Railpace Hot News

Keep up to date on the latest railroad news from the northeastern United States and Canada, edited by Carl Perelman.

NJ Transit Adopts Fiscal Year 2023 Operating Budget

July 21, 2022

NJ Transit Adopts Fiscal Year 2023 Operating Budget

The NJ TRANSIT Board of Directors today adopted the Fiscal Year 2023 (FY 2023) operating budget and updated capital plan that supports continued investments in personnel, infrastructure, and equipment to maintain the system in a state-of-good-repair and enhance the overall customer experience.

Norfolk Southern Increases Conductor Trainee Pay to $25 an Hour; Adds Biweekly $300 Incentive

July 21, 2022

Norfolk Southern Increases Conductor Trainee Pay to $25 an Hour; Adds Biweekly $300 Incentive

Norfolk Southern Corporation today announced that it has increased Conductor Trainee pay to $25 per hour, with a minimum of $200 in earnings per shift. Additionally, Conductor Trainees are eligible for an on the job training incentive of $300 per bi-weekly pay period, provided they make themselves available to work. Applicants can apply online at Jobs.NSCorp.com.

Rail Traffic for the Week Ending July 16, 2022

July 21, 2022

Rail Traffic for the Week Ending July 16, 2022

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending July 16, 2022. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 498,899 carloads and intermodal units, down 2.8 percent compared with the same week last year. Total carloads for the week ending July 16 were 229,809 carloads, down 2.4 percent compared with the same week in 2021, while U.S. weekly intermodal volume was 269,090 containers and trailers, down 3.2 percent compared to 2021.

CP applauds agreement to extend Kansas City Southern de México’s concession exclusivity until 2037

July 20, 2022

CP applauds agreement to extend Kansas City Southern de México’s concession exclusivity until 2037

Canadian Pacific Railway Limited today applauded the announcement by Kansas City Southern and its affiliate Kansas City Southern de México, S.A. de C.V. (“KCSM”) of an agreement extending the concession exclusivity rights granted to KCSM for an additional 10 years.

MBTA Selects Contract For Red Line Yard Improvements

July 20, 2022

MBTA Selects Contract For Red Line Yard Improvements

The MBTA Board of Directors awarded a construction contract for Codman Yard Expansion and Improvements. As part of the MBTA’s Capital Programs, the Capital Transformation will make improvements to Codman Yard that will increase capacity and enhance the overall reliability and quality of service for all riders.

Mayor Adams and Governor Hochul Announce Agreement on Financial Framework to Support Reconstruction, Potential Expansion of Penn Station

July 19, 2022

Mayor Adams and Governor Hochul Announce Agreement on Financial Framework to Support Reconstruction, Potential Expansion of Penn Station

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced an agreement on a financial framework between New York City and New York state that will help fund the reconstruction and potential expansion of Penn Station and the revitalization of the surrounding area. The framework ensures that the city maintains a current and consistent level of property tax revenue, while requiring that funding for the station, vibrant open space, and public realm improvements come in part from private development. This agreement also affirms the state’s ongoing commitment to rebuilding Penn Station without raising taxes on New Yorkers or fares for transit riders.

13 R. J. Corman Short Lines Win Jake Awards for Safety

July 18, 2022

13 R. J. Corman Short Lines Win Jake Awards for Safety

On June 29th, the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) announced that 13 R. J. Corman short lines were winners of Jake Awards for their above-industry average safety performance during 2021. The Jake Awards is an annual recognition presented by the ASLRRA, a group that represents the entrepreneurial owners and operators of short line and regional railroads throughout North America.

MBTA Issues Update on Safety Work Progress

July 15, 2022

MBTA Issues Update on Safety Work Progress

The MBTA reported on its progress to address ongoing safety concerns raised during a Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Safety Management Inspection (SMI) last month. Over the last several weeks, the MBTA has implemented safety plans to address track conditions and maintenance, updated safety trainings and directives, and has addressed staffing shortages.

SEPTA Seeks Input From Riders on Trolley Modernization

July 14, 2022

SEPTA Seeks Input From Riders on Trolley Modernization

SEPTA is seeking input from Philadelphia and Delaware County trolley riders on how new and updated stations, cars, and stops will look and operate in the future.

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (CVSR) Returns to Regular Train Schedule

July 13, 2022

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (CVSR) Returns to Regular Train Schedule

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (CVSR) announced that they will be returning to their normal train schedule beginning Saturday, July 16 after operating with a modified schedule and trip length the last several months.