Railroad News

Original author: Stuart Chirls, senior editor, Railway Age

4/20/2017    

Rail News: Passenger Rail

4/20/2017    

Rail News: People

4/20/2017    

Rail News: Mechanical

4/20/2017    

Rail News: Rail Industry Trends

4/20/2017    

Rail News: Rail Industry Trends

4/20/2017    

Rail News: Internet-Digital

TranSystems Corp. welcomes public-private partnership (P3/PPP) and project finance expert Alistair Sawers as leader of its P3 Advisory Services.

Sawers has 23 years of experience in delivering public-private partnership projects and acquisitions. In his previous leadership roles at financial institutions and consulting firms, like Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) and EY, Sawers worked on more than 55 projects in 12 different countries. His 23 years of experience in advising public- and private-sector clients, as well acting as investor/lender, will help TranSystems grow its P3 and owner's representative business, initially supporting Los Angeles World Airports with their P3 procurements.

4/20/2017    

Rail News: Canadian Pacific

4/20/2017    

Rail News: Canadian Pacific

Rail News Home Canadian Pacific 4/20/2017 Rail News: Canadian Pacific
Canadian Pacific yesterday announced first-quarter 2017 revenue rose 1 percent to 1.6 billion Canadian dollars from CA$1.59 billion a year ago. The revenue growth was the first in six quarters, company officials said."We turned a corner in March and are now seeing positive volumes, which makes us cautiously optimistic that the demand environment is improving," President and Chief Executive Officer Keith Creel said in a press release and in an earnings conference call.CP's net income declined to CA$431 million in Q1 2017 from CA$540 million in the same period a year ago. The Class I reported earnings per share (EPS) fell 17 percent to CA$2.93 from CA$3.51 a year ago, while adjusted diluted EPS remained flat year-over-year at CA$2.50.CP's reported operating ratio fell by 80 basis points to 58.1 percent from 58.9 percent. However, the OR in the quarter includes a CA$51 million recovery associated with the early departure of E. Hunter Harrison, who left CP as CEO earlier this year to become head of CSX Corp. Excluding that adjustment, the operating ratio increased by 240 basis points to 61.3 percent."CP's strong focus on developing its bench strength resulted in a seamless leadership transition and a seasoned executive team that is focused on leveraging CP's proven operating model," Creel said. "Our talented and engaged workforce together with disciplined cost control gives us a great deal of confidence that we'll be able to deliver high single-digit adjusted diluted EPS growth in 2017 and create long-term value for shareholders."Meanwhile, Creel also announced that CP and the United Steelworkers Local 1976 have reached a five-year agreement that will cover 600 administrative support and intermodal employees. The agreement was reached and ratified early, as the existing contract doesn't expire until the end of 2017, Creel said.The agreement calls for wage increases of 2 percent each year over the term of the contract. Also, the contract provides the opportunity for additional increases of 0.5 percent to 1 percent in the fourth and fifth years depending on gains in revenue ton miles. "CP's support staff personnel and intermodal employees are integral to our company's best-in-class service and our future success," said Creel. "This innovative agreement is an example of the positive results that can be achieved when people work together in good faith." Contact Progressive Railroading editorial staff. More News from 4/20/2017

Construction and renovation began yesterday at the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) Concord Station plaza.

BART says the renovations will revitalize the station with a major makeover, including improved pedestrian access, an added bike lane, energy-efficient lighting and an improved "kiss 'n ride" for passenger drop offs.

4/20/2017    

Rail News: CSX Transportation

4/20/2017    

Rail News: CSX Transportation

Rail News Home CSX Transportation 4/20/2017 Rail News: CSX Transportation
CSX Corp. announced first-quarter net income rose 2 percent to $362 million, or 39 cents per share, from $356 million, or 37 cents per share, in the same period a year ago.Excluding a $173 million restructuring charge in this year's first-quarter results, adjusted earnings were 51 cents per share, according to a CSX press release.Revenue for the quarter climbed 10 percent to $2.87 billion compared with $2.6 billion in second-quarter 2016. The revenue growth was attributed to volume growth across most markets, overall core pricing gains, increased fuel recovery and favorable mix, CSX officials said.Although the $173 million restructuring charge drove a 13 percent year-over-year increase in expenses for the quarter, the railroad posted $123 million in efficiency savings. Looking ahead, the railroad will continue to focus on improving asset utilization to achieve operations efficiency and reducing cost structuring, company officials said.Today's earnings call with investors was the first time E. Hunter Harrison discussed quarterly results as CSX president and chief executive officer. Harrison left Canadian Pacific earlier this year to lead CSX."I am pleased to join the CSX team and working together we are going to make this company the best North American railroad, capable of consistently meeting and exceeding the expectations of our customers and our shareholders," said Harrison in the press release. "As the business environment continues to improve and we implement Precision Scheduled Railroading, CSX will realize these objectives while driving volume growth and achieving a new level of financial performance."CSX's second-quarter volume outlook is favorable due to anticipated growth in most markets. The company maintains a favorable outlook in the second quarter for agriculture and food, export coal, fertilizers, forest products, intermodal and minerals; a neutral outlook for automotive, chemicals, metals and equipment; and an unfavorable outlook for domestic coal. Contact Progressive Railroading editorial staff. More News from 4/20/2017

Caltrain says it will begin a two-week rail-grinding project in San Francisco on April 26. The project will result in reduced noise impacts for residents living near the right of way and smoother rides for passengers.

The commuter rail service says it will use a rail-mounted, locomotive-sized grinder to restore the shape of the rail to its original configuration. Grinding the rail will allow a better fit between the train wheel and the top of the rails' head.

Union Pacific (UP) plans to invest approximately $26.8 million in Nevada infrastructure in 2017. The investment is part of UP's $3.1-billion capital plan.

The Class 1 says the investment will fund $22.7 million to maintain railroad track and $1.8 million to maintain the state's bridges. Key projects planned include:

4/19/2017    

Rail News: Passenger Rail

4/19/2017    

Rail News: Rail Industry Trends

4/19/2017    

Rail News: Intermodal