Bull Sheet Newswire
HUDSON RIVER TUNNEL CONSTRUCTION TO RESUME NEXT WEEK: The Gateway Development Commission has announced construction on the Hudson River tunnel project is set to resume next week following a more than two-week work stoppage in response to a freeze on previously-awarded federal money, which has now been reinstated. About 1000 workers were laid off as a result. [Progressive Railroading, 2-19-26]
AMTRAK UPDATES MENU FOR ACELA'S FIRST-CLASS PATRONS: Amtrak and STARR Restaurant Group are continuing their collaboration to provide premium meals for Acela first-class guests. Rolling out this winter, the updated menu includes an array of dishes. Included are Lasagna, Black Pepper Beef and Spaghetti Bolognese. [Amtrak, 2-19-26]
HITACHI INVESTING IN NEW TORONTO HEADQUARTERS: Hitachi Rail is investing $30-million (C) in a new Toronto headquarters. The site will host the company's global communications-based train-control competence center. The headquarters will span 125,000 square feet over five and one-half floors and will be the base for 1100 employees and 100 paid interns. [Progressive Railroading, 2-19-26]
TRAIN DERAILMENT IN MICHIGAN BLOCKS ROADS : A train derailment early Febr. 18 in Pittsfield Twp, Michigan, has led to road closures in the area that are expected to last several days. Police say 13 cars came off the tracks on the northern portion of the Ann Arbor Railroad, a line that runs from Ann Arbor to Toledo. No hazardous material was involved, and no injuries were reported. [CBS News, 2-18-26]
WEEKLY U.S. RAIL FREIGHT TRAFFIC REPORT: U.S. railroads originated 510,399 carloads and intermodal units in the week ending Febr. 14, 2026, up 6.2 pct compared with the corresponding week last year. Calculated separately, carloads were up 7.7 pct, and intermodal was up 5.0 pct. [Assn. of American Railroads, 2-18-26]
AMTRAK LONG-DISTANCE TRAIN DISRUPTIONS FEBR. 18: Westbound Lake Shore Limited arrived two and one-half hours late into Chicago due mostly by locomotive and equipment issues. Westbound Southwest Chief was four and one-half hours late arriving into Los Angeles due to high wind warnings and mechanical problems en route. Westbound California Zephyr was over six hours late arriving into Emeryville, Calif., having been delayed by severe weather and freight train congestion en route. Eastbound Empire Builder arrived into Chicago four hours late due to high wind warnings, freight train interference and equipment problems en route. Northbound Auto Train arrived into Lorton, Va., five hours late, having struck and killed a person on the tracks northwest of Russell, Fla., the evening before. [Amtrak and Google News, 2-18-26]
UP, NS PLAN TO FILE REVISED MERGER APPLICATION APRIL 30: Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern have informed the Surface Transportation Board that they anticipate filing their revised merger application on April 30. Their initial application was ruled 'incomplete' by the board, and it was returned to the applicants on Jan. 16 for revision. [Progressive Railroading, 2-17-26]
CSX UPGRADES ITS LOCOMOTIVES WITH AUTOMATIC ENGINE START-STOP SYSTEM: CSX has upgraded its locomotives with technology that reduces fuel consumption, emissions and operating costs. Auto Engine Start-Stop shuts down locomotives when they are not in use and restarts them when operations resume. [Progressive Railroading, 2-17-26]
NORFOLK SOUTHERN UNVEILS LANDMARK LOCOMOTIVE HONORING ALTOONA, PA.: Norfolk Southern has introduced ES44AC locomotive 8184 wearing a Tuscan red and black paint scheme honoring Altoona, Pa. It joins earlier locomotives in the company's landmark series honoring Birmingham and Atlanta. [Yahoo News, 2-17-26]
L.A. METRO SELECTS METRO RATHER THAN MONORAIL TO CONNECT SAN FERNANDO VALLEY WITH WESTSIDE: The board of Los Angeles Metro has approved the selection of underground metro rather than a monorail to provide a new rail connection between the San Fernando Valley and Westside. It would run between Van Nuys in the Valley and the Westside Expo-Sepulveda station with seven stations. [Railway Gazette, 2-17-26]
BMWED MEMBERS RATIFY FOUR-YEAR LABOR PACT WITH HURON & EASTERN RWY: Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Div. members have ratified a new four-year collective bargaining agreement with Genesee & Wyoming's Huron & Eastern Railway. Huron & Eastern operates 331 miles of track in the thumb region of Michigan, interchanging with CN, Great Lakes Central Railroad and Lake State Railway. [Progressive Railroading, 2-17-26]
AMTRAK'S CAROLINIAN STRIKES, KILLS PEDESTRIAN IN CLAYTON, N.C.: Police in Clayton, N.C., are investigating a fatal accident in which a pedestrian was struck by an Amtrak train late Febr. 17. The train involved was No. 79, Carolinian, traveling toward Raleigh. [Johnstonian Press, 2-17-26]
FEDERAL FUNDING TO RESUME FOR HUDSON RIVER TUNNEL PROJECT: President Trump has reiterated his opposition to the $16-billion Hudson River rail tunnel project, calling it a 'boondoggle,' but the administration has said the funding would begin to flow again. The project's manager had shut down construction on Febr. 6 to await funding to resume, and about 1000 workers were laid off at that time. [Progressive Railroading, 2-17-26]
WEEKLY AMTRAK LONG-DISTANCE TRAIN PERFORMANCE: Fifty (50) percent of Amtrak's named long-distance trains arrived at their scheduled final destination on time or earlier in the week ending Febr. 15, 2026. The remaining trains, on average, arrived one hour and 13 minutes late. MORE.. [Bull Sheet Statistical Dept., 2-16-26]
N.J. TRANSIT CANCELED 27 TRAINS ON FEBR. 15 BECAUSE OF THE PORTAL BRIDGE CUTOVER: New Jersey Transit canceled 27 trains on the first day of the month-long rail service reduction to put one track of the new Portal Bridge in service. The North Jersey Coast line saw the brunt of the cancellations. Trains were also canceled on the Northeast corridor, Princeton Shuttle, Morris & Essex, Montclair-Boonton and Raritan Valley lines. [NJ.com, 2-16-26]
BRIGHTLINE LAUNCHES FREEDOM EXPRESS TRAIN: Brightline launched its new Freedom Express train on Febr. 16 celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. The inaugural ride honored local heroes and first-responders with a trip to Miami. The 10-car train showcases a designed exterior, each depicting a key U.S. historical moment, forming a visual timeline. [WFTV, 2-16-26]
COAST STARLIGHT DELAYED OVER FOUR HOURS BY LOCOMOTIVE ISSUE: Amtrak's northbound Coast Starlight of Febr. 16 was more than four hours late leaving Los Angeles due to a locomotive issue. [Amtrak, 2-16-26]
PASSENGER TRAIN DERAILS IN SWISS ALPS, AT LEAST FIVE INJURED: At least five people were injured early Febr. 16 after a regional train derailed in the Swiss Alps as it was exiting a tunnel in inclement weather. It is believed an avalanche had occurred shortly before the encounter. Twenty-nine people were aboard the train. [EuroNews and LaMonde, 2-16-26]
STUDY RELEASED ON RESTORING PASSENGER SERVICE BETWEEN SALISBURY AND ASHEVILLE, N.C.: An economic study from the North Carolina Dept. of Transportation predicts that restoring passenger rail service between Salisbury and Asheville would generate $66.9-million in economic output once the line were to become operational. Passenger service on the route ceased in 1975. [a2b Global Media, 2-15-26]
NORTHEAST CORRIDOR TO BE IMPACTED BY FOUR-WEEK PORTAL BRIDGE CUTOVER: Amtrak is starting today to transfer rail service from the century-old Portal Bridge to the new Portal North Bridge over the Hackensack River in New Jersey. Continuing for the next four weeks, affected rail lines will undergo temporary service adjustments. Modified train schedules, along with some consolidations or cancellations, are expected. The cutover disruptions will occur twice. A second phase of work is expected this coming fall to complete the transition. [ABC7 N.Y., 2-15-26]
VEHICLE STRUCK BY TRAIN IN EMERYVILLE, CALIF., CATCHES FIRE, NO INJURIES: A vehicle was struck by a train early Febr. 14 in Emeryville, Calif., after a driver turned onto the tracks and became stuck. The driver was able to safely exit the vehicle before impact, and it caught fire following the collision. No injuries were reported. [Emeryville Police, 2-14-26]
TRAIN CARS DERAIL IN WILMINGTON, N.C., BLOCKING CROSSINGS: Two train cars derailed late Febr. 13 in downtown Wilmington, N.C., while heading toward the State Port, blocking rail crossings from Front to South 8th streets, causing traffic delays. No injuries were reported, and no hazardous materials were involved, police said. [WECT, 2-14-26]
MAN KILLED, CHILD INJURED WHEN STRUCK BY TRAIN IN MARION, OHIO: A 33-year-old man was killed and a 12-year-old child was seriously injured after being struck by a train at a crossing in Marion, Ohio. The child had to be removed from beneath the train. [Spectrum News, 2-14-26]
AMTRAK LONG-DISTANCE TRAIN DISRUPTIONS FEBR. 14: Eastbound Southwest Chief was delayed about two and one-half hours at La Junta, Colo., due to the availability of a rested crew. Westbound Southwest Chief was delayed about five and one-half hours between Hutchinson and Dodge City, Kan., due to a disabled vehicle blocking the track ahead. Southbound Floridian was delayed about five hours north of Savannah due to a disabled freight train blocking the route ahead. [Amtrak, 2-14-26]
HISTORICAL RAIL VEHICLE PRESERVATION ADVANCES IN CZECH REPUBLIC: The national railway operator in the Czech Republic has formalized a new structure for managing its historical assets by establishing the 'World of Railways' Foundation. It will assume management, conservation and operation of historic locomotives and other rail vehicles, pursuing collaborations and funding independently of the national operators core passenger and freight business. [a2b Global Media, 2-14-26]
