Railpace Hot News
Keep up to date on the latest railroad news from the northeastern United States and Canada, edited by Carl Perelman.
May 4, 2026
Stop the Rail Merger Coalition Launches to Oppose Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern Merger
A new coalition unites a broad cross section of the U.S. economy in opposing the proposed merger of Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern rail lines. If allowed to move forward, the deal would create the largest consolidated railroad in U.S. history and give a single entity control over almost half of the nation’s rail traffic.
May 1, 2026
Reading & Northern Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary with Additional Steam Trips
The coming of Union Pacific “Big Boy” #4014 in June 2026 as part of Reading & Northern Railroad’s Semiquincentennial Steam Celebration has been a well-publicized and
well-received event. Ticket sales for summer excursions powered by steam locomotive #2102 featuring special appearances by the Big Boy have been brisk. Now, the Reading & Northern Railroad passenger department is pleased to announce the return of two of its own popular yearly offerings that began in 2024; along with a special addition to the schedule on the 250th anniversary of America.
May 1, 2026
Metro-North Railroad Unveils Ninth Heritage Series Locomotive Honoring America’s 250th Anniversary
MTA Metro-North Railroad announced a ninth locomotive has been rebranded with special colors and designs as part of its Heritage Series, which highlights the railroad’s 43 years of public service. The wrap applied to locomotive No. 250 is inspired by the colorful locomotives of the United States bicentennial and celebrates America’s 250th anniversary.
April 30, 2026
Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern’s Amended STB Merger Application
Union Pacific Corporation and Norfolk Southern Corporation today submitted an amended merger application to the Surface Transportation Board (STB) seeking approval to create America’s first transcontinental railroad. Additional analysis reinforces that the combination will drive growth, enable substantial cost savings for shippers and strengthen the U.S. supply chain.
April 29, 2026
AAR Reports Weekly Rail Traffic for the Week Ending April 25, 2026
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) today reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending April 25, 2026. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 511,616 carloads and intermodal units, up 1.9 percent compared with the same week last year.
April 29, 2026
NextGen Acela Takes Center Stage in Amtrak’s New Bold Commercial, ‘The Build’
Amtrak’s newest commercial, ‘The Build,’ has just dropped with 30-second and 15-second spots featuring the electrifying speed, premium amenities, and smooth ride of its NextGen Acela trains.
April 28, 2026
Union Pacific’s Big Boy to Tour the Northeast for First Time in Honor of America’s 250th Anniversary
Union Pacific’s famed Big Boy No. 4014, the world’s largest operating steam locomotive, will journey to the East Coast for the first time in collaboration with Norfolk Southern, as part of a historic coast-to-coast tour as both railroads celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. The tour includes a Fourth of July celebration in Philadelphia, major display events in eight cities and more than 50 whistle-stops in 10 states, including stops for the first time in Indiana, Ohio, New York and Pennsylvania
April 28, 2026
Norfolk Southern Reports First Quarter 2026 Results
Norfolk Southern Corporation announced Friday its first quarter 2026 financial results. In the quarter, revenue was $3.0 billion, income from railway operations was $877 million, operating ratio was 70.7%, and diluted earnings per share were $2.43.
April 27, 2026
LIRR Announces New Schedules Starting May 11
The MTA Long Island Rail Road today announced new schedules that will take effect May 11. The update includes summer service options on the Long Beach, Montauk, and Ronkonkoma branches, which will begin Monday, May 18
April 24, 2026
Third Cascade Airo Train Released and is headed to the Northeast
The third new Amtrak Cascades trainset has departed Siemen’s Sacramento, California assembly plant. It is headed to the Northeast Corridor for testing.
