Railpace Hot News
Keep up to date on the latest railroad news from the northeastern United States and Canada, edited by Carl Perelman.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
July 13, 2022
Amtrak and Vermont Agency of Transportation Announce Tickets on Sale for Burlington Service.
Amtrak, in conjunction with the Vermont Agency of Transportation (AOT), is now selling Ethan Allen Express tickets for daily travel between Burlington and New York City, including new stops in Vergennes and Middlebury, via Amtrak.com, the Amtrak app, Amtrak ticket desks and kiosks, and through 1-800-USA-RAIL. Service will kick off at 10:10 a.m. Friday, July 29, 2022, with a celebratory event at Burlington’s Union Station. The details, coming soon, will include $1 ticketed train fares within Vermont on the Ethan Allen Express, limited shuttle service on the day of the event for return transportation to Burlington from Vergennes for ticketed passengers, and 50% promotional fares on the Ethan Allen Express this summer.
July 12, 2022
VIA Rail Canada Strike Averted:
VIA Rail Canada (VIA Rail) has reached tentative agreements with Unifor’s Council 4000 and Local 100, the union representing some 2,400 VIA Rail employees working in its stations, on board its trains, in its maintenance centres, the VIA Customer Centre, and administrative offices.
