Railpace Hot News
Keep up to date on the latest railroad news from the northeastern United States and Canada, edited by Carl Perelman.
May 7, 2020
U.S. Department of Transportation Announces More Than $22 Million in Grants to Restore and Enhance Intercity Passenger Rail Network
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) announced more than $22 million in grant funding to three projects that collectively span eight states. Funding is provided through FRA’s Restoration and Enhancement (R&E) Grants Program to initiate, restore, or enhance intercity passenger rail service around the country.
May 7, 2020
VIA Rail Extends Suspension of the Canadian and the Ocean
As the COVID-19 crisis continues to disrupt its passenger services from coast to coast, VIA Rail Canada (VIA Rail) announces the extension of the suspension of the Canadian and the Ocean services, its long-distance routes, and the suspension of the Sleeper class on the Winnipeg-Churchill route until November 1, 2020.
May 7, 2020
Amtrak Requires Facial Coverings as Added Measure of Protection
As part of Amtrak’s ongoing commitment to protect customers and front-line employees in response to the coronavirus pandemic, beginning on May 11 Amtrak is requiring that all customers in stations, on trains and thruway buses wear facial coverings.
May 6, 2020
STB Approves CP’s Soo Line Acquisition of the Central Maine & Quebec Railway
The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has authorized Canadian Pacific Railway subsidiary Soo Line Corporation to acquire control of the Central Maine & Quebec Railway US Inc. (CMQR US) effective June 18.
May 6, 2020
AAR Reports on US Rail Traffic
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) today reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending May 2, 2020, as well as volumes for April 2020. U.S. railroads originated 980,535 carloads in April 2020, down 25.2 percent, or 329,693 carloads, from April 2019. U.S. railroads also originated 1,095,423 containers and trailers in April 2020, down 17.2 percent, or 227,165 units, from the same month last year.
May 6, 2020
Canadian National sets new grain records.
CN announced that, after having its second best Q1 western Canadian grain movement result with 6.59 million metric tonnes (MMT) moved, the Company moved 2.73 MMT in April, exceeding its previous April record of 2.72 MMT.
May 5, 2020
RBMN Update Regarding Passenger Trains to/from Jim Thorpe
Reading & Northern understands that the Jim Thorpe Borough Council issued a press release and letter to residents regarding the amusement tax dispute with Reading & Northern Railroad (RBMN). Although the Council did not share the letter or press release with RBMN we did read accounts of their actions in newspaper articles.
May 5, 2020
MTA Details Unprecedented 24/7 Cleaning Operation and New MTA Essential Plan Night Service During Subway Closure 1-5 a.m.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today detailed its unprecedented 24/7 cleaning operation and new MTA Essential Plan Night Service during the upcoming subway closure from 1 – 5 a.m, which begins Wednesday, May 6. The new cleaning and disinfecting regimen marks the most aggressive in the MTA’s history, and will include around-the-clock efforts at all facilities,
May 4, 2020
SEPTA Announces Regional Rail Service Adjustments for Upcoming Work
SEPTA will further efforts to rebuild a critical portion of Regional Rail infrastructure in the University City area as part of the Southwest Connection Improvement Program.
May 4, 2020
Port Jervis Station Improvements Project Makes Significant Progress
MTA Metro-North Railroad today announced that work to improve Port Jervis Station, the terminus of the West of Hudson Port Jervis Line, is moving at a swift and efficient pace with site preparation completed and demolition nearly done