ITALIAN TRAINS DELAYED FEBR. 14 BY SUSPECTED SABOTAGE: Trains operating through the heart of Italy suffered delays of more than an hour Febr. 14 following suspected sabotage during the Winter Olympic games. Services between Naples and Rome and between Florence and Rome were affected. Authorities were investigating burnt cables and other suspected acts of vandalism. [Reuters, 2-14-26]
ONE INJURED AS TRAX COMMUTER TRAIN STRIKES TRUCK IN SALT LAKE CITY: One person was injured and taken to a hospital after a truck was struck by a Green line TRAX commuter train in Salt Lake City Febr. 13. The Utah Transit Authority said the truck carrying four people had turned left in front of the train leaving one of the occupants with minor injuries. The train was delayed about 15 to 20 minutes after the crash was cleared. [KSL News, 2-13-26]
SOUTHWEST CHIEF DELAYED OVER EIGHT HOURS BY MECHANICAL ISSUES: Amtrak's eastbound Southwest Chief arrived over eight hours behind schedule into Chicago on Febr. 13. According to Amtrak, the train had left Los Angeles on time, but was delayed en route by 'multiple mechanical assessments and equipment adjustments.' [Amtrak, 2-13-26]
IZAAK WALTON INN TO CLOSE, STAFF TOLD: The iconic Izaak Walton Inn next to Glacier Park in Essex, Montana, is about to close, according to staff who received word that their employment is expected to end on or about March 6. Details were limited, but it has been reported that the owners had decided to end operations due to cashflow issues amongst its properties across the U.S. The inn, purchased for $13.5-million in Dec. 2026, rebranded as LOGE-Glacier, has been a popular place to stay within the splendor of its surrounding mountains and the frequent passing of trains along the BNSF main line close to its front porch. It was built in 1939 by the Great Northern Railway to house workers during snow-clearing periods, and later it became a hotel. [Flathead Beacon and Google News, 2-13-26]
TEXAS EAGLE ANNULLED EN ROUTE BY MECHANICAL ISSUES: Amtrak's eastbound Texas Eagle on Febr. 12 was annulled between Walnut Ridge, Ark., and Chicago, having encountered excessive delays with mechanical problems in Texas and Arkansas. According to Amtrak, the train was so late into Walnut Ridge with problems still not resolved, that it was annulled over the rest of its run to Chicago with bus transportation provided. [Amtrak, 2-12-26]
OVERHEAD POWER PROBLEM DISRUPTS NEW YORK-NEW HAVEN TRAINS FEBR 11: Amtrak and Metro-North services on the Northeast corridor have been restored following an overhead power problem the evening of Febr. 11 resulting in numerous cancellations or delays. Residual delays were anticipated Febr. 12 as trains return to regular operations. [NBC, WFSB and Google News, 2-12-26]
THREE UNIONS INVOKE FEDERAL MEDIATION OVER CONTRACT TALKS WITH CPKC: Three rail labor unions have invoked federal mediation after more than a year of stalled contract talks with Canadian Pacific Kansas City, citing particular issues on CPKC's former Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern lines. [IAM Union, 2-12-26]
TRI-RAIL FACES STATE BUDGET CUTS: Florida's Tri-Rail has enough funding to operate through the summer of 2027 and has been working with lawmakers and county leaders to find a path forward after the state's Dept. of Transportation announced plans to cut its annual contribution from $42-million down to $15-million. [WPTV, 2-12-26]
ORDER FOR NEW HIGH-SPEED TRAINS IN SPAIN PUT ON HOLD: Spanish national operator Renfe has confirmed that it will delay the purchase of 30 new high-speed trains as it prioritizes restoring services and providing support to the relatives of those involved in the Jan. 18 accident at Adumuz. [International Railway Journal, 2-12-26]
KING COBRAS SPREADING INTO DIFFERENT HABITATS IN INDIA BY HITCHING RIDES ON TRAINS: King cobras are spreading to different parts of India by hitching rides on some of the country's busiest railway networks, a new study has found. The nation's rail networks are the busiest in the world by passenger volume, and they are contributing to the king cobra migration by putting the snakes into unsuitable habitats, the findings suggest. [Rail Business Daily, 2-12-26]
CSX FREIGHT TRAIN DERAILMENT DISRUPTS METRA COMMUTE: A CSX freight train derailment in Chicago Ridge, Illinois, caused the suspension of Metra Southwest's morning commute from that location Febr. 11. Police said no injuries were reported, and there was no danger to the public. [CBS Chicago, 2-11-26]
WEEKLY U.S. RAIL FREIGHT TRAFFIC REPORT: U.S. railroads originated 486,854 carloads and intermodal units in the week ending Febr. 7, 2026, down 3.2 pct compared with the corresponding week last year. Calculated separately, carloads were down 4.8 pct, and intermodal was down 2.0 pct. [Assn. of American Railroads, 2-11-26]
AMTRAK UNVEILS ITS FIRST NEW AIRO TRAIN: Amtrak on Febr. 10 unveiled the first new Airo train to showcase the latest generation of new trains that will serve its network. The initial eight Airo train sets are slated to serve the Cascades route on the Pacific Northwest corridor between Eugene, Oregon, and Vancouver, B.C., expected to finish manufacturing this year. Siemens is building the trains at its company's plant in Sacramento. [Progressive Railroading, 2-11-26]
AMTRAK LONG-DISTANCE TRAIN DISRUPTIONS FEBR. 11: Westbound Southwest Chief was seven hours late arriving into Los Angeles on Febr. 11. The train was delayed en route by equipment issues and removal of same at Gallop, N.M. Meanwhile, eastbound Southwest Chief was four and one-half hours late into Chicago, having been delayed in Winslow, Ariz., by a locomotive problem and a freight locomotive being added to the train set for power. [Amtrak, 2-11-26]
JUDGE ISSUES TEMPORARY STAY ON FUNDING RELEASE ORDER TO HUDSON RIVER TUNNEL CONSTRUCTION PROJECT: U.S. District Judge Jeannette Vargas on Febr. 9 issued a temporary stay on her Febr. 6 decision ordering the federal government to resume disbursement of previously awarded grant and loan funds for the Hudson River tunnel project. The government, which suspended the funding in Oct. 2025, had appealed the initial order. The project manager shut down construction on Febr. 6 because funding had run out, and about 1000 workers were laid off. [Progressive Railroading, 2-10-26]
D.C. METRO, KAWASAKI RESOLVE DISPUTE OVER 7000-SERIES RAIL CARS: D.C. Metro and Kawasaki Rail Car have announced their resolution of several ongoing contract disputes regarding, among other things, the 2021 Blue line Metrorail derailment of a rail car that led to the entire 7000-series fleet being grounded. As part of the settlement, the parties agreed to reduce the agency's remaining contractual payments by up to $35-million. [Progressive Railroading, 2-10-26]
PERSON KILLED, ANOTHER INJURED IN CSX CROSSING ACCIDENT IN GEORGIA: One person was killed early Febr. 10 when a CSX freight train struck a car at a crossing in Scottdale, Ga., authorities said. Investigators said the vehicle was occupied by two people at the time of the crash. One person died at the scene, and the second was taken to a hospital. [CBS Atlanta, 2-10-26]
AMTRAK LONG-DISTANCE TRAIN DISRUPTIONS FEBR. 10: The eastbound Lake Shore Limited on Febr. 10 was delayed from leaving Chicago by three hours because of equipment repairs and adjustments. The eastbound Cardinal was delayed on Febr. 10 over two hours prior to leaving Chicago due to equipment issues. [Amtrak, 2-10-26]
MEXICO'S EL INSURGENTE CREATES INTERCHANGE WITH MEXICO CITY METRO: El Insurgente suburban rail service has been extended from Santa Fe on the western edge of Mexico City to Observatorio, where interchange is provided with metro line 1. In the future, the station will also be served by line 12 via an extension which is now being built. [Railway Gazette, 2-10-26]
NORTHEAST CORRIDOR SERVICE IMPACTED BY FALLEN OVERHEAD WIRES: Two separate incidents involving Amtrak overhead wires caused major service disruptions for Amtrak and N.J. Transit during the morning commute Febr. 9. Overhead wires came down on top of a New Jersey Transit train just east of Newark Penn Station, disabling the train. Customers were safely removed from the train and accommodated on another service. [Daily Voice, 2-9-26]
CSX SIGNS $670-M DEAL WITH WABTEC TO UPGRADE, MODERNIZE LOCOMOTIVES: CSX has signed a $670-million deal with Wabtec to upgrade its fleet with 100 new Evolution-series locomotives, 50 modernized locomotives and a suite of digital solutions and services. In addition, CSX will modernize aging Dash-9 locomotives by converting them from DC traction to AC. The new and modernized units will be equipped with 'Trip Optimizer,' an EPA-certified system intended to support fuel efficiency. [CSX, 2-9-26]
BLET, MARC ENGINEERS REACH TENTATIVE LABOR PACT: The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen has reached a tentative contract with Alstom for locomotive engineers who operate Maryland Area Rail Commuter trains in the Washington-Baltimore area. It covers Jan. 1, 2024, through Dec. 31, 2027. [Progressive Railroading, 2-9-26]
PATH LOGS 6.1 PCT INCREASE IN RIDERSHIP IN 2025: The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey's PATH commuter railroad logged a 6.1 pct increase in ridership in 2025 over the prior year. At 60.7 million total passengers, the 2025 ridership reflects 74 pct of pre-pandemic 2019 ridership. [Progressive Railroading, 2-9-26]
