Railroad News

The Maryland Department of Transportation's Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) has been recognized as having the safest transit system out of the largest 12 U.S. transit agencies.

A study conducted by the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) showed that MDOT MTA in 2017 had the fewest number of Part 1 crimes among the dozen agencies. Part 1 crimes are the most serious offensives such as homicide, rape and aggravated assault.

Metra yesterday kicked off a $29.4 million renovation and expansion of the mechanical shops that house its rail-car and locomotive rehab programs.

Kansas City Southern has been recognized as one of the 2018 CIO 100 for exemplifying operational and strategic excellence in information technology (IT).

KCS will be honored at the CIO 100 Symposium & Awards Ceremony to be held Aug. 15 in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. Each year, the IDG's CIO highlights technology innovation and business value delivered by the award winners.

Canadian officials on Monday pledged more than CA$187 million for GO Transit's procurement of 53 bi-level coaches.

Union Pacific Railroad is partnering with two California air management districts to repower 10 low-horsepower diesel-electric locomotives into new Tier 4 switchers for its yard-switching locomotive fleet starting in fall.

The new switchers will reduce particulate matter and oxides of nitrogen emissions by more than 90 percent during operations when compared to older locomotives, UP officials said in a press release.

Amtrak President and Chief Executive Officer Richard Anderson yesterday announced several improvements underway at the national intercity passenger railroad as it marked its 47th anniversary.

"While we celebrate our history, we have a keen eye on the future and are making necessary changes to provide our customers with an unparalleled travel experience," said Amtrak President and Chief Executive Officer Richard Anderson. "Many customers have already noticed these improvements, and can look forward to several more upgrades that are on the way."

CN announced today it will buy 350 centerbeam cars to meet a growing demand from lumber-producing customers across the Class I's network.

The new, 73-foot riserless centerbeams will have a maximum load capacity of 286,000 pounds and are expected to be delivered starting in September, CN officials said in a press release.

Total intermodal volume climbed 7.2 percent in first-quarter 2018 compared to the same period a year ago, marking the strongest gain since second-quarter 2014, the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) announced yesterday.

Domestic containers in Q1 2018 rose 6.2 percent, international intermodal volume increased 7 percent and trailers soared 14.5 percent, according to IANA's Intermodal Market Trends & Statistics report.

The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) late last week marked the 10th anniversary of its FrontRunner commuter-rail service.

Since the system opened on April 26, 2008, it has served more than 31 million riders. In 2012, the initial FrontRunner system was expanded with eight new stations between Salt Lake City and Provo.

The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) on Sunday opened a new Orange Line trolley station in downtown San Diego.

The first new trolley station to open since 2005, Courthouse Station is now the downtown terminus for the Orange Line, which runs from El Cajon to San Diego.

The Denton County Transportation Authority's (DCTA) board has approved a fiscal-year 2018 strategic planning guidance report.

The report details the board's priorities for FY18, which runs form October 2017 through September 2018. The goals include preparing initial analysis of A-train service extensions north and south, and developing a legislative package to allow use of freight corridors for commuter rail.

The American Chemistry Council yesterday honored Norfolk Southern Railway with the Responsible Care® Partner of the Year Award for the Class I's exemplary performance and safety record in transporting chemicals.

NS was one of the three companies and the only freight railroad to receive the council's premier partner award. The award goes to high-performing companies involved in the distribution, transportation, storage, use, treatment, disposal, and sales and marketing of chemicals vital to American businesses and households, NS officials said in a press release.

Although Genesee & Wyoming Inc. posted a 32 percent jump in adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS) in first-quarter 2018, the company's North American results were hurt in part by congestion at several connecting Class Is that limited car supply.

G&W reported Q1 2018 revenue increased 10.7 percent to $574.7 million from $519.1 million a year ago. Operating income rose 14.5 percent to $86.9 million, while adjusted operating income climbed 2.7 percent to $87.4 million compared to first-quarter 2017, company officials said today in a press release.

MTA Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) this spring will enter the final phases of its $387.2 million double-track project.

Starting today and through May 18, LIRR crews will work around-the-clock to connect new track to the existing second track west of the station in Central Islip, New York. Workers also will install third rail in the same area.

TransLink has announced British Columbia Rapid Transit Co. (BCRTC) President and General Manager Vivienne King will step down May 16 to return to her native Australia.

BCRTC operates and maintains two of the three SkyTrain lines in Vancouver: the Expo Line and the Millennium Line. The company also operates the West Coast Express commuter-rail system.

Union Pacific Railroad announced last week it has established a $3 million partnership with the National Park Foundation (NPF) to help encourage younger generations to explore the national parks via the Find Your Park/Encuentra Tu Parque movement.

"Union Pacific transported early park-goers to adventures out west," said Scott Moore, UP's senior vice president of corporate relations and chief administrative officer, in a press release. "Today, we deliver the goods Americans use every day to our nation's busiest cities and quietest towns, passing through rugged, beautiful landscapes. We traverse America's backyard, and we want the next generation to explore it."