Railpace Hot News
Keep up to date on the latest railroad news from the northeastern United States and Canada, edited by Carl Perelman.
February 19, 2026
Amtrak Elevates Acela First Class Menu with New and Returning Seasonal Options
Amtrak and STARR Restaurant Group, led by James Beard award-winning restaurateur Stephen Starr, are continuing their collaboration to provide premium, delicious meals for Acela First Class guests. Rolling out this winter, the updated menu features an array of new dishes and the return of popular favorites, reflecting Amtrak’s ongoing commitment to providing a premium Acela First Class experience.
February 18, 2026
AAR Reports Weekly Rail Traffic for the Week Ending February 14, 2026
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) today reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending February 14, 2026. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 510,399 carloads and intermodal units, up 6.2 percent compared with the same week last year.
February 16, 2026
Brightline Debuts Freedom Express Train to Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary:
Today, Brightline debuted its new Freedom Express train — a dynamic, exterior design in partnership with America250, the national nonpartisan organization established by Congress to lead the nation’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
February 12, 2026
AAR Reports Weekly Rail Traffic for the Week Ending February 7, 2026
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending February 7, 2026. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 486,854 carloads and intermodal units, down 3.2 percent compared with the same week last year.
February 10, 2026
CSX Announces $670M Locomotive Fleet Upgrade with Wabtec
CSX announced that it has signed a $670 million deal with Wabtec Corporation to upgrade its fleet with 100 new Evolution Series locomotives, 50 modernized locomotives, and a suite of digital solutions and services.
February 9, 2026
“New York, New Haven, and Hartford Railroad” Heritage Locomotive Enters Passenger Service
In recognition of the passenger railroads that laid the foundation for today’s Commuter Rail network, the MBTA is pleased to present the second of three recently overhauled locomotives that pay tribute to the Boston and Maine Railroad, the New Haven Railroad, and the New York Central Railroad. This locomotive is serving Commuter Rail lines that operate in and out of South Station.
February 5, 2026
AAR Reports Weekly Rail Traffic for the Week Ending January 31, 2026
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending January 31, 2026. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 434,361 carloads and intermodal units, down 15.5 percent compared with the same week last year.
February 5, 2026
Western NC Rail Corridor Would Deliver Major Economic Benefits
A new study released by the N.C. Department of Transportation’s Rail Division highlights the significant economic and connectivity benefits of restoring passenger rail service between Salisbury and Asheville, strengthening links between western North Carolina and the rest of the state.
February 4, 2026
Amtrak Expands Flex Dining Options for Lunch and Dinner on Five Long Distance Trains
Amtrak Long Distance Sleeping Car guests can now enjoy an expanded Flex Dining menu with the introduction of new lunch options for an improved and more delicious onboard experience. The new menu items allow guests greater choice between these lighter meals or the existing, heartier entrees, doubling their options after previously having shared offerings for both lunch and dinner.
February 3, 2026
Gateway Development Commission Files Breach of Contract Claim against the Federal Government:
The Gateway Development Commission (GDC) has filed a lawsuit against the federal government in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims seeking judgment that would release contractually-obligated grant and loan funds for the Hudson Tunnel Project (HTP). If additional funding does not become available by February 6, 2026, construction of the HTP will have to pause, resulting in the loss of nearly 1,000 jobs.