WEEKLY AMTRAK LONG-DISTANCE TRAIN PERFORMANCE: Forty-seven percent of Amtrak's named long-distance trains arrived at their scheduled final destination on time or earlier in the week ending Febr. 8, 2026. The remaining trains, on average, arrived one hour and 25 minutes late. MORE.. [Bull Sheet Statistical Dept., 2-9-26]
SPAIN TO BOOST INVESTMENTS, REINFORCE STAFFING FOLLOWING FATAL TRAIN ACCIDENTS: Spain's main rail worker unions called off a three-day nationwide strike which was scheduled to start today after officials agreed to boost investments and reinforce staffing following a string of high-profile train accidents causing dozens of deaths. [Reuters, 2-9-26]
AMTRAK LONG-DISTANCE TRAIN DISRUPTIONS FEBR. 7: The westbound California Zephyr was delayed three hours Febr. 7 in Reno with a locomotive problem resulting in the addition of a freight locomotive to the train set; and the northbound Crescent was delayed more than an hour south of Danville, Va., by fallen trees on the tracks ahead. [Amtrak, 2-7-26]
MBTA HONORS NEW HAVEN R.R. WITH COMMEMORATIVE LOCOMOTIVE: Boston's MBTA has returned a fully-overhauled locomotive to commuter rail service featuring the historic orange, white and black scheme of the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad. The New Haven formed the bulk of the Southside lines, purchased by MBTA in 1973, including the Providence-Stoughton, Fairmont, Franklin, Needham and Old Colony lines. [MBTA, 2-6-26]
MAN ARRESTED FOR STABBING EMPIRE BUILDER CREW MEMBER, PUNCHING PASSENGER IN N.D.: Police in Stanley, N.D., arrested a 36-year-old Florida man after investigators say he stabbed a crew member on the hand and punched a passenger on Amtrak's eastbound Empire Builder on Febr. 5. The train's conductor subdued the man using pepper spray, and police took the man into custody at Stanley. The conductor sought medical treatment when the train reached Minot, the next stop. [KMOT and KFYR, 2-6-26]
AMTRAK ANNULS 20 NORTHEAST CORRIDOR TRAINS FEBR. 6: A wintry cold is continuing in the region, and Amtrak has annulled at least 20 trains scheduled along its Washington-New York-Boston Northeast corridor on Febr. 6. Amtrak noted that the trains were annulled because of 'equipment issues,' principally because of cold weather problems. At least six of the cancellations were Acela trains. [DC News Now, 2-6-26]
FEDERAL JUDGE ORDERS U.S. TO TEMPORARILY RELEASE HUDSON RIVER TUNNEL CONSTRUCTION FUNDS: A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to temporarily unfreeze funding for the $16-billion rail tunnel project beneath the Hudson River between N.J. and N.Y. The administration had frozen the funds in October while it reviewed whether the project included any diversity equity and inclusion policies. The Gateway Development Commission filed suit earlier this week seeking judgment to release the funds, noting that construction would be suspended at 5 p.m. Febr. 6 if funding were not released. [Wall Street Journal, 2-6-26]
NORFOLK SOUTHERN TRAIN DERAILS NEAR HORSESHOE CURVE IN PA.: Sixty-five rail cars of a Norfolk Southern train derailed Febr. 6 on the mainline near the Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, Pa. While all cars reportedly remained upright, the incident caused Amtrak to annul its Pennsylvanian trains 42 and 43. [Google News, 2-6-26]
PENNSYLVANIA D.O.T. ADVANCING SCRANTON-NEW YORK PASSENGER RAIL CORRIDOR PROJECT: The Pennsylvania Dept. of Transportation is advancing the Scranton-to-New York Penn Station passenger rail corridor project through the service development plan phase. It would restore intercity passenger rail service between the cities providing access to New York City, northwestern New Jersey and northeast Pennsylvania along the 140-mile route. The project is one of just five rail expansions in the U.S. to reach the Step 2 milestone under the FRA corridor ID program. [Progressive Railroading, 2-6-26]
D&R TRAIN DERAILS IN ARKANSAS, NO INJURIES: A Dardanelle & Russellville freight train derailed Febr. 6 in Russellville, Arkansas. The railroad's president said that the incident was caused by a softened subgrade resulting from melting snow, combined with a broken rail. There were no injuries. [KATC, 2-6-26]
CSX TRAIN DERAILS IN PALMETTO, GA., NO INJURIES: Part of a CSX freight train derailed early Febr. 6 in Palmetto, Ga. Six intermodal cars came off the tracks near Wilkerson road and Roosevelt highway. No hazardous material was involved, and there were no injuries. [Atlanta News First, 2-6-26]
NORFOLK SOUTHERN TRAIN STRIKES 18-WHEELER IN S.C., NO INJURIES: In Greer, S.C., on Febr. 6 an 18-wheeler became stuck on Norfolk Southern tracks and a northbound train hit the truck about 4:50 p.m. The truck driver had exited the vehicle prior to impact, and no injuries were reported. [Fox Carolina, 2-6-26]
CANADIAN NATIONAL TRAIN DERAILS IN ALBERTA: About 37 loaded rail cars of a Canadian National freight train derailed Febr. 5 near Wildwood, Alberta, about 68 miles west of Edmonton. There were no leaks, fires or injuries. [Canadian Press, 2-6-26]
LAKE SHORE LIMITED DELAYED BY HUDSON LINE COMMUTER TRAIN INTERFERENCE: Amtrak's westbound Lake Shore Limited on Febr. 6 was delayed nearly two and one-half hours between New York City and Poughkeepsie by commuter train interference. [Amtrak, 2-6-26]
TERMINAL RAIL CONGESTION CONTINUES TWO WEEKS AFTER WINTER STORM: Rail terminals at key inland hubs have become congested with containers two weeks after a severe winter slammed a large portion of the country. Some performance has returned to normal, but delays and bottlenecks from the storm have moved downstream to terminals in Chicago, Cincinnati and Memphis. One Chicago trucker said drivers were spending up to five hours in line, missing deliveries and having containers going into demurrage. [Journal of Commerce, 2-6-26]
TRAIN DERAILS IN MANSFIELD, CONNECTICUT, FIVE CARS LAND IN RIVER: A New England Central Railroad train derailed early Febr. 5 in Mansfield, Connecticut. Six of the rail cars carried liquefied propane, four of which ended up in the Willimantic River. A shelter-in-place order was issued for residents and two daycare centers in the area. There have been no reported injuries. [Stamford Advocate, WFSB and Google News, 2-5-26]
CSX ADVANCES ITS POLE LINE ELIMINATION PROGRAM: CSX is making significant progress with its multi-year program to retire outdated aerial signal and communication lines while it transitions to modern technologies. The company has so far removed more than 7000 miles of pole lines across its system. The initiative focuses on installing microprocessor-based signal systems that use the rail itself for train detection and track integrity verification. [Progressive Railroading, 2-5-26]
AMTRAK LONG-DISTANCE TRAIN DISRUPTIONS FEBR. 5: On Febr. 5 the westbound Sunset Limited was delayed four hours west of San Antonio because of an emergency track hold;; the eastbound Southwest Chief was delayed nearly five hours east of Kingman, Arizona, because of an emergency track hold; the eastbound Cardinal was delayed three hours west of Dyer, Indiana, because of a disabled freight train blocking the route ahead; and the southbound Floridian was delayed between Pittsburgh and Connellsville, Pa., due to a disabled freight train blocking the route ahead. [Amtrak, 2-5-26]
UP, NS EARN SPOTS ON FORTUNE'S LIST OF WORLD'S MOST ADMIRED COMPANIES: Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern each earned spots on the 2026 Fortune World's Most Admired Companies list as the only railroads in the transportation & logistics category. [Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, 2-5-26]
CONSTRUCTION OF CALIFORNIA'S SOUTHERN RAILHEAD HSR FACILITY COMPLETED: The California High-Speed Rail Authority has completed construction of its southern railhead facility. Located near Wasco, the 150-acre site will serve as a logistics hub for the delivery, storage and dispersion of construction material and equipment to electrify the Central Valley segment of the high-speed rail system. [Progressive Railroading, 2-5-26]
CANADIAN NATIONAL REPORTS 2ND BEST JANUARY FOR GRAIN MOVEMENT: CN today announced its second-best January on record for grain movement, shipping more than 2.72 million metric tons of grain from western Canada. This follows the company's all-time January record of 2.85 million metric tons in 2020. [CN, 2-5-26]
AMTRAK'S CARDINAL ARRIVES INTO NEW YORK SIX HOURS & 26 MINUTES LATE: Amtrak's eastbound Cardinal of Febr. 3 arrived into New York six hours and 26 minutes late. According to Amtrak, most of the train's en route delays were because of mechancial and locomotive problems. [Amtrak, 2-5-26]
GATEWAY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION SUES FEDS OVER SUSPENSION OF FUNDING: The Gateway Development Commission has filed a lawsuit against the federal government seeking judgment to release contractually obligated grant and loan funds for the Hudson tunnel project, The suit asserts that suspension of the funds is unlawful. Construction of the rail tunnel between New York and New Jersey will be suspended if funding does not become available by Febr. 6. [Progressive Railroading, 2-4-26]
UNION PACIFIC'S FLEET OF AC4400 LOCOMOTIVES TO BE 'MODERNIZED': Union Pacific and Wabtec have announced a $1,2-billion agreement to modernize the railroad's fleet of AC4400 locomotives. The program covers 1700 locomotives, or about 24 pct of UP's total fleet, and will extend their operating lifespan, improve fleet standardization, update their control and diagnostics, reduce fuel consumption by more than 5 pct, increase tractive effort by 14 pct, and improve reliability. [Freight Waves, 2-4-26].
