce continued to drive shareholder value at a record setting pace in the first quarter by delivering outstanding safety, customer service and financial results,” said Michael Ward, chairman, president and chief executive officer. “In addition, the diverse business portfolio we have created is allowing the company to grow through the current economic cycle.” CSX generated significant revenue growth in six of its ten markets, resulting in record first quarter revenues of $2.7 billion, a 12 percent increase over the first quarter of 2007. The company overcame softness in the housing and automotive sectors through yield management, fuel recovery and market drivers including growth in ethanol and grain shipments, increased demand for export coal, and a stable industrial economy. The company achieved these revenue gains while holding non-fuel expenses flat, which drove record first quarter operating income of $626 million, up from $485 million last year. The respective quarters included insurance gains of $2 million and $18 million. On a comparable basis, excluding these gains, operating income was up 34 percent. At the core of this improvement were stronger safety and service levels, greater labor productivity and increased fuel efficiency, resulting in a 370 basis point improvement in the operating ratio to 77 percent on a comparable basis. Reflecting the company’s strong first quarter performance and the underlying strength of its business, CSX is now targeting the upper end of its previously announced 2008 EPS guidance of $3.40 - $3.60 on a comparable basis. CSX also reaffirmed its long-term financial targets announced on March 17, 2008. With 2007 as the baseline, the company is confident that it can achieve compound annual growth in operating income of 13 to 15 percent, as well as 18 to 21 percent compound annual growth in EPS before the impact of share repurchases through 2010. Additionally, CSX is targeting an operating ratio in the low-70’s and free cash flow before dividends exceeding $1 billion in 2010. The company repurchased $300 million of its outstanding common stock in the first quarter and remains committed to repurchasing an additional $3 billion in common stock by the end of 2009. As previously stated, the company is also investing $5 billion in its transportation network between 2008 and 2010 to meet the nation’s burgeoning demand for freight rail service. “Our guidance and actions to enhance shareholder value are indicative of our momentum and confidence in the future of the company,” said Ward. “CSX is poised and motivated to deliver substantial value in the short term while enhancing its network and service to create value for many years to come.” (CSX - posted 4/15) SEPTA OPENS A NEW EL STATION: SEPTA Market-Frankford Line El trains will return to 46th Street Station on Monday, April 14 as a redesigned and modern transportation facility in West Philadelphia opens for passenger service. El service to 46th Street Station was discontinued in June 2007 to allow rebuilding of the station as part of the Market Street Elevated (MSE) reconstruction project. The new 46th Street Station will offer improved access to trains and greater overall convenience for the 3,700 passengers who use it each weekday. The opening of 46th Street Station marks the debut of the fourth of six new stations designed under MSE. Remodeled around the nearby community, 46th Street Station will become a fixture of comfort, elegance, and convenience. In addition to large roofs covering the platforms, SEPTA passengers will also find waiting areas on each platform offering further convenience. Station architects also incorporated into the design several security features identified as important to the community. These characteristics include the construction of curved and reflective walls that eliminate blind corners, highly visible and brightly lit interior and exterior station areas, and a pedestrian underpass to allow safe passenger travel above Market Street between both platforms. The station will be fully accessible for those disabilities and equipped with elevators and escalators at its opening. SEPTA is also planning to install public art at the station as part of its Art-in-Transit program. MSE is a major reconstruction and modernization project of the El which originally began operations in 1907. The project includes a streamlined, single-beam support structure, six new customer-friendly stations, and art inspired architectural features that will improve the overall riding experience for passengers. SEPTA bus Routes 31 and 64, rerouted to accommodate passengers during the closure of 46th Street Station, will return to regular detour routing with the