December 16, 2020

Weekly Rail Traffic for the Week Ending December 12, 2020

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) today reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending December 12, 2020.  For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 546,209 carloads and intermodal units, up 4.9 percent compared with the same week last year. Total carloads for the week ending December 12 were 238,193 carloads, down 2.2 percent compared with the same week in 2019, while U.S. weekly intermodal volume was 308,016 containers and trailers, up 11.1 percent compared to 2019.

December 16, 2020

SEPTA Prepares for Winter Storm Descending on Region

December 16, 2020

As Washington Debates Next Coronavirus Relief Package, MTA Adopts 2021 Budget and Four-Year Financial Plan

As Congress debates the next COVID relief package in Washington, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Board today adopted a 2021 budget and 2021-2024 financial plan. The MTA’s spending plan assumes $4.5 billion in federal aid in 2021, without which, the Board would be forced to take drastic actions to cut service by 40% across subways, buses and Staten Island Railway and 50% across Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad.

December 16, 2020

Amtrak Operating Modified Schedule in Parts of the Northeast

Due to winter weather expected in the Northeast, Amtrak is operating a modified schedule and cancelling select services on Wednesday, December 16, 2020 – Friday, December 18, 2020.

December 15, 2020

MBTA Control Board Approves Short-Term Service Changes to Match Current Low Ridership Patterns

The MBTA’s Fiscal and Management Control Board (FMCB) approved a series of revised short-term service changes for Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) that incorporate recent public input and additional analysis of ridership. These service changes help match service levels with current and near-term low ridership demand and are for FY21 only, which ends on June 30, 2021, as service levels for FY22 will be planned during the budget process this spring.

December 14, 2020

Federal Railroad Administration Modernizes Brake Safety Standards

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) today issued a final rule, extending the amount of time freight rail equipment can be left off-air (meaning parked with its air brake system depressurized) before requiring a new brake inspection, which is expected to reduce the number of idling locomotives. The final rule incorporates longstanding waivers for brake inspections, tests and equipment, while clarifying existing regulations and removing outdated provisions.

December 14, 2020

New CN Terminal Deepens Network Reach in Twin Cities and Midwest

CN has announced the launch of its new inland distribution terminal in New Richmond, WI. The new multipurpose facility will include an automotive compound for finished vehicles, and an intermodal terminal to serve intermodal shippers and receivers in the metropolitan area of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, MN.

December 10, 2020

MBTA Commuter Rail to Temporarily Operate Reduced Service Schedule Starting December 14

The MBTA and Keolis Commuter Services announced today that, due to low employee availability because of COVID-19 absences, Commuter Rail will temporarily operate a Reduced Service Schedule starting Monday, December 14. Regular train service includes 541 daily trains, but as of December 14, Commuter Rail will operate 246 daily trains.

December 10, 2020

Railway Age names Canadian Pacific’s Keith Creel Railroader of the Year 2021

Railway Age Magazine has named Canadian Pacific President and CEO Keith Creel the 58th annual recipient of its Railroader of the Year Award. A cover profile of Mr. Creel and his leadership at CP will appear in the January 2021 issue. 

December 9, 2020

R. J. Corman Closes Deal for OHRY, LRWY, AND LS Shortlines