AUTO TRAINS ANNULLED FEBR 4: Amtrak's Auto trains in both directions were canceled today, Febr. 4, due to the excessively late arrival of one of the sections of the previous date, triggering today's annulments to get the equipment back into normal rotation. [Amtrak, 2-4-26]
CONNECTICUT TO UPGRADE, BUILD STATIONS, REPLACE DEVON R.R. BRIDGE: The Connecticut Dept. of Transportation has released its five-year capital plan outlining infrastructure priorities. Included in the plan are upgrading and building various train stations along the Waterbury branch and Harford lines and replacing the Devon railroad bridge. [Transportation Today, 2-4-26]
NORFOLK SOUTHERN TO EXPAND WHEEL-DEFECT SYSTEM: Norfolk Southern plans to expand the use of its wheel-defect detection system following the successful implementation of the technology at a train yard this past November. The system uses six synchronized cameras to capture about 55 images of wheels on passing trains at up to 70 MPH, analyzing them to identify defects that visual observation might miss. [Progressive Railroading, 2-4-26]
CALIF. APPROVES $60-M TOWARD IMPROVEMENTS TO L.A. UNION STATION: The California Transportation Commission has approved $60-million in funding to support the rehabilitation and improvements to passenger facilities and operation of Los Angeles Union Station. [Railway News, 2-4-26]
WEEKLY U.S. RAIL FREIGHT TRAFFIC REPORT: U.S. railroads originated 434,361 carloads and intermodal units in the week ending Jan. 31, 2026, down 15.5 pct compared with the corresponding week last year. Calculated separately, carloads were down 14.0 pct, and intermodal was down 16.6 pct. [Assn. of American Railroads, 2-4-26]
PA. GRANTS $2.1-M TO NITTANY & BALD EAGLE R.R. BRIDGE REHABS: The Pennsylvania Dept. of Transportation has granted $2.1-million toward five rail bridge rehab projects on the Nittany & Bald Eagle Railroad. Four bridges are on the mainline in Blair, Centre and Clinton counties, and one is on its Belefonte branch in Centre County. [Progressive Railroading, 2-4-26]
AMTRAK TOUTS ADVANCING TRANSFORMATION OF N.Y. PENN STATION: Amtrak and its partners are advancing the transformation of New York Penn Station into a modern transportation hub. The project is being delivered through a progressive public-private partnership model to enhance safety, efficiency, accessibility and increased train and passenger capacity. Updates include entrances at street level, underground passenger concourses, back-of-the house operational areas and systems, and trainshed infrastructure. [Amtrak, 2-4-26]
UNION PACIFIC BIG BOY TO BEGIN WEST LEG OF COAST-TO-COAST TOUR MARCH 29: U.P.'s Big Boy steam locomotive 4014 will begin the west leg of its promised coast-to-coast tour March 29 from Cheyenne to California, returning back to Cheyenne April 24. The tour will make stops with displays for the public April 10-11 in Roseville, Calif., and April 18-19 in Ogden, Utah. [Progressive Railroading, 2-3-26]
CALIF. TRANSIT AGENCIES GETTING STATE LOAN TO AVERT MAJOR SERVICE CUTS: California's Metropolitan Transportation Commission has reached an agreement with the state for a $590-million loan to avert major service cuts at Caltrain, BART, MUNI, and Alameda-Contra Costa Transit in the 2026-27 fiscal year. [Railway Age, 2-3-26]
LIRR TRAIN STRIKES VEHICLE AT CROSSING IN FIERY WRECK: A Ronkonkoma-bound Long Island Rail Road train struck a vehicle on the tracks at a road crossing near Pinelawn, N.Y., late Febr. 2, causing a fiery wreck. Three passengers on the train reported injuries and were treated at the scene or taken to a hospital, while no injuries were reported for the train crew or vehicle occupants. [ABC7 News N.Y., 2-3-26]
FEDS IDENTIFY 18 SAFETY LAPSES WITH CHARLOTTE, N.C., TRANSIT SYSTEM: The Federal Transit Administration has released a report identifying 18 areas where the Charlotte Area Transit System failed to meet federally mandated safety requirements. These include how Charlotte Transit assesses risk and track fixes and conducts de-escalation training of staff, along with addressing risks of assaults on transit workers. They have 30 days to submit corrective action plans. [Progressive Railroading, 2-3-26]
BOHR ELECTRONICS RELEASES NEW DITCHLIGHT CONTROL SOLUTION: Bohr Electronics has released its new Ditchlight controller, a locomotive lighting control solution to enable rail operators and maintenance shops to follow familiar installation and service practices. It is intended as a pin-and-bolt, drop-in replacement for microphor-style ditch-light controllers. [Progressive Railroading, 2-3-26]
AMTRAK EXPANDS FLEX DINING MENU FOR SLEEPER PATRONS: Amtrak sleeping car guests may now enjoy an expanded flex dining menu with the introduction of new lunch options. The new menu items allow for a greater choice between lighter or heavier entrees, doubling the options from previous offerings for both lunch and dinner. Affected trains are Cardinal, City of New Orleans, Crescent, Lake Shore Limited and Texas Eagle. [Amtrak, 2-3-26]
RAILPROS COMPLETES ACQUISION OF DIVERGING APPROACH: Texas-based RailPros has completed its acquisition of Virginia-based Diverging Approach Inc. Foounded in 2010, Diverging Approach is focused on signal and crossing segments of North America's rail industry. [RailPros, 2-3-26]
AUTO TRAIN OF FEBR. 2 EXTREMELY LATE ON NORTHBOUND RUN: Amtrak's northbound Auto Train of Febr. 2 was eight hours and 40 minutes late leaving Sanford, Fla., and 11 hours and 26 minutes late arriving Lorton, Va. The train's late departure from Sanford was due to the late arrival of its inbound train set, and its en route delay was primarily the result of an emergency track-hold north of Wilson, N.C. [Amtrak, 2-3-26]
FORMER AMTRAK CEO STEPHEN GARDNER JOINS ADVISORY FIRM: Former Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner has joined Telos Advisers, a national advisory firm specializing in complex transportation and infrastructure projects, as strategic advisory board member. He joins a team of former transportation executives providing advisory to public and private clients. [ROI-NJ, 2-3-26]
AMTRAK TO IMPROVE CLEVELAND STATION OVER TWO-YEAR PERIOD: Starting this spring, Amtrak will undertake two years of construction and improvements to its Cleveland station. It will replace a nearly 1200-foot-long, trackside platform plus pedestrian and baggage trailer ramps between the station building and the platform. The ramp includes new crossings of the Greater Cleveland Transit Authority's Waterford line as well as a CSX freight track. [NEOtrans, 2-3-26]
FEBR 3 MARKS 3RD ANNIVERSARY OF EAST PALESTINE DISASTER: Today marks three years since the Norfolk Southern derailment, fire and toxic chemical spill in East Palestine, Ohio. During that time, Congress has not been able to advance or pass rail safety legislation. Unions and others in rail labor are calling out the industry for continuing to stonewall numerous safety improvements. Advocates, including East Palestine residents, continue to push for passage of the Railway Safety Act, which would mandate reforms recommended by the National Transportation Safety Board. [Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen, 2-3-26]
WESTBOUND LAKE SHORE LIMITED ANNULLED FEBR. 2, EQUIPMENT NOT AVAILABLE: Amtrak's westbound Lake Shore Limited originating Febr. 2 from New York and Boston was annulled Febr. 2 because its equipment was not available. [Amtrak, 2-2-26]
DIANA SORFLEET TO RETIRE FROM CSX, EXEC. V.P., CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER: CSX today announced that executive vice-president and chief administrative officer Diana Sorfleet will retire from the company on Febr. 22 after nearly 15 years of company service. [CSX, 2-2-26]
AMTRAK, COMMUTER AGENCIES RECOVERING FROM BIG SNOWSTORM: Amtrak canceled or delayed numerous trains in the Midwest and along the Northeast corridor due to snow and ice accumulations. Included were a number of Boston-New York-Washington, Empire Service, Keystone Service, Lincoln Service, Wolverine, City of New Orleans trains, and others. N.J. Transit and SEPTA regional rail canceled all service Jan 25, and as late as Jan 29 Boston's MBTA announced the cancellation of multiple trains due to storm impacts. [Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen, 2-2-26]
WEEKLY AMTRAK LONG-DISTANCE TRAIN PERFORMANCE: Forty-one percent of Amtrak's named long-distance trains arrived at their scheduled final destination on conclusion of their end-to-end run on time or earlier during the week ending Febr. 1, 2026. The remaining trains, on average, arrived one hour and 30 minutes late. MORE.. [Bull Sheet Statistical Dept., 2-2-26]
NORFOLK SOUTHERN CUSTOMERS ADVANCED OVER 60 INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN 2025: Norfolk Southern customers advanced over 60 industrial development projects last year, representing $7.7-billion in industry investment for new or expanded rail-served facilities along NS and short-line partner routes. NS currently has over 500 U.S. manufacturing projects in the site selection phase, representing additional opportunities for growth supported by rail. [Norfolk Southern, 2-2-26]
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA, INTERMODAL TRANSFER FACILITY SLATED TO OPEN EARLY NEXT YEAR: Construction of the Montgomery Intermodal Container transfer facility is on track for opening by early 2027. The 272-acre facility will then connect central Alabama and the Port of Mobile via direct CSX service. [Progressive Railroading, 2-2-26]
CANADIAN TOUR OPERATOR IS NEW TENANT AT HISTORIC PACIFIC CENTRAL STATION IN VANCOUVER: VIA Rail Canada has announced that Fresh Tracks Canada, a leading Canadian tour operator, is the new tenant at Pacific Central Station in Vancouver, B.C. The news comes as VIA Rail continues to invest in its pan-Canadian network of heritage stations. [Progressive Railroading, 2-2-26]
CHICAGO TRANSIT, METRA LOG INCREASED RAIL RIDERSHIP IN 2025: The Chicago Transit Authority and Metra commuter agency both logged increased rail ridership last year. CTA reported a 6 pct increase, and Metra posted an 8 pct increase. Metra completed multiple station renovations and added more frequent service to the UP North and West lines and BNSF lines. [Progressive Railroading, 2-2-26]
STB NEEDS MORE INFO FROM GREEN EAGLE R.R. ON PROPOSED 1.3-MILE RAIL LINE IN TEXAS: The Surface Transportation Board has directed Green Eagle Railroad to provide more information on its proposed construction and operation of a 1.3-mile double-tracked rail line in Maverick County, Texas, to extend from the U.S.-Mexico border to connect with Union Pacific's Eagle Pass subdivision. [Railway Age, 2-2-26]
DISABLED GO TRANSIT TRAIN BLOCKS TORONTO UNION STATION CAUSING MASSIVE DELAYS: A disabled GO Transit train blocked trains from using Toronto's Union Station beginning during the rush-hour commute this morning resulting in chaotic delays. [CBC, 2-2-26]
INDIANA R.R. TRAIN DERAILS IN INDIANA, BLOCKING ROADS: An Indiana Railroad train derailed late Febr. 1 near Riley, Indiana, causing several roads to be blocked off. Multiple rail cars were knocked off the tracks. [WTWO, 2-2-26]
DERAILMENT IN UNION PACIFIC'S STOCKTON, CALIF., YARD CAUSES POWER OUTAGE: Thousands of San Joaquin County residents lost power Febr. 2 after a train derailment in Union Pacific's Stockton yard. Three cars carrying soybean oil derailed, knocking over an electrical tower. There were no injuries and no hazardous materials were involved. [Stockton Record, 2-2-26]
AUTO TRAIN NINE & ONE-HALF HOURS LATE LEAVING ORIGIN POINT LORTON: Amtrak's Auto Train of Febr. 1 left Lorton, Va., nine and one-half hours late due to mechanical trouble. [Amtrak 2-2-26]
