California releases 2018 rail plan
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) recently released its 2018 State Rail Plan, which highlights the state’s goals over the next 20 years to improve safety, help reduce greenhouse...
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Thomas Jayne
Rail carrier associations recommend new industry representative for Railroad Retirement Board
Two rail industry associations nominated this week Thomas Jayne, a BNSF Railway attorney, for a position on the federal Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) to serve as industry representative when Steven ...
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CN purchases 60 additional locomotives from GE Transportation
Building on a 200 unit order made in 2017, CN announced this week that it would purchase 60 more locomotives from GE transportation, supplementing its fleet. “With strong demand across our busine...
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DHS awards $345 million in terror preparedness grants
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently awarded $345 million in competitive preparedness grant programs for fiscal year 2018, which will help governments, nonprofit agencies and the pr...
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Credit: Georgia Ports
Georgia opens Appalachian Regional Port to support four-state region
Looking to cut down on truck mileage on highways and better support local logistics, Georgia has opened a new inland terminal in its northwest territory, known as the Appalachian Regional Port (ARP). ...
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FRA releases second quarter update on PTC systems
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) recently released a self-reported status update for the second quarter of the year on railroads’ progress toward implementing positive train control (PTC) s...
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Norfolk Southern to use 3D simulations for training
Norfolk Southern Corp. recently announced it is developing and deploying 3D, simulation-based training apps that will allow the company to create a safer, more effective employee-training program. ...
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BNSF Railway opens new logistics center near Oklahoma City
BNSF Railway debuted this week a 195-acre logistics center in Moore, Oklahoma, designed to accommodate manifest and unit train customers as well as house a storage site. The location of the site gi...
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Industries reliant on short line transportation added $56.2B to US economy in 2016, report finds
Industries that rely on short line transportation services provided $56.2 billion in value added to the U.S. economy in 2016, according to an economic impact report released recently by the American S...
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Rhode Island’s Westerly Train Station reopens as a combination station, art venue
A train station closed in Westerly, Rhode Island two years ago, has reopened as a mixed space, combining a waiting area for passengers with a new arts venue. The change is the result of cooperation...
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Michigan DOT launches reduced fare card for seniors, disabled transit riders
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) introduced last week a universal reduced fare card, specially designed for senior and disabled public transit riders. The pilot program is a joint p...
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PennDOT updates 12-year transportation plan
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) recently published on its website an updated 12-Year Transportation program, which now foresees $63.9 billion will be available over the next 12...
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Signaling, communications progress being made in Commuter Rail Industry
An analysis by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) found that progress is being made on installation of Positive Train Control (PTC) technology, leading to the potential of a safer e...
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Rep. Denham receives Railroad Achievement Award
U.S. Rep. Jeff Denham (R-CA) recently received the Railroad Achievement Award from the Association of American Railroads (AAR) and GoRail. The award honors members of Congress who have shown leade...
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Report examines transit ridership
A recently released American Public Transportation Association (APTA) report revealed Americans took 2.4 billion trips on public transportation in the first quarter of 2018. Officials also acknowle...
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Amtrak Midwest increases service times, pet and bike options and cuts student fares
In an effort to improve service and meet travelers’ needs on their Midwest Network, Amtrak has worked through the summer to introduce several changes in time for back-to-school and the fall travel s...
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Credit: XPO Logistics
XPO Logistics opens first Canadian hub
Global logistics company XPO Logistics has opened its first Canadian hub for last mile distribution, noting the 50,000 square-feet, Toronto-based facility would be staffed by 70 employees to serve cus...
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Lawmakers urge Amtrak to uphold partnership agreement
A bipartisan group of senators recently urged Amtrak to uphold a public-private partnership continuing operation of the Southwest Chief passenger train and long-distance passenger service. Official...
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Court rules in favor of passenger rail service
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit recently ruled that the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Amtrak can set their own standards for measuring passenger rail service on-time perform...
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Railroad association hires experts to aid short line railroad grant submissions
The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) selected this week several experts to assist member railroads in grant application submissions for available programs currently provi...
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