Railpace Hot News
Keep up to date on the latest railroad news from the northeastern United States and Canada, edited by Carl Perelman.
May 8, 2026
Governor Moore Installs Final Rail of the Purple Line
Governor Wes Moore made the third stop on his statewide “Delivering for Maryland” tour in Montgomery County. During his tour, the governor joined elected leaders and state transportation officials at the future Purple Line 16th Street – Woodside Station to install the final segment of rail, marking the completion of 193,100 feet of track connecting Prince George’s and Montgomery counties.
May 6, 2026
CPKC, CSX Upgrade Southeast Mexico Express with Dedicated Train
Canadian Pacific Kansas City and CSX Corporation today announced upgrades to the Southeast Mexico Express (SMX) premium service featuring faster transit times with more origin and destination options for customers looking to reach new markets.
May 6, 2026
Northeast Corridor Railroads Release Website Promoting Rail Travel Options Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026 and Other Summer Events
The Northeast Corridor Commission announced the release of a new website designed to help FIFA World CupTM fans and visitors navigate the Northeast region’s extensive rail network during a historic summer of major events.
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