SILVER METEOR EIGHT & ONE-HALF HOURS LATE ARRIVING INTO NEW YORK: Amtrak's Silver Meteor of Febr. 1 was more than eight and one-half hours behind schedule when arriving into New York on Febr. 2, having been delayed en route by weather-related issues, freight train interference, and an intermittent communication outage. [Amtrak, 2-2-26]
TRADE TARIFFS IMPACT CANADIAN RAIL REVENUES: U.S. trade tariffs have directly impacted the revenues of Canada's freight rail operators, with Canadian National and Canadian Pacific Kansas City both reporting revenue reductions. CN attributed a revenue reduction of more than $350-million, and CPKC estimated a reduction of about $200-million. [a2b Global Media, 2-2-26]
AUSTRIAN RAIL CARRIER TO TEST DIGITAL AROMATIC COUPLING SYSTEMS: OBB Rail Cargo Group will deploy a digital automatic coupling demonstration train across Austria this year. The initiative is part of a European research program to collect data on next-generation freight technology. The train will test various railcar types and coupling systems under challenging conditions, including steep routes, with 44 multi-vendor couplings, powered by a pair of Siemens Vectron locomotives. [a2b Global Media, 2-2-26]
BATTERY-ELECTRIC TRAINS GAIN FAVOR: The global rail industry enters the year with a pivot from the 'electrify everything' doctrine, adopting discontinuous electrification (battery-electric) as the standard model for decarbonizing regional rail lines. The strategy is reinforced by government policies, such as India's new budget, which exempts customs duties on lithium-ion cells and battery storage systems to bolster grid resilience and lower technology costs. [a2b Global Media, 2-2-26]
CPKC REPORTS RECORD JANUARY GRAIN, GRAIN PRODUCTS SHIPMENTS: Canadian Pacific Kansas City said it has broken its January monthly record for shipping Canadian grain and grain products, moving 2.4 million metric tons in Jan. 2026, beating the previous tonnage record set in Jan. 2023. [CPKC, 2-2-26]
U.K. TRANSFERS WEST MIDLAND TRAINS TO PUBLIC OWNERSHIP: The U.K. government has transferred West Midlands Trains to public ownership, encompassing both London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway services. This makes West Midlands the fourth operator to be nationalized as part of unification of the country's rail network. [a2b Global Media, 2-2-26]
ROANOKE PLANS TO BUILD STATION NEXT TO CITY'S CURRENT PLATFORM: The city of Roanoke, Va., plans to construct a train station for passengers at the Amtrak downtown platform. Last year the city got a $770,000 federal grant to study the potential for a train station and development of the surrounding area. The station would be a place for passengers to wait inside, out of the elements, with seating, restrooms and an information kiosk. [WDBJ, 2-2-26]
JANUARY 2026 AMTRAK LONG-DISTANCE TRAIN PERFORMANCE: Fifty-five percent of Amtrak's named long-distance trains arrived at their scheduled final destination on time or earlier in January 2026. The remaining trains, on average, arrived one hour and 13 minutes late. MORE.. [Bull Sheet Statistical Dept., 2-1-26]
TEN-ACRE STOCKPILE OF RAILROAD TIES CATCHES FIRE IN FLORIDA: Firefighters from Marion County Rescue and Florida Forest Service fought a railroad tie fire in Dunnellon, Fla., on Febr. 1. The fire covered 10 acres of ties treated with creosote, which can produce heavy, irritating smoke. State and county leaders had by trying for months to have the ties removed, and removal work had been underway. [MSN, 2-1-26]
LAKE SHORE LIMITED SIX & ONE-HALF HOURS LATE LEAVING NEW YORK: Amtrak's westbound Lake Shore Limited of Febr. 1 left New York six and one-half hours behind schedule, delayed within the terminal by late arrival of its inbound train set, equipment repairs and adjustments. [Amtrak, 2-1-26]
NORFOLK SOUTHERN TRAIN HITS SEMI-TRUCK DURING SNOW STORM IN N.C., NO INJURIES: A semi-truck was hit by a Norfolk Southern train after the truck got stuck at a crossing in a snowstorm on Jan. 31 in Gastonia, N.C. The truck was heavily damaged, but its driver was able to escape from his vehicle before the collision, and there were no injuries. [WBTV, 1-31-26]
TWO TRAINS COLLIDE IN MISSOURI, NO INJURIES: Two trains collided early Jan. 30 near Burgess, Mo., in the rural northwest part of Barton County. The incident involved a CPKC train carrying grain making contact with another train that was stopped on a siding adjacent to the main line. No injuries were reported. [KOAM, 1-31-26]
AMTRAK'S CARDINAL ARRIVES INTO CHICAGO OVER FOUR & ONE-HALF HOURS LATE: Amtrak's westbound Cardinal was more than four and one-half hours late arriving into Chicago on Jan. 31. En route delays of the train included mechanical trouble requiring a new locomotive in Newark, N.J., and blockage by a disabled freight train in Indiana. [Amtrak, 1-31-26]
DRIVER OF PICKUP TRUCK DIES IN COLLISION WITH BNSF TRAIN IN NEBRASKA: A BNSF train struck a small pickup truck early Jan. 29 near Minden, Nebr, resulting in the death of its driver. The truck crossed the tracks and was struck by the westbound train. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. [Nebraska TV, 1-30-26]
AMTRAK STRIVING TO RESTORE SERVICE TO NORMAL: In a message to customers, Amtrak said its teams are working to restore normal service. While conditions are improving, impacts may continue as efforts progress. Amtrak is also monitoring an additional weather system. Customers may experience delays and additional service adjustments or cancellations this weekend, possibly into Febr. 2. [Amtrak, 1-30-26]
CANADIAN NATIONAL REPORTS 4-Q EARNINGS: CN's fourth-quarter revenues were $4.46-billion (C), a 2 pct increase, operating income of $1.73-million was a increase of 6 pct, and adjusted operating income of $1.78-billion was an increase of 9 pct. Adjusted operating ratio of 60.1 pct was an improvement of 2.5 points, and adjusted net income of $1.28-billion was an increase of 12 pct. [CN, 1-30-26]
LAKE SHORE LIMITED FIVE HOURS LATE INTO CHICAGO: Amtrak's westbound Lake Shore Limited arrived into Chicago five hours late on Jan. 30. The train had left New York 20 minutes late the evening before and had more delay in Albany adding a locomotive, and then was further delayed due to a communication outage east of Cleveland. [Amtrak, 1-30-26]
DAVID DECH NAMED PRESIDENT OF NORTHERN INDIANA COMMUTER RAIL DISTRICT: Northern Indiana Commuter ail district, operator of the 90-mile line from Chicago to South Bend has chosen David Dech as president, effective March 16. Most recently, he served as executive director of the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority. He succeeds Michael Noland. [Progressive Railroading, 1-30-26]
PINSLY R.R. CELEBRATES REOPENING OF SHORT LINE IN SOUTHERN ALABAMA: Pinsly Railroad on Jan. 20 reopened a 36-mile short line in southern Alabama following a $6-million rehab. The Georgiana & Andalusia Railroad, formerly the Three Notch Railway, had been out of service when Pinsly assumed operation this past October. It provides service to shippers near Andalusia, and it interchanges with CSX at Georgiana. [Progressive Railroading, 1-30-26]
AMTRAK RELEASES RAIL-THEMED APPAREL PROMOTING ACELA SERVICE: Amtrak has released a limited-edition, railway-themed tracksuit priced at $279. The apparel launch is a marketing initiative timed to coincide with New York Fashion Week and to promote the introduction of its new NextGen Acela trains on the Northeast corridor. [a2b Global Media, 1-30-26]
PARSONS AWARDED DESIGN-ENGINEERING CONTRACT FOR CLAREMONT, CALIF., LIGHT-RAIL EXTENSION: The Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority has awarded a $60-million design and engineering services contract for the 2.3-mile light-rail Claremont extension of the Metro A line light-rail system in California to Parsons Transportation Group. [Progressive Railroading, 1-30-26]
U.K. TO INTRODUCE ITS FIRST BATTERY-ONLY PASSENGER TRAIN JAN. 31: Great Western Railway will introduce the U.K.'s first battery-only-powered train into passenger service on Saturday, Jan. 31. The Class 230 train has been used for a successful trial of fast-charge technology on the Greenford branch line over the past 22 months. [Rail Business Daily, 1-30-26]
AMTRAK REPORTS RECORD RIDERSHIP IN 1-Q FY-2026: Amtrak reported record ridership and ticket revenue for the first quarter of FY-26 during its Jan. 28 board meeting. But company leadership cautioned that equipment shortages and infrastructure projects will present challenges over the rest of the year. Ridership climbed by 422,000 compared to the same period last year, a 4.7 pct year-over-year gain, exceeding internal forecasts by 49,000 riders. Growth was seen across all business lines: Northeast corridor up 294,000 passenger trips, state-supported runs up 95,000, and long-distance up 33,000. A major challenge is the delayed rollout of the new Acela fleet, with just eight train sets currently in service. Reliability issues - especially door malfunctions - are limiting capacity while the aging legacy Acela fleet approaches retirement. [Rail Passengers Assn., 1-30-26]
FIRST SEMI-AUTOMATED TRAIN OPERATION INITIATED IN SWITZERLAND: BLT Baselland Transport has initiated Switzerland's first semi-automated train operation of the Waldenburg-Liestal line following approval from the Federal Office of Transport. The system runs on a communications-based train-control platform. [a2b Global Media, 1-30-26]
FIRST GERMAN TEST COMPLETED OF REMOTELY-CONTROLLED S-BAHN PASSENGER TRAIN WITHIN A DEPOT: Germany's Deutsche Bahn and Alstom have completed the first operational test of a remotely-controlled S-Bahn passenger train within a live depot. The test focused on shunting maneuvers as part of an initiative to digitize German rail operations. [a2b Global Media, 1-30-26]
CSX COMPLETES HUMP YARD EXTENSION AT AVON YARD IN INDIANAPOLIS: CSX on Jan. 28 announced it completed the cutover on a hump yard extension at its Avon yard in Indianapolis. Crews added 3500 feet of new track,extending the hump lead to 8000 feet. The project enables the yard to process full-length trains in a single cut, improve remote control switching, and reduce dwell time, officials said. [CSX, 1-29-26]
NORFOLK SOUTHERN REPORTS 4-Q EARNINGS: Norfolk Southern has announced fourth-quarter revenue was $3.0-billion, income from railway operations was $937-million, operating ratio was 68.5 pct, and diluted earnings per share were $2.87. Adjusting the results to exclude merger-related expenses and the effects of the Palestine, Ohio, incident, income from railway operations was $1.0-billion, operating ratio was 65.3 pct, and diluted EPS were $3.22. [Norfolk Southern, 1-29-26]
TRACK EXPANSION COMPLETED AT UNION PACIFIC-SERVED TRANSLOAD TERMINAL IN BIG SPRING, TEXAS: Twin Eagle Terminals & Logistics has completed a 2000-foot track expansion at its transload terminal in Big Spring, Texas. The project increased terminal capacity and brought the terminal's total rail footprint to more than 37,000 feet of track. The facility is served by Union Pacific. [Progressive Railroading, 1-29-26]
FRA ISSUES RULE CONCERNING SAFETY REFLECTORIZATION OF FREIGHT CARS: The Federal Railroad Administration has issued a final rule that codifies waivers and removes an outdated implementation schedule setting minimum requirements to help motor vehicle operators see rail freight cars at night and in poor visibility conditions with reflectorization sheeting. The rule codifies an exemption for equipment used for excursion, tourist, historic, educational, recreational or private purposes, except for incidental freight service. [Railway Age, 1-29-26].
