Railpace Hot News
Keep up to date on the latest railroad news from the northeastern United States and Canada, edited by Carl Perelman.
April 20, 2020
U.S. Department of Transportation Makes Available $311.8 Million for Capital Rail Projects
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program. It will fund up to $311.8 million in freight and passenger rail projects that improve transportation safety, efficiency, and reliability as authorized under the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act.
April 20, 2020
MTA Announces More Than 5,000 Employees Have Returned to Work After Quarantines
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced that the number of employees who have returned to work following mandatory quarantines is now higher than those still out on quarantine.
April 20, 2020
MTA Launches ‘Keep Them Covered’ Campaign
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today launched a new “Keep them Covered” public awareness campaign on the heels of New York State’s Executive Order requiring all New Yorkers to wear a face covering while riding public transportation.
April 18, 2020
Progress Rail Signs Contract with PT KAI for GT Series Locomotives
Progress Rail, a Caterpillar company, has signed a contract with PT Kereta Indonesia (PT KAI) for 36 new EMD® GT38AC freight locomotives.
April 17, 2020
VIA Rail Extends the Suspension of the Ocean
In light of the evolving situation with regards to COVID-19, effective immediately, VIA Rail Canada (VIA Rail) extends the suspension of the Ocean (Montréal-Halifax), until further notice.
April 16, 2020
Greenbrier idles railcar manufacturing at Gunderson facility in Oregon
The Greenbrier Companies, Inc. has suspended new railcar production at its Greenbrier Gunderson flagship manufacturing facility in Portland, Oregon due to the economic impacts of COVID-19.
April 16, 2020
MTA Issues Emergency Request for $3.9 Billion in Federal Aid as Congress Considers Next COVID-19 Relief Package
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today issued a letter to the New York State Congressional Delegation immediately requesting $3.9 billion in federal funding as Congress considers its next COVID-19 relief package.
April 16, 2020
Amtrak Announces Safety Protocols during COVID-19 Crisis
The safety of Amtrak’s passengers and employees is our top priority. To protect both our employees and customers, Amtrak is strongly recommending passengers wear facial coverings and follow guidelines around social distancing, consistent with CDC guidelines. Amtrak has safety protocols in places to protect both passengers and employees,
April 15, 2020
MTA, TWU Local 100, SMART, IBT Reach COVID-19 Family Benefits Agreement
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), Transport Workers Union Local 100 (TWU), the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART), and International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 808 (IBT) today reached an agreement on COVID-19 family benefits for transportation workers tragically lost in the pandemic.
April 15, 2020
FREIGHT TRAFFIC SLUMP CONTINUES
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) today reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending April 11, 2020. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 412,503 carloads and intermodal units, down 21.9 percent compared with the same week last year.
