Railpace Hot News
Keep up to date on the latest railroad news from the northeastern United States and Canada, edited by Carl Perelman.
August 2, 2023
Consultant Chosen for Interborough Express Environmental Review
New York Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that consultant firm WSP USA, Inc. was chosen to perform the environmental review for Interborough Express, the transformative Light Rail Transit project which would connect communities in Brooklyn and Queens to 17 subway lines and the Long Island Rail Road, and significantly reduce travel times within and between the two boroughs.
August 1, 2023
West Chester Railroad Vandalism
On Friday, July 28, at approximately 8:00PM, nine juveniles entered the West Chester Railroad’s West Chester, Pa. yard. In the 15 minutes they roamed the yard, climbed up on equipment and smashed windows.
July 31, 2023
MBTA’s Ashland Station to Receive $2.5 Million in Repairs and Improvements
The MBTA today announced that Ashland Station, on the Framingham/Worcester Commuter Rail Line, will receive $2.5 million in station repairs and improvements.
July 28, 2023
SEPTA Awards Design Contract for Three Trolley Stations
SEPTA awarded a contract to advance accessibility improvements at three trolley stations. CDM Smith, Inc. will do architectural, design, and construction-related services for the 22nd, 33rd, and 36th Street Stations.
July 28, 2023
MBTA to Release RFQ for 3-5 Year $120 Million Renewable Energy Contract
The MBTA Board of Directors approved the release of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for an up-to-$120 million wholesale renewable electricity supply contract, upgrading the T’s commitment to renewable energy and continuing its leadership in clean transportation. The MBTA is also further supporting the Commonwealth’s climate change goals and meeting Clean Energy Standard requirements by recommending that 30% of its power be supplied by Massachusetts solar and wind Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs).
July 27, 2023
Four Transit Veterans Appointed as New MBTA Leadership
Today the MBTA announced the appointment of four transit industry veterans into new leadership positions at the T responsible for stations, infrastructure, engineering, capital program enhancement, operations, and safety. Starting within their positions later this summer, Dennis Varley is the new Chief of Stations, Sam Zhou is the new Assistant General Manager of Engineering and Capital, Doug Connett is the new Chief of Infrastructure, and Rod Brooks is the new Senior Advisor for Capital, Operations, and Safety.
July 27, 2023
CN to Modernize 60 Additional Locomotives with Wabtec
CN and Wabtec Corporation announced an order to enhance an additional 60 locomotives in CN’s existing fleet through Wabtec’s modernization program. The investment supports CN’s commitment to drive growth in a sustainable manner and build success for customers, employees and communities.
July 27, 2023
Weekly Rail Traffic for the Week Ending July 22, 2023
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending July 22, 2023. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 473,736 carloads and intermodal units, down 3.2 percent compared with the same week last year.
July 26, 2023
Norfolk Southern, SMART-TD Collaborate to Enhance Conductor Training and Raise Craft Trainer Pay
Norfolk Southern Corporation and the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers — Transportation Division (SMART-TD) announced Wednesday that they are partnering to launch several new initiatives to further enhance the training program for conductor trainees and increase compensation for conductors who help provide this important training.
July 25, 2023
USDOT Announces $20 Million in Grants to Help Communities Prosper with Improved Access to Transit
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced that it will award $20 million to 47 communities to help improve public transportation options in areas experiencing long-term economic distress.