MEXICAN TRAIN THAT DERAILED DEC. 28 KILLING 14 PASSENGERS WAS SPEEDING, INVESTIGATORS SAY: The Interoceanic Train in Mexico that derailed Dec. 28 was traveling 40 MPH hour, over nine MPH above the authorized speed in a curve, according to investigators. Fourteen passengers died and 98 more were injured. It is also reported that the train had been traveling much of its route at half again the permitted speed along straight areas prior to the incident. [La Journado, 1-29-26[
MBTA TAKING BIDS TO OPERATE TRANSIT OPERATIONS, MAINTENANCE: The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is taking bids to handle transit operations and maintenance. Keolis, the current operator, is included on the list of potential bidders. [Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen, 1-29-26]
HUDSON TUNNEL PROJECT WILL BE HALTED IF FUNDING STOPS: The Gateway Development Commission on Jan. 27 said that construction of the Hudson Tunnel project will pause if disbursements of federal funds do not resume in the coming days. Contractors have been notified that funding will run out Febr. 6, and they will spend the next two weeks winding down work at their active sites and wait until funding once again becomes available. [Progressive Railroading, 1-28-26]
AMTRAK TO RESTORE FULL N.Y.- ALBANY EMPIRE SERVICE IN EARLY MARCH: Amtrak will restore full daily Empire service between New York City and Albany ahead of schedule in early March. The return of the service signals the end of a planed expansion of Metro-North commuter service north of Poughkeepsie. The three-year East River tunnel project continues, but Amtrak has committed to running full Empire service for the duration of the project, and is guaranteeing a $99 fare cap between end points during that time. Empire service typically transports some two million riders a year, and it hit new records in ridership in 2024. [News10, 1-28-26]
WEEKLY U.S. RAIL FREIGHT TRAFFIC REPORT: U.S. railroads originated 481,708 carloads and intermodal units in the week ending Jan. 24, 2026, up 6.0 pct compared with the corresponding week last year. Calculated separately, carloads were up 13.7 pct, and intermodal was up 0.5 pct. [Assn. of American Railroads, 1-28-26]
CPKC REPORTS 4-Q EARNINGS: Canadian Pacific Kansas City reported fourth-quarter revenues of $3.9-billion, diluted earnings per share of $1.20, and core adjusted diluted EPS of $1.33. Reported operating ratio decreased 80 basis points to 58.9 pct, a CPKC record. Meanwhile, the company's board today declared a quarterly dividend of 22.8 cents per share, payable to holders of record on March 27, 2026. [CPKC, 1-28-26]
MICHAEL GAYNOR DIES, PRESIDENT OF GORAIL: GoRail president Michael Gaynor has died, the organization announced yesterday. He was named president in 2025. GoRail is a non-profit coalition of community leaders who support freight rail transportation. [Progressive Railroading, 1-28-26]
SPAIN TO AWARD $23.8-M TO VICTIMS OF JAN. 18 TRAIN COLLISION IN ADAMUZ: The Spanish government will award about $23.8-million in compensation to victims of the Jan. 18 collision and train derailment in Adamuz. The incident, which killed 45 and injured over 150, is now believed to have been caused by a pre-existing track fracture, according to investigators. [a2b Global Media, 1-28-26]
THIRTY-FOUR CARS OF CANADIAN NATIONAL TRAIN DERAIL IN B.C., NO INJURIES: Canadian National crews are responding to a derailment that occurred late Jan. 27 between Vanderhoof and Prince George, B.C. The incident involved 34 cars loaded with coal derailing in various positions. There were no injuries or fires, the railroad said. [CKPG Today, 1-28-26]
PHOENIX SCRAPS PLAN TO EXPAND LIGHT-RAIL ALONG INTERSTATE 10: The Phoenix city council has decided to shelve plans to expand the light-rail system to the Arizona capitol and West Valley along I-10, despite already sinking tens of millions of dollars into the project. The council instead voted to expedite a separately-planned route that will bring service west along Indian School road to the Desert Sky transit center in Maryvale. Phoenix plans to begin community information sessions and other work on the Indian School route this year, and could begin design work by 2029. KJZZ, 1-28-26]
AMTRAK'S VERMONTER HAS MINOR DERAILMENT IN MASSACHUSETTS, NO INJURIES: The locomotive of Amtrak's southbound Vermonter derailed at slow speed entering a switch Jan. 27 in Northfield, Mass. There were 113 passengers aboard the train at the time. It is believed that ice in the switch may have caused the locomotive to slip off the track. No injuries were reported and there were no fuel leaks or loss of head-end electrical power to the coaches. Passengers remained on the train until it was safe to disembark to buses to continue their journey. [WGGB, 1-27-26]
UNION PACIFIC REPORTS 4-Q RESULTS: Union Pacific has reported fourth-quarter net income of $1.8-billion and diluted earnings per share of $3.11. Results include industrial park land sales of $234-million, increasing diluted EPS 30 cents, and $30-million of merger costs, reducing diluted EPS five cents. Adjusted fourth-quarter net income of $1.7-billion or adjusted diluted EPS of $2.86 compares to adjusted net income of $1,8-billion or adjusted diluted EPS of $2.96 in the same quarter last year. [Union Pacific, 1-27-26]
UNION PACIFIC MOVING 'QUICKLY' TO ADDRESS DEFICIENCIES IN MERGER APPLICATION: Union Pacific said today that it is moving quickly to address deficiencies that led federal officials to deem its application to acquire Norfolk Southern 'incomplete,' and expects to refile an updated version within weeks. Once it resubmits the application, the regulatory process will restart with a fresh 30-day review period. Interested parties may file comments during that period, and applicants may respond. [Journal of Commerce, 1-27-26]
NORFOLK SOUTHERN DECLARES QUARTERLY DIVIDEND: Norfolk Southern today announced a quarterly dividend of $1.35 per share on its common stock, payable to shareholders of record on Febr. 6, 2026. [NS, 1-27-26]
GROUND BROKEN ON TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT PROJECT IN DALLAS: Dallas Area Rapid Transit and development partner Trammell Crow Co. have broken ground on a transit-oriented development project at the SMU Mockingbird light-rail station. It calls for a 500-space subsurface parking garage for light-rail riders, 394 apartment units, a hotel and office space. [Progressive Railroading, 1-27-26]
TEXAS EAGLE, LAKE SHORE LIMITED EXTENSIVELY DELAYED BEFORE LEAVING CHICAGO: Amtrak's Texas Eagle on Jan. 27 was nine hours late leaving Chicago, and the Lake Shore Limited the same date was more than six and one-half hours late, also leaving from there. In both instances, the only delays reported by Amtrak on its performance website link were due to mechanical crews servicing the train, equipment adjustments and repairs. [Amtrak, 1-27-26]
EDMONTON SELECTS HYUNDAI ROTEM TO SUPPLY 40 LRV'S FOR CAPITAL, METRO LINES: Edmonton, Alberta, has selected Hyundai Rotem as preferred bidder to supply 40 high-floor light-rail vehicles for the Capital and Metro lines. They will replace 37 Siemens U2 vehicles nearing the end of their service life. [Railway Gazette, 1-27-26]
OMNITRAX NAMES RYAN DREIER AS NEW CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER: OmniTRAX has named Ryan Dreier as its new chief commercial officer. He joined the company as executive vice-president in 2025 from BNSF, were he served as vice-president of industrial products marketing. [Freight Waves, 1-27-26]
REPORT RELEASED ON 2024 VIA RAIL RED SIGNAL VIOLATION IN MONTREAL: Canada's Transportation Safety Board has released a report into a 2024 occurrence of a VIA Rail passenger train that passed a stop signal in a backup move into a Montreal maintenance facility following off-loading of passengers. The train initially stopped for the red signal. While waiting, the crew member in the tail-end car perceived that the top light of the signal changed to yellow, which was interpreted as 'permissive,' so the train continued past the signal. However the yellow color was likely caused by a reflection of sunlight upon the lens. While backing up, the train passed the signal, which was still displaying a stop indication, before coming to a stop after running through a switch. A freight train traveling westward on the same track came to a stop 1700 feet behind the VIA train. There was no collision or derailment, and there were no injuries. [Canadian Transportation Safety Board, 1-27-26]
KEOLIS AWARDED ANOTHER CONTRACT AS VRE OPERATOR: Keolis North America has been awarded a new contract to continue operations of the Virginia Railway Express, extending its status as operator that began in 2010. The new contract is effective this coming July, and has the potential to expand to 15 years. [Trains Magazine, 1-27-26]
GROUND BROKEN ON GO TRANSIT'S BOWMANVILLE EXTENSION: Ontario has broken ground on GO Transit's Bowmanville Extension. It will extend the Lakeshore East line into Durham Region, accommodating an estimated 4.9 million boardings annually by 2041. [Ontario government, 1-27-26]
MARYLAND ANNOUNCES 2026-2031 CAPITAL TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM: The Maryland Dept. of Transportation has released the final version of its $22,1-billion capital transportation program for fiscal-years 2026-2031. The plan includes more than $1-billion to modernize the light-rail system in Baltimore, and also includes a six-year plan to rehab Dundalk Marine Terminal berths 11-13, served by CSX and Norfolk Southern. [Progressive Railroading, 1-26-26]
WEEKLY AMTRAK LONG-DISTANCE TRAIN PERFORMANCE: Forty-four percent of Amtrak's named long-distance trains arrived at their scheduled final destination on time or earlier in the week ending January 25, 2026. The remaining trains, on average, arrived one hour and 43 minutes late. MORE.. [Bull Sheet Statistical Dept., 1-26-26]