opening of the station. (SEPTA - posted 4/15) GUELPH JUNCTION EXPRESS: Destiny Tours Intl’ Inc., of Guelph, Ontario is “on track” with another milestone project. After 9 years of success with its outbound group travel business the local tour operator has turned its sights inward to help boost local tourism with the launch of a new Tourist Train. The Guelph Junction Express™ will offer weekend dinner, brunch and sightseeing excursions year-round on 17 miles of track owned by the city’s Guelph Junction Railway between Guelph and Campbellville. Passengers will board the train at John Galt Park adjacent to the River Run Centre with parking available close by at the Sleeman Centre Locomotives and crews from the Ontario Southland Railway will pull the operation’s three 1950s vintage stainless steel climate controlled railcars down to Guelph Junction where the entire train will turn around offering passengers a view of the other side of the route for the return ride back to town. A typical excursion will run approx 2 hours and 15 minutes. “We have put over 3 years of research and planning into this project and we are excited to be in the final stages” said John Carroll, Vice President of Destiny Tours. “With Guelph being the only Municipality in Canada to own a Federally chartered railway we felt a relaxing train ride and dining experience through the natural beauty of the Greenbelt would be an ideal attraction that could be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. We travelled to Quebec, New Brunswick and New Hampshire over the past few years to inspect various pieces of rail equipment before finally locating the perfect passenger cars for our operation in Vermont last year” said Carroll. Of the three cars being used in the initial service, two will be configured with tables and chairs for meal service (provided by Platters Catering) with the third car retaining its coach seats for Family Class service, ideal for people who just want to go for a train ride. In addition to scheduled biweekly service, special themed trains will be offer throughout the year such as the Easter Bunny Express, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Thanksgiving, Fall Colours, Halloween Murder Mystery and Santa Clause Express to name a few. The train will also be available for private family and corporate bookings. The Guelph Junction Express is due to launch this May with train schedules and online ticket booking information available soon from the operation’s web site at www.GuelphJunctionExpress.ca. Tickets can also be purchased in person 9AM to 5PM Monday to Friday at Destiny Tours’ office located at 727 Woolwich Street in Guelph. About Destiny Tours Destiny Tours has been offering custom tours and travel for groups, families, couples and individuals since 1999. The company was honoured in 2001 as the winner of the Guelph Business Enterprise Centre’s ‘New Business Award’ which was presented at the Awards of Excellence Gala in June of the same year. Destiny has escorted hockey fans from all over North America to such countries as Sweden, Czech Republic, Russia, Canada, Finland, USA to cheer on Team Canada at the World Junior Hockey Championships. This past December the company hosted it’s largest ever group of almost 450 fans back to the Czech Republic where Canada won Gold for a fourth straight year. About the Guelph Junction Railway The Guelph Junction Railway established in 1884 by a group of Guelph merchants was built as an alternative to the Grand Trunk Railway (now Canadian National Railway). Acquired by the City of Guelph a few years after operations began in 1888, the railway has been owned by the city since that time. The GJR as it is known is one of only 3 federally chartered railways in Canada next to the Canadian Pacific and Canadian National. (Destiny Tours - posted 4/14) MTA NYC TRANSIT INTRODUCES NEW HAZMAT RESPONSE VEHICLE: MTA New York City Transit has just taken delivery of a new, highly-customized emergency response vehicle which will serve as the key mobile resource and support center for the Department of Security's Hazardous Materials team, should the unthinkable ever occur. NYC Transit's Hazardous Materials Response vehicle was designed to support the agency's 100-person volunteer HazMat Team and be an effective tool for the group's role of responding to emergencies involving the release of chemical or biological agents within the subway system. The team would assist City, State and/or Federal agencies in the event of an intentional or accidental release of a chemical or biological compound impacting the system or its customers. The Hazardous Materials Response Truck, which was manufactured by Ferrara Fire