Railpace Hot News
Keep up to date on the latest railroad news from the northeastern United States and Canada, edited by Carl Perelman.
December 22, 2022
Rail Traffic for the Week Ending December 17, 2022
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending December 17, 2022. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 476,232 carloads and intermodal units, down 5.5 percent compared with the same week last year. Total carloads for the week ending December 17 were 226,977 carloads, down 3.2 percent compared with the same week in 2021, while U.S. weekly intermodal volume was 249,255 containers and trailers, down 7.5 percent compared to 2021.
December 21, 2022
MBTA Receives Over $66 Million in Federal Funding for Accessibility Improvements at Symphony Station
The MBTA is pleased to announce that the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has awarded the T with over $66 million in funding for accessibility improvements at Symphony station, which was constructed in 1941 and is one of downtown Boston’s last inaccessible underground Green Line stations.
December 20, 2022
Biden-Harris Administration Announces $686 Million in Grants to Modernize Older Transit Stations and Improve Accessibility Across the Country
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA)announced 15 grants in nine states to help make it easier for people with disabilities and mobility needs to access some of the nation’s oldest and busiest rail transit systems through essential upgrades, such as elevators. Funded by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the approximately $686 million in grants represents the first round of funding from the new All Stations Accessibility Program, which is designed to improve the accessibility of transit rail stations so everyone, including those who use wheelchairs, push strollers, or cannot easily navigate stairs, can reliably access the rail systems in their communities.
December 20, 2022
SEPTA Awarded Federal Grant To Support Station Accessibility Commitment
SEPTA has been awarded $56,050,000 in federal funding to improve station accessibility on its Broad Street and Market-Frankford Lines the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and members of Pennsylvania’s southeast Congressional delegation announced. The funding is the first grant awarded through the FTA’s All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP), which was created in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law signed into law last November.
December 20, 2022
MTA Announces Long Island Rail Road to Bolster Existing Schedules with Grand Central Direct Service
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced that the Long Island Rail Road will introduce special Grand Central Direct service to Grand Central Madison beginning when facility systems testing is complete, to enable the public to begin exploring the new terminal and its route while the LIRR continues to maintain full existing schedules to Penn Station.
December 20, 2022
Norfolk Southern Unveils Automotive Buyer Benchmark
Norfolk Southern Corporation today unveiled the results of its first-ever Automotive Buyer Benchmark, a look into the decision-making processes of consumers who are, or will soon be, searching for a new vehicle. The findings underscored the importance car buyers place on automotive supply chain sustainability.
December 19, 2022
MTA Details Improvement Projects Along the 7 Line
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) highlighted ongoing and upcoming projects taking place along the 7 line in Manhattan and Queens. Work includes accessibility and safety improvements, state of good repair work and resiliency upgrades in the Steinway Tube.
December 19, 2022
Pennsylvania Announces Rail Freight Improvement Projects
Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf announced the approval of 24 rail freight improvement projects that will enhance freight mobility while creating or sustaining more than 340 jobs across Pennsylvania. The State Transportation Commission voted to approve $26 million for the following projects through the Rail Transportation Assistance Program (RTAP) and the Rail Freight Assistance Program (RFAP).
December 16, 2022
Ontario Taking Next Steps to Bring Back Northeastern Passenger Rail
The Ontario government is purchasing three new trainsets as part of its plan to bring back northeastern passenger rail service. The $139.5 million investment marks a significant milestone in reinstating service between Timmins and Toronto, and unlocking the full economic potential of northern industries, resources and minerals.
December 16, 2022
MBTA Seeks to Purchase Widett Circle Property for Commuter Rail Layover Yard
The MBTA Board of Directors authorized the T to begin negotiations for the purchase of approximately 24 acres of land at Widett Circle, located one mile from Boston’s South Station, for a new commuter rail layover yard to service and store trains overnight and between trips.
