Progress Rail Signs Contract with PT KAI for GT Series Locomotives

Progress Rail, a Caterpillar company, has signed a contract with PT Kereta Indonesia (PT KAI) for 36 new EMD® GT38AC freight locomotives, expanding the public railway operator’s existing GT Series fleet. The new EMD® locomotives will go into service for PT KAI’s South Sumatra coal haulage operations and join more than 50 other GT38AC locomotives already operating in this service since 2011. The EMD® GT38AC model was designed specifically for Southeastern Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa environments. The locomotive features an 8-cylinder EMD® 710 engine and durable AC traction, along with a cab and car body designed for improved visibility. “We welcome the opportunity to once again work with PT KAI, delivering another wave of our GT Series locomotives, which have demonstrated strong performance, reliability and efficiency in global service,” said Marty Haycraft, President and CEO of Progress Rail. “We look forward to continuing to support PT KAI with our broad solutions to help them achieve their operational goals.” Progress Rail anticipates delivery of the locomotives in late 2021.

-via Press Release

Rob Free Appointed as 42nd President of MTA Long Island Rail Road

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Chair and CEO Janno Lieber appointed Rob Free as the 42nd President of the Long Island Rail Road. Free served as LIRR’s Acting President for the last six months. He began his career with the railroad as a station cleaner 31 years ago, rising through the ranks to become Chief Transportation Officer and Senior Vice President of Operations before becoming President.

Amtrak NEC Track Improvements will affect MARC Penn Line Service

Upcoming Amtrak construction projects along the heavily-traveled Northeast Corridor between Baltimore and Washington, D.C. will impact MARC Penn Line service beginning on April 29. Amtrak’s planned construction work will require complete track closures from 11:15 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. and is expected to continue through November 2024.