Apparatus, Holden, Louisiana at a cost of $336,000, will carry specialized HazMat equipment and up to 10 of the highly-trained NYC Transit Hazardous Materials team members to the scene of an incident. Each team member was required to pass a specialized HazMat Physical. They then received extensive training, including the 40-hour Hazardous Materials Technician Course provided by the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control. Members of the four-year old team have earned advanced certification and participate in quarterly drills in order to enhance their skills and efficiency. "This team's greatest strength lies in its members' experience and the training they have received to quickly assess, troubleshoot and address an incident, including, if necessary, the safe operation of a train under even the most extraordinary circumstances while wearing the highest levels of personal protective equipment;" explained NYC Transit President Howard H. Roberts, Jr. This all-volunteer group, led by Chuck Burrus, Ph.D. and Mike Metz of the NYC Transit Department of Security, is comprised of a highly-trained group of Transit workers who bring a wealth of specialized knowledge and expertise from throughout this agency. Dr. Burrus was appointed Senior Director Environmental Protection & Industrial Hygiene in 2004 to research technologies effective in the detection of chemical, biological and radiological weapons of mass destruction. Earlier this year, he was appointed Deputy Chief, WMD Detection & Countermeasures to implement the use of the most effective technologies and strategies. Mike Metz currently serves as Manager for Environmental Monitoring and Emergency Response in the Security Department. Prior to joining NYC Transit in 2005 specifically for this crucial role, Mike spent 12 years in a similar role with the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Vice President of Security Vincent DeMarino added, "The NYC Transit HazMat Team has already begun to strategize and conduct preliminary training with key members of NYC's Office of Emergency Management, the NYPD and FDNY. We are extremely proud of this group's willingness and determination to assist these agencies, our fellow employees, and most importantly our customers. The new vehicle is going to be a tremendous tool for us." The HazMat truck will officially go into service on Monday, April 14th (MTA - posted 4/11) FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS PLANNED FOR ERWIN, TENN: CSX Transportation Inc. (CSXT) has announced facility expansions and enhancements at its Erwin, Tenn., facility as the railroad moves forward with an initiative to further improve the delivery of coal and other freight. Erwin, the former headquarters of the CSXT predecessor Clinchfield Railroad, is an important gateway for coal trains operating from Appalachia to receivers such as electrical power utilities. As part of an expanded project focused on improving bulk freight service including coal and grain, approximately $6 million in track and structure work will be performed at the Erwin terminal during 2008. This work will accommodate a growing volume of coal and some grain trains that will be using distributed power at the rear of those trains. In addition, about $3 million will be spent on communications and technology upgrades in the region to support distributed power, and eight additional employees will join the Erwin locomotive team. Distributed power refers to locomotives placed in the middle or rear of the train and controlled by the engineer from the lead locomotive. By "distributing" the power through the train, handling over mountainous territory is improved, more rail cars can be added, and fuel efficiency is increased. Those longer trains require the construction of longer yard tracks. Later this month, demolition of the current car inspector facility will begin to make way for extended yard tracks and a new car inspector facility. In addition, several power switches will be installed in the terminal, which enable trains to move through the yard more fluidly and don't require workers to get off to manipulate them. The locomotive servicing facility also will receive upgrades to expedite its work. CSXT's purchase of new locomotives this year includes a specification for equipping them for distributed power. "We are proud of the long and consistent record of safety and service provided by our Erwin terminal and its employees," said Mike Pendergrass, vice president-Southern region. "We look forward to these facility improvements to support distributed power, which in turn will provide more efficient service to our customers." Locomotive engineers who operate from Erwin and other