Railpace Hot News

Keep up to date on the latest railroad news from the northeastern United States and Canada, edited by Carl Perelman.

AAR Reports Weekly Rail Traffic for the Week Ending August 16, 2025

August 20, 2025

AAR Reports Weekly Rail Traffic for the Week Ending August 16, 2025

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) today reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending August 16, 2025. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 512,970 carloads and intermodal units, down 0.7 percent compared with the same week last year.

20% Service Cuts Begin August 24

August 15, 2025

20% Service Cuts Begin August 24

With no state funding commitment in place SEPTA must move forward with 20% service reductions and a 21.5% fare increase.

AAR Reports Weekly Rail Traffic for the Week Ending August 9, 2025

August 14, 2025

AAR Reports Weekly Rail Traffic for the Week Ending August 9, 2025

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending August 9, 2025. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 511,194 carloads and intermodal units, up 3.0 percent compared with the same week last year.

MBTA Announces Extended Service for Fall 2025, All Modes Free After 9 PM for Five Fridays and Saturdays

August 13, 2025

MBTA Announces Extended Service for Fall 2025, All Modes Free After 9 PM for Five Fridays and Saturdays

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) today announced that, effective August 24 as part of Fall 2025 service changes, all subway lines and eight frequent bus routes will offer extended service on Fridays and Saturdays with five of the MBTA’s most frequent bus routes with the highest number of later riders offering extended service every day of the week.

OmniTRAX Expands into Dynamic Long Island Market

August 12, 2025

OmniTRAX Expands into Dynamic Long Island Market

OmniTRAX, one of the nation’s fastest growing privately held infrastructure companies, has been named the exclusive railroad operator of Brookhaven Rail Terminal in Long Island. An essential commerce artery that connects three million consumers to world markets, Brookhaven Rail Terminal (BRT) serves commodities, aggregates, and building materials industry leaders including The Home Depot, Heidelberg, and LBM Riverhead.

Gettysburg Excursion Railway

August 11, 2025

Gettysburg Excursion Railway

Patriot Rail, a premier U.S. operator of short line and regional railroads, is pleased to announce the launch of the Gettysburg Excursion Railway, a revitalized heritage rail experience that brings history to life along the 25-mile rail line between Gettysburg and Mount Holly Springs. The opening marks the fourth excursion train for the company, further expanding Patriot Rail’s newly formed Excursion Division.

Amtrak NextGen Acela Debuts on August 28

August 7, 2025

Amtrak NextGen Acela Debuts on August 28

All aboard the future of East Coast travel! Starting Thursday, Aug. 28, customers can travel on Amtrak’s NextGen Acela – America’s high-speed train – connecting the Northeast Corridor between Washington, D.C., New York City, and Boston.

AAR Reports Weekly Rail Traffic for the Week Ending August 2, 2025

August 7, 2025

AAR Reports Weekly Rail Traffic for the Week Ending August 2, 2025

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending August 2, 2025. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 513,529 carloads and intermodal units, up 2.9 percent compared with the same week last year.

SEPTA Releases Reduced-Service Schedules & Sets Deadline to Avert Cuts

August 6, 2025

SEPTA Releases Reduced-Service Schedules & Sets Deadline to Avert Cuts

New state transit funding must be secured by Aug. 14 in order for SEPTA to avoid implementation of a 20% service cut to close a recurring budget deficit. Otherwise, SEPTA must advance efforts to ensure staff, equipment and materials for customers are ready for reduced schedules starting on Aug. 24.

Amtrak Expands Metropolitan Lounge Access With New Single Visit Pass:

August 5, 2025

Amtrak Expands Metropolitan Lounge Access With New Single Visit Pass:

Amtrak has introduced expanded access to its premium, nationwide Metropolitan Lounge network with a new Single Visit Pass, now available for Coach Class guests to purchase at all locations. The Pass is available for $35 at the majority of Amtrak’s Metropolitan Lounges including Boston South Station, Chicago Union Station, Los Angeles Union Station, William H. Gray III 30th Street Station in Philadelphia, Portland Union Station, and Washington Union Station.