Railpace Hot News
Keep up to date on the latest railroad news from the northeastern United States and Canada, edited by Carl Perelman.
July 9, 2021
Prairie Link Will Connect Edmonton and Calgary
EllisDon, a world-leading construction services and infrastructure development company, announced today that they have formed a partnership to advance the development of high-speed rail connecting Edmonton, Red Deer, and Calgary in Alberta, Canada
July 8, 2021
SEPTA Trolley Tunnel to Close for 2021 Trolley Tunnel Blitz, July 9-26
SEPTA crews will work around-the-clock for 17 days, tackling critical track and power maintenance, station upgrades, and intensive cleaning as part of the 2021 Trolley Tunnel Blitz. SEPTA Trolley Routes 10, 11, 13, 34, and 36 will not operate in the Center City tunnel from 10 p.m. on Friday, July 9 through 5 a.m. on Monday, July 26.
July 8, 2021
Rail Traffic for June and the Week Ending July 3, 2021
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending July 3, 2021, as well as volumes for June 2021. U.S. railroads originated 1,175,232 carloads in June 2021, up 19.1 percent, or 188,164 carloads, from June 2020. U.S. railroads also originated 1,386,745 containers and trailers in June 2021, up 10.9 percent, or 136,634 units, from the same month last year. Combined U.S. carload and intermodal originations in June 2021 were 2,561,977, up 14.5 percent, or 324,798 carloads and intermodal units from June 2020.
July 7, 2021
Amtrak To Purchase Siemens Multi-Powered Train Sets
Amtrak is contracting with California-based Siemens Mobility Inc. to manufacture a new fleet of up to 83 multi-powered modern trains that will be leveraged for state and northeast services, with further options for up to 130 additional trains to support Amtrak growth plans. The new fleet will offer modern rail amenities that better serve Amtrak customers.
July 6, 2021
VIA Rail Increases Corridor Service Levels To Over 50% Starting July 12
VIA Rail Canada (VIA Rail) has announced it is moving forward with its service resumption plan in the Québec City-Windsor corridor by adding, starting July 12, 63 weekly frequencies, thus bringing service levels from 38% to 54% on that route.
July 4, 2021
CSX Files Expanded Application with Surface Transportation Board to Acquire Pan Am Railways
CSX Corp. announced on July 2 that it submitted an amended and supplemented application to the Surface Transportation Board (STB) as part of the previously announced agreement to acquire New England’s Pan Am Railway’s Inc. (Pan Am). The amended application provides all of the additional details of the proposed transaction requested by the STB in their May 26, 2021 ruling.
July 2, 2021
MTA Announces First of New R211 Subway Cars Arrive for Testing
Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) leaders on Friday, July 1 unveiled the first five subway cars of the R211 fleet. The Authority will begin qualification testing on the R211s in the next few weeks, with the cars expected to begin serving passengers on select lettered lines next summer.
July 1, 2021
CSX Completes Acquisition of Quality Carriers
CSX Corp. today announced it has completed its previously announced acquisition of Quality Carriers, Inc. (“Quality Carriers”), the leading North American provider of bulk liquid chemicals truck transportation, from Quality Distribution, Inc. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
July 1, 2021
Rail Traffic for the Week Ending June 26, 2021
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) today reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending June 26, 2021. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 516,167 carloads and intermodal units, up 12.4 percent compared with the same week last year.
July 1, 2021
Weekend Service Returns to All Commuter Rail Lines July 3
The MBTA and Keolis Commuter Services (Keolis), the agency’s operating partner for Commuter Rail will resume weekend service on all Commuter Rail lines effective Saturday, July 3. Schedules are available at mbta.com/commuterrail.