southeastern points are undergoing classroom and hands-on training to prepare to operate distributed power trains, joining those who are already certified for those operations. Distributed power trains will eventually replace the practice today of adding "helper" locomotives at certain points to push trains over grades, increasing efficiency and further improving customer service. (CSX Transportation - posted 4/10) RAIL CARLOAD FREIGHT UP AT START OF APRIL: Thanks to gains in carload freight total freight traffic on U.S. railroads during the first week of April was in comparison with the corresponding week last year, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported today. Carload freight in the week ended April 5 totaled 330,371 cars, up 3.6 percent from last year. Volume was up 7.5 percent in the West but down 1.3 percent in the East. Intermodal volume, which is not included in the carload data, totaled 216,609 trailers or containers, down 1.1 percent from a year ago. Trailer volume edged up 0.7 percent, while container volume declined 1.6 percent. Total volume was estimated at 34.3 billion ton-miles, up 4.6 percent from the 14th week of 2007. Eleven of 19 carload commodities registered gains from a year ago with grain climbing 27.1 percent, food and kindred products gaining 19.8 percent and metallic ores rising 10.8 percent. On the negative side, motor vehicles and equipment fell 18.5 percent; primary forest products fell 17.9 percent; and lumber and wood products dropped 15.8 percent. Cumulative volume for the first 14 weeks of 2008 totaled 4,503,337 carloads, up 1.3 percent from 2007; 3,035,704 trailers or containers, down 3.9 percent; and total volume of an estimated 465.8 billion ton-miles, up 2.5 percent from last year. On Canadian railroads, during the week ended April 5 carload traffic totaled 79,008 cars, down 0.4 percent from last year while intermodal volume totaled 48,079 trailers or containers, up 3.8 percent from last year. Cumulative originations for the first 14 weeks of 2008 on the Canadian railroads totaled 1,030,339 carloads, down 2.3 percent from last year, and 642,003 trailers and containers, an increase of 4.6 percent from last year. Combined cumulative volume for the first 14 weeks of 2008 on U.S. and Canadian railroads totaled 5,533,676 carloads, up 0.6 percent from last year, and 3,677,707 trailers and containers, a 2.5 percent decrease from last year. The AAR also reported that carload freight on the Mexican railroad Kansas City Southern de Mexico (KCSM) during the week ended April 5 totaled 11,032 cars, up 9.0 percent from last year. KCSM reported intermodal volume of 5,047 trailers or containers, up 45.6 percent from the 14th week of 2007. For the first 14 weeks of 2008, KCSM reported cumulative volume of 144,453 cars, down 3.6 percent from last year, and 64,988 trailers or containers, up 12.8 percent. Railroads reporting to AAR account for 89 percent of U.S. carload freight and 98 percent of rail intermodal volume. When the U.S. operations of Canadian railroads are included, the figures increase to 96 percent and 100 percent. The Canadian railroads reporting to the AAR account for 91 percent of Canadian rail traffic. Railroads provide more than 40 percent of U.S. intercity freight transportation, more than any other mode, and rail traffic figures are regarded as an important economic indicator. (AAR - posted 4/10) NORFOLK SOUTHERN'S THOROUGHBRED PACESETTER: Norfolk Southern is initiating a new electronic commerce service called Thoroughbred Pacesetter, available to customers beginning April 14. Pacesetter gives Norfolk Southern customers the opportunity to enjoy unprecedented direct management of freight car orders and releases, increased visibility of the railcar pipeline, and detailed local railcar inventory for improved logistics management. Customers who sign up for Pacesetter also enjoy the benefit of service-based demurrage, an industry first that directly links Norfolk Southern service to demurrage credits. The addition of Pacesetter to accessNS, Norfolk Southern's portal to a suite of electronic commerce tools, enables customers to better manage their supply chains. Pacesetter is a direct link to the railroad's yard inventory and car reporting systems, providing customers with more detailed, real-time visibility of shipments and direct control over ordering and releasing railcars. Pacesetter also enables customers to better manage their shipping costs by having Norfolk Southern service directly linked to demurrage and storage credits (the method by which customers are charged for holding railcars beyond an agreed time limit). Credits are based on the original Norfolk Southern ETA (estimated