BNSF ANNOUNCES $3.6-B CAPITAL INVESTMENT PLAN FOR 2026: BNSF has announced its $3.6-billion capital investment plan for 2026. The largest component of the plan devotes $2.8-billion to maintenance, surfacing or undercutting 13,000 miles of track, replacement of 2.5 million rail ties and over 400 miles of rail. [BNSF, 1-26-26]
SOUND TRANSIT TO OPEN CROSSLAKE CONNECTION LIGHT-RAIL LINE ON MARCH 28: Seattle's Sound Transit plans to open light-rail service on the Crosslake Connection segment of the East Link 2 line on March 28, connecting two light-rail lines into one regional system. Trains will connect Redmond and Lynnwood crossing Lake Washington via a floating bridge, connecting to the 1 line in Seattle's Chinatown International District. [Progressive Railroading, 1-26-26]
TRAIN DERAILS IN OLD FORGE, PA., NO INJURIES: Twenty-three cars of a northbound Reading Blue Mountain & Northern freight train derailed early Jan. 26 along the Pittston-to-Scranton branch line in Old Forge, Pa. Officials said that both a through freight train and a yard job operating on the Taylor branch were involved at the time of the incident. No injuries were reported. [WHP Harrisburg, 1-26-26]
POLAND'S RAIL RIDERSHIP FLOURISHES: Poland's national long-distance rail operator transported a record 89.2 million passengers in 2025, a 13 pct increase over 2024, and 31 pct higher than 2023. This performance allowed the carrier to exceed its strategic target of 88 million passengers by 2030. [a2b Global Media, 1-26-26]
JAPANESE MAGLEV PROJECT FACING DELAY BY AT LEAST SEVEN YEARS: The Central Japan Railway has confirmed its Chuo Shinkansen 310-MPH magnetic levitation line is facing a significant delay, pushing its inauguration from 2027 to a new window of 2034-2035. [a2b Global Media, 1-26-26]
SPAIN SEEKS TO ELIMINATE ALL DIESEL-POWERED TRAINS: Spain's ministry of transport has initiated a public consultation to phase out all diesel-powered trains. The goal has gained urgency following a recent fatal high-speed train crash. The plan targets 3078 miles of non-electrified track. [a2b Global Media, 1-26-26]
NEW LONG-DISTANCE SLEEPER TRAIN BEGINS IN EASTERN INDIA: A new semi-high-speed, long-distance sleeper rail service opened Jan. 22 in eastern India, bringing more convenient, comfortable travel options to the region. The 'Vande Bharat Sleeper' runs about 600 miles in about 14 hours with 13 stops between Howrah Junction and Kamakhya Junction. [Rail Passengers Assn., 1-24-26]
L.A. METRO SELECTS UNDERGROUND HEAVY-RAIL LINE FOR SEPULVEDA TRANSIT CORRIDOR: The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation authority's board has approved a heavy-rail underground line as the preferred alternative for the Sepulveda Transit corridor. The project aims to build a high-capacity connection through the Sepulveda Pass, linking the San Fernando Valley and West Los Angeles to bypass chronic congestion on the I-405 freeway. [a2b Global Media, 1-23-26]
BNSF, HOBBY LOBBY CELEBRATE OPENING OF NEW INTERMODAL FACILITY IN OKLAHOMA CITY: BNSF and Hobby Lobby Stores gathered on Jan. 22 to celebrate the opening of the railroad's new Oklahoma City intermodal facility. The 42-acre facility provides more streamlined, coast-efficient options for customer Hobby Lobby. The arts & crafts retailer was looking for a simpler and more economical movement of its loaded containers from the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to the network of Hobby Lobby distribution centers in Oklahoma City. [BNSF, 1-23-26]
PA. GRANTS W&LE $5.9-M TOWARD REHAB OF THREE RAIL BRIDGES: Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway will use $5.9-million in grant funds from the Pa. Dept. of Transportation to rehab tree rail bridges in it Pittsburgh and Rook subdivisions in Washington County, Pa. [Progressive Railroading, 1-23-26]
GEORGIA'S BLUE RIDGE CONNECTOR IS 95 PCT COMPLETE: The Georgia Ports Authority on Jan. 22 announced that the Blue Ridge Connector, their latest addition to its inland rail network, is now 95 pct complete. It will open for operation later this year. [Railway Age, 1-23-26]
AMTRAK'S FLORIDIAN ARRIVES 12 HOURS LATE INTO CHICAGO: Amtrak's northbound Floridian was 12 hours behind schedule arriving into Chicago on Jan. 23. According to Amtrak, the train had left from its origin point Miami on time, but had extensive en route delays due to freight train interference and mechanical issues. [Amtrak, 1-23-26]
NORFOLK SOUTHERN TRAIN CARRYING GRAIN DERAILS IN ALABAMA: A Norfolk Southern train carrying grain derailed about five to 10 rail cars in Valley Head, Alabama, on Jan. 23. The incident caused heavy traffic congestion in the area, but there was no danger to the public, and no injuries were reported. [WHNT, 1-23-26]
EUROTUNNEL TO INSTALL LESHUTTLE LOCOMOTIVES WITH NEW SIGNALING: Channel Tunnel concessionaire Eurotunnel has begun the first phase of its on-board modernization program, contracting to install the European Rail Traffic Management signaling system on its fleet of 57 LeShuttle locomotives. [a2b Global Media, 1-23-26]
STEAM LOCOMOTIVE DUKE OF GLOUCESTER TO VISIT U.K. STEAM GALA IN APRIL: Britain's Severn Valley Railway has confirmed BR-71000 Duke of Gloucester as the first visiting locomotive for its Spring Steam Gala, to be held April 16 to 19. The visit will be the first time the unique Class 8P has appeared in public service at a heritage line following its third major overhaul last year. It was built at Crewe Works in April 1954, and remains the sole example of its class and the final mainline express steam locomotive designed for British Railways. [Rail Business Daily, 1-23-26]
FIRST OF 37 AUTOMATED TRAINS FOR SANTIAGO, CHILE, UNVEILED: Alstom has unveiled the first of 37 automated trains for Santiago Metro's new $2.5-billion Line 7 project. The 16-mile line will use Urbalis CBTC signaling, enabling driverless operation. [a2b Global Media, 1-23-26]
UP TO 20 NEW HIGH-SPEED TRAINS TO BE ACQUIRED FOR PORTUGAL: The Portuguese government has approved a $688-million Life Trains Portugal purchase of up to 20 new high-speed trains to serve the upcoming Lisbon-Porto line, including funds for depots. Each train will have a capacity of 500 passengers and a top speed of 186 MPH. [Trenvista, 1-23-26]
AMTRAK CANCELLATIONS DUE TO PREDICTED WEATHER: Amtrak is monitoring severe weather conditions expected for this weekend. This may result in cancellations or delays in the Northeast and Amtrak will attempt to communicate directly with affected customers regarding any changes. Meanwhile, several trains into and out of Chicago are already canceled. [Amtrak, 1-22-26]
CSX REPORTS 4-Q EARNINGS: CSX has reported fourth-quarter operating income of $1.11-billion and net earnings of $720-million or 39 cents per share. Both figures include about $50-million and 2 cents, respectively, in severance and rationalization of technology investments. [CSX, 1-22-26]
NORFOLK SOUTHERN ORDERS 40 NEW LOCOMOTIVES FROM WABTEC: Norfolk Southern has ordered 40 new six-axle, AC-powered locomotives from Wabtec, marking its first new locomotive purchase since 2022. Delivery is expected in the second half of the year. The company said that it currently rosters about 1600 high-horsepower, road-type locomotives. [Norfolk Southern, 1-22-26]
AMTRAK COMPLETES KEY BORINGS FOR NEW BALTIMORE TUNNEL PROJECT: An Amtrak contractor has completed key geotechnical investigations as part of the B&P tunnel replacement program. The soil borings provide critical data for construction of the new Frederick Douglass tunnel, a project designed to eliminate a major Northeast corridor bottleneck. [a2b Global Media, 1-22-26]
PORTLAND & WESTERN R.R. TRAIN DERAILS, DAMAGES TRESTLE: A Portland & Western Railroad trestle bridge spanning the Olalla Slough near the Oregon coast was damaged early Jan. 21, and the stalled freight train impacted nearby road traffic for part of the morning. Three locomotives derailed as they began to cross the bridge, The train was not carrying hazardous material, and no injuries were reported. [KGW, 1-22-26]
RAIL INDUSTRY LACKS SUFFICIENT ATTENTION TO EMPLOYEE FATIGUE, REPORT SAYS: An analysis by the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism has found that too little is being done to counter safety lapses related to fatigue in the railroad industry. The Howard Center reviewed NTSB reports and found that fatigue-related accidents killed at least nine people and injured over 300 from 2015 to 2024. [Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen, 1-22-26]
CPKC ORDERS 65 SD70ACe FREIGHT LOCOMOTIVES FROM PROGRESS RAIL: CPKC and Progress Rail have announced an agreement in which the railroad will buy 65 new SD70ACe Tier-4 freight locomotives. They will feature Progress Rail's Talos energy management system powered by artificial intelligence and certified to deliver a 12.3 pct efficiency gain. [Progressive Railroading, 1-22-26]
LONG ISLAND R.R. SEEKS LEASE OF UP TO 26 DIESEL-HAULED PASSENGER COACHES FOR SUMMER SEASON: The MTA Long Island Rail Road is requesting proposals from potential firms regarding the lease of up to 26 diesel locomotive-hauled passenger coaches for the 2026 summer season. [Progressive Railroading, 1-22-26]
SOUTHWEST CHIEF DELAYED THREE HOURS IN NEBRASKA BY TRACK REPAIRS: Amtrak's eastbound Southwest Chief of Jan. 20 was delayed three hours west of Hastings, Nebr., on Jan. 22 because of track needing emergency repair. [Amtrak, 1-22-26]
NORFOLK SOUTHERN ADDS NEW INTERMODAL SERVICE CONNECTING CHICAGO, NEW ENGLAND: Norfolk Southern has introduced double-stack intermodal service connecting Chicago and New England reducing transit times by up to 10 hours. Known as 'East Edge,' it marks a forward step in the company's strategy to handle double-stack service across its network. [Norfolk Southern, 1-21-26]
