Railpace Hot News
Keep up to date on the latest railroad news from the northeastern United States and Canada, edited by Carl Perelman.
February 26, 2026
MBTA Hits Major Milestone for Transforming Regional Rail Service
The MBTA announced a major milestone in transforming Regional Rail service with the release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for new battery electric and low-emissions locomotives. The procurement advances the agency’s broader efforts to modernize its rail fleet and position Regional Rail for long-term improvement. The RFP, issued in partnership with the Maryland Transit Administration, was released February 25, 2026, with an awarded contract planned for summer 2026.
February 25, 2026
AAR Reports Weekly Rail Traffic for the Week Ending February 21, 2026
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) today reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending February 21, 2026. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 507,712 carloads and intermodal units, up 10.7 percent compared with the same week last year.
February 20, 2026
2026 Regular Season Main Line Excursions to Jim Thorpe
Immediately upon the conclusion of another record-breaking year of ridership in 2025, the Reading & Northern Passenger Department has already begun its 2026 schedule of all-day rail excursions to historic Jim Thorpe from Reading Outer Station and Wilkes Barre/Scranton Regional Railroad Station at Pittston. For the first time, excursion trains operated in January and will continue to do so throughout February and March.
February 19, 2026
Amtrak Elevates Acela First Class Menu with New and Returning Seasonal Options
Amtrak and STARR Restaurant Group, led by James Beard award-winning restaurateur Stephen Starr, are continuing their collaboration to provide premium, delicious meals for Acela First Class guests. Rolling out this winter, the updated menu features an array of new dishes and the return of popular favorites, reflecting Amtrak’s ongoing commitment to providing a premium Acela First Class experience.
February 18, 2026
AAR Reports Weekly Rail Traffic for the Week Ending February 14, 2026
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) today reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending February 14, 2026. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 510,399 carloads and intermodal units, up 6.2 percent compared with the same week last year.
February 16, 2026
Brightline Debuts Freedom Express Train to Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary:
Today, Brightline debuted its new Freedom Express train — a dynamic, exterior design in partnership with America250, the national nonpartisan organization established by Congress to lead the nation’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
February 12, 2026
AAR Reports Weekly Rail Traffic for the Week Ending February 7, 2026
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending February 7, 2026. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 486,854 carloads and intermodal units, down 3.2 percent compared with the same week last year.
February 10, 2026
CSX Announces $670M Locomotive Fleet Upgrade with Wabtec
CSX announced that it has signed a $670 million deal with Wabtec Corporation to upgrade its fleet with 100 new Evolution Series locomotives, 50 modernized locomotives, and a suite of digital solutions and services.
February 9, 2026
“New York, New Haven, and Hartford Railroad” Heritage Locomotive Enters Passenger Service
In recognition of the passenger railroads that laid the foundation for today’s Commuter Rail network, the MBTA is pleased to present the second of three recently overhauled locomotives that pay tribute to the Boston and Maine Railroad, the New Haven Railroad, and the New York Central Railroad. This locomotive is serving Commuter Rail lines that operate in and out of South Station.
February 5, 2026
AAR Reports Weekly Rail Traffic for the Week Ending January 31, 2026
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending January 31, 2026. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 434,361 carloads and intermodal units, down 15.5 percent compared with the same week last year.