time of availability). Cars available a day or more ahead of or after the original NS ETA receive one additional credit for each day, whether early or late, up to a total of five credits per car. Shippers will be able to monitor these events, as well as debits and credits applied, and approve or dispute them in Pacesetter. For more information or to sign up for Thoroughbred Pacesetter, customers should contact their Central Yard Operations representative by calling 800-898-4296. (Norfolk Southern Corporation - posted 4/10) 26 NEW LOCOMOTIVES FOR MARC TRAIN CUSTOMERS: In an effort to address the popularity of its MARC Train services, the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) announced today its plans to purchase 26 GPS 40, 3600 horsepower, diesel locomotives. The new locomotives will be more powerful, fuel efficient and environmentally-friendly. “Our customers will soon enjoy increased flexibility and reliability in a service that continues to grow in popularity,” said Paul J. Wiedefeld, MTA Administrator. “The purchase of these locomotives will allow MARC to better serve its growing needs.” The Board of Public Works approved the purchase in which the MTA will acquire re-manufactured commuter locomotives from The Utah Transportation Authority (UTA). The locomotives will be completely overhauled with all new equipment. When overhauled, the re-manufactured locomotives will provide additional power enabling them to pull longer trains and come equipped with electronic fuel injection making them more fuel efficient. The manufacturer, Motive Power in Boise, Idaho, will also ensure that the equipment meets more stringent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emissions standards (EPA’s Tier 2 rating). These locomotives will reduce emissions of nitrous oxide by 42%, carbon monoxide by 70% and particulates (like soot) by 67%. Additionally, these re-manufactured locomotives will improve crew safety by having APTA-approved cabs that improve crash worthiness for the safety of crewmembers. The enhanced technology in these locomotives will also provide fleet uniformity for acquiring spare parts and performing maintenance, increased efficiency, reliability and reduced maintenance. (MARC - posted 4/09) SEPTA ANNOUNCES NEW MEASURES TO ENHANCE SECURITY: SEPTA today announced new security measures it is implementing to enhance safety for passengers who use its mass transit system. The efforts include increased patrols by the SEPTA Transit Police Department, a review by SEPTA’s Board of Directors to permanently increase the size of its police force and the advanced installation of its “Smart Stations” project to further safeguard SEPTA stations and facilities. Beginning today, approximately 30 SEPTA Transit Police Officers will voluntarily work longer shifts, during the hours of 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. This action will be in effect throughout the remainder of the school year. The primary responsibility of SEPTA’s 248 police officers is to patrol the underground concourses, tunnels and stations of the Regional Rail, Broad Street and Market-Frankford subways and trolley lines. SEPTA Board member Christian DiCiccio today also announced his intention to work with other members of SEPTA’s Board of Directors to explore the possibility of recruiting approximately 50 more transit police officers. SEPTA will also examine ways to accelerate the installation of its Smart Stations project. Part of SEPTA’s Smart Stations project addresses public security through the addition of surveillance cameras, improved emergency lighting, expanded alarm systems and emergency telephones. The Smart Stations project will include the Market-Frankford, Broad Street Subway and Subway/Surface Line stations. Although a shocking tragedy and two other high profile incidents have occurred in the underground system in recent days, SEPTA Police have made immediate arrests in these incidents and remain confident that the SEPTA transportation system is safe. (SEPTA, Randy Kotuby - posted 4/08) MASSACHUSETTS CENTRAL RAILROAD SOLD: The Worcester Business Journal reports that "The owner of four South Barre companies has purchased a railroad company that links South Barre and Palmer. John J. Pondelli Jr. bought the Massachusetts Central Railroad from Richard Close of Vancouver, Canada, the company said. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Pondelli's other companies, located at the end of the railroad line, are Wildwood Reload, North American Pellet Co. Inc., York Transportation Inc. and Convenient Wood Fuels Inc. The companies provide transportation, storage and other services for customers in New England, New York, New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania. The Massachusetts Central Railroad has been operating along its 25-mile track since 1979. It offers connections with Canadian Pacific Railway, New England Central Railroad, Canadian National Railway, Norfolk Southern and CSX." (Worcester Business Journal via Alex Mayes - posted 4/08) BROTHERHOOD OF LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEERS ENDORSES OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT: The BLET's Advisory Board voted today to endorse Senator Barack Obama for President of the United States. The endorsement decision comes after a meeting of the BLET's top governing body. The Advisory Board determined that Senator Obama presented the best chance for working Americans to have a voice in the White House. "We believe Senator Obama is the best candidate to fight for the rights of the 55,000 men and women of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen," BLET National President Ed Rodzwicz said. "The next U.S. President will make several decisions and appointments that will have an impact on the rail industry. We believe Senator Obama will fight to make the right decisions when it comes to the health and safety of all rail workers." The BLET endorsement comes on the heels the International Brotherhood of Teamsters' decision to endorse Senator Obama. Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa said the Teamsters endorsed Senator Obama for various reasons, including his plans to rebuild America's transportation infrastructure. "Senator Obama will fight to rebuild our transportation infrastructure," Hoffa said. "He will work with us to address critical issues from our ports to our highways, rails and airports. We need a president who is focused on rebuilding America and Barack Obama will be that president." The decision to endorse Senator Obama was not taken lightly by BLET leadership. President Rodzwicz said that Senator Obama is only the fourth Presidential candidate the BLET has endorsed in its 145-year history. Founded on May 8, 1863, the Brotherhood's first Presidential endorsement was Bill Clinton in 1992, followed by Al Gore in 2000 and John Kerry in 2004. (BLET - posted 4/08) NORFOLK SOUTHERN REACHES AGREEMENT WITH AVONDALE MILLS TO SETTLE CLAIMS FROM GRANITEVILLE ACCIDENT: After four weeks of trial, Norfolk Southern Corporation and Avondale Mills have agreed to a confidential settlement of the lawsuit brought by Avondale arising from the January 6, 2005 accident in Graniteville, South Carolina. A portion of the settlement will not be reimbursed by insurance and will be recorded in the first quarter as an expense. This expense combined with other favorable claims-related adjustments will increase year-over-year operating expenses by $13 million and reduce first quarter earnings by $0.02 per diluted share. (NS - posted 4/07) HENRY FORD MUSEUM ACQUIRES A GG-1 LOCOMOTIVE: One of the Leatherstocking Railway Historical Society's two former PRR GG-1 electric locomotives has been acquired by the Henry Ford Museum, located in Dearborn, Michigan. The GG-1, former PRR 4909, will have its asbestos and transformer removed before it is placed inside a building. The Leatherstocking's other GG-1, former PRR 4917, remains in Milford, N.Y. (Randall C. Kotuby - posted 4/07) MBTA BOARD ADVANCES BRIDGE PROJECT: The MBTA Board of Directors has approved a $3 million contract as part of a project to repair and rehabilitate the Merrimack River Bridge in Haverhill. Commuter Rail trains on the MBTA’s Haverhill Line travel over the bridge seven days a week. The Merrimack River Bridge is the only bridge in the MBTA system with a similar design as the bridge that collapsed in Minneapolis last summer. The proposal includes design and construction, and the entire project would be expected to last approximately four years. “I am pleased to hear that the MBTA is moving forward with plans to insure the continued safety of commuters who use the Merrimack River Bridge every day,” said Senator Steven A. Baddour, Chairman of the Transportation Committee. “We must continue to be vigilant in maintenance and repair of our bridges and roadways to avoid senseless tragedies similar to the one the occurred in Minnesota. I look forward to working with the MBTA throughout the course of this project, and thank General Manager Grabauskas for his continued help and support.” “As the only bridge in the MBTA system with a similar deck truss design as the bridge that collapsed in Minneapolis, it is a top priority of the T’s Bridge Management Program,” said MBTA General Manager Daniel A. Grabauskas. “This project is required to ensure the continued safe operation of Commuter Rail |