SIERRA NORTHERN RWY UNVEILS COMMEMORATIVE U.S. 250TH ANNIVERSARY LOCOMOTIVE: Sierra Northern Railway has unveiled a specially-painted locomotive to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. It is unit 250, and it features the carrier's blue, white and gold scheme with a unique flag motif. It was originally build as a GP7 in the early 1950's for the ATSF, and later served the Burlington Northern. [Progressive Railroading, 1-21-26]
ALSTOM TO SUPPLY 70 SUBWAY TRAINS TO TORONTO: Alstom has reached a $2.3-billion (C) deal with the Toronto Transit Commission to supply 70 subway trains of six cars apiece to replace the fleet of the city's Line 2. The contract includes options for up to 150 additional trains, if needed. [Progressive Railroading, 1-21-26]
WEEKLY U.S. RAIL FREIGHT TRAFFIC REPORT: U.S. railroads originated 505,385 carloads and intermodal units in the week ending Jan. 17, 2026, up 1.1 pct compared with the corresponding week last year. Calculated separately, carloads were up 3.9 pct, and intermodal was down 1.1 pct. [Assn. of American Railroads, 1-21-26]
SPANISH COMMUTER TRAIN CRASHES, KILLING ONE, INJURING 37: Commuter rail service in Spain's northeastern Catalonia region was suspended after a Barcelona commuter train crashed late Jan. 20 killing one and injuring 37 others. The train hit a retaining wall that fell onto the tracks near Gelida, about 23 miles from Barcelona. The crash came two days after Spain's worst rail disaster since 2013, which killed (at latest count) at least 43. [WFMZ. 1-21-26]
SOUTHWEST CHIEF OVER EIGHT HOURS LATE ARRIVING INTO L.A.: Amtrak's westbound Southwest Chief arrived into Los Angeles more than eight ours late on Jan. 21. The train had left Chicago Jan. 19 two hours late due to late release of equipment, subsequently encountering further delays en route due to mechanical issues. [Amtrak, 1-21-26]
AUSTRIA'S BRENNER BASE TUNNEL BORING 70 PCT COMPLETE: The 'Wilma' tunnel boring machine has completed 3.1 miles of excavation in the western main tunnel of Austria's Brenner Base tunnel's Pfons-Brenner section. The machine began boring in Sept. 2024, and has now completed approximately 70 pct of its 4.6-mile route. [a2b Global Media, 1-21-26]
CSX TRAIN DERAILS IN TENNESSEE, NEARBY HOMES EVACUATED: About 50 homes were evacuated after a CSX train derailed early Jan. 20 near Wartrace, Tennessee. The incident involved four cars carrying denatured alcohol, but no leaks developed. No injuries were reported. [WSMV and WZTV, 1-20-26]
REDESIGN OF JAMAICA STATION IN QUEENS PROPOSED: New York's governor has proposed a $50-million investment to redesign Jamaica station in Queens, one of New York City's most congested transit hubs, which serves over 200,000 passengers daily. The proposal aims to modernize the station for the first time in over two decades, and also includes funding for the preliminary design of a major subway expansion. [a2b Global Media, 1-20-26]
SIEMENS TO SUPPLY SEVEN ADVANCED CHARGER DIESEL LOCOMOTIVES TO TRI-RAIL: South Florida Regional Transportation Authority has ordered seven advanced Charger diesel locomotives from Siemens Mobility, expected to enter Tri-Rail service in 2029. [Railpace, 1-20-26]
SEVEN U.S. HOUSE MEMBERS ASK STB TO REQUIRE UP, NS TO DETAIL IMPACT TO LABOR FROM MERGER: Seven U.S. House members have asked the Surface Transportation Board to require Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern to explain in detail how their potential merger would impact labor. Their request was made prior to STB's rejection of the merger application, but their request could present itself in a renewed merger application, which is expected. [Progressive Railroading, 1-20-26]
ALLTRANSTEK COMPLETES ACQUISITION OF RAS DATA SERVICES: AllTranstek LLC has completed its acquisition of the assets of RAS Data Services. AllTranstek manages more than 500,000 rail cars across North America and provides technical and operational support to the rail equipment supply chain. [Progressive Railroading, 1-20-26]
INLAND PORT IN S.C. SETS RAIL CONTAINER RECORD: South Carolina's Inland Port Dillon in 2025 reported its busiest calendar year on record in 2025, processing 48,761 rail containers, an increase of 33 pct from the prior year. [Freight Waves, 1-20-26]
SIEMENS COMPLETES SIGNAL, INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES ACROSS U.K.'S RAIL NETWORK: Siemens has completed a series of digital signaling and infrastructure upgrades across the U.K. rail network, including modernization of one of the nation's busiest corridors. The work advances a national strategy go create a more reliable, high-capacity railway by deploying European train-control technology. [a2b Global Media, 1-20-26]
WORN 'FISHPLATE' MAY HAVE BEEN CAUSE OF SPANISH TRAIN DERAILMENT, TECHNICIANS SAY: Technicians investigating the cause of the Jan. 18 Spanish train disaster have uncovered a faulty joint on the rails. They identified wear on the joint between sections of the rail, known as a fishplate, which showed the fault had been there for some time. It created a gap between the rail sections that widened as trains continued to travel through on the track, they said. [Rail Business Daily, 1-20-26]
D.C. METRO PROPOSES $4.8-B CAPITAL, OPERATING BUDGET FOR FY-2027: The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority has released its proposed $4.8-billion capital and operating budget for FY-2027, initiating a public comment period. The agency's focus is on improving efficiency and capacity. [WMATA, 1-20-26]
FLORIDIAN LEAVES FROM CHICAGO TWO & ONE-HALF HOURS LATE: Amtrak's southbound Floridian on Jan. 20 was more than two and one-half hours late leaving from Chicago due to mechanical crews servicing the train set and performing a locomotive swap. [Amtrak, 1-20-26]
EMPIRE BUILDER DELAYED LEAVING FROM CHICAGO BY MECHANICAL ISSUES, ENGINE SWAP: Amtrak's westbound Empire Builder on Jan. 20 departed from Chicago almost four hours behind schedule because of mechanical problems and a locomotive swap. [Amtrak, 1-20-26]
FATAL TRAIN DERAILMENT IN SPAIN: A high-speed train crash in Spain has killed at least 39 people and injured 170 others, and the death toll is likely to rise. The train derailed late Jan. 18 in the town of Adamuz, encroaching on the adjacent track, colliding with another oncoming train, which also left the track. There were about 300 people on one train and about 186 on the other. Emergency services confirmed 39 deaths while 170 were injured. Fifteen of those in hospitals are seriously hurt, including four children. [Rail Business Daily, 1-19-26]
CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON LONG BRIDGE PROJECT IN D.C.: Crews began construction on the Long Bridge project last week, triggering route changes and delays for Amtrak and Virginia Railway Express. Service adjustments are expected throughout construction, which is slated for completion in 2030. All Amtrak-Virginia routes will remain in service during construction, with temporary adjustments to accommodate work. One of the five daily round-trips between Virginia and D.C. will be replaced with buses, and Virginia Railway Express is ending some routes in Alexandria, Va., where D.C. Metrorail service is also available. [Progressive Railroading, 1-19-26]
WEEKLY AMTRAK LONG-DISTANCE TRAIN PERFORMANCE: Sixty-one percent of Amtrak's named long-distance trains arrived at their scheduled final destination on time or earlier in the week ending Jan. 18, 2026. The remaining trains, on average, arrived one hour and three minutes late. MORE.. [Bull Sheet Statistical Dept., 1-19-26]
ALSTOM TO PROVIDE 15 ADDITIONAL AVELIA HORIZON TRAINSETS TO SNCF VOYAGEURS: French rail carrier SNCF Voyageurs has solidified its commitment to next-generation high-speed rail, approving an order for 15 additional Alstom Avelia Horizon TGVM trainsets. The acquisition expands its total fleet order to 160 units. [a2b Global Media, 1-19-26]
EMPIRE BUILDER DELAYED THREE HOURS BY DISABLED FREIGHT TRAIN IN MONTANA: Amtrak's westbound Empire Builder was delayed over three hours Jan. 19 east of Libby, Montana, due to a disabled freight train blocking the route ahead. [Amtrak, 1-19-26]
REJECTION OF STB'S UP-NS MERGER APPLICATION EXPLAINED: The Surface Transportation Board rejected the application by Union Pacific to acquire Norfolk Southern. The decision did not say the transaction is good or bad, pro-competitive or not. What it did say is that the application did not meet the board's basic requirements for completeness, and that under federal law, an incomplete application must be rejected. The applicants did not provide 'forward-looking' projections, even though they claimed the merger would lead to substantial traffic growth over several years. The applicants did not include key schedules that define how much regulatory burden U.P. is willing to accept before it could walk away from the deal. Also, a related application involving control of the Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis was misclassified. Any one of these reasons would have been enough to stop the clock. [Rail Passengers Assn., 1-17-26]
PORTAL BRIDGE PROJECT TO REDUCE TRAIN FREQUENCY DURING MONTH-LONG CUTOVER PHASE: Amtrak and N.J. Transit are bracing for a month of significant service disruptions on the Northeast corridor as the cutover to the Portal North bridge takes place beginning Febr. 13. The impact will require a 53 pct reduction of train service, affecting hundreds of daily trains as one of two tracks is transferred from the old bridge to the new bridge. [a2b Global Media, 1-17-26]
KANSAS ALLOCATES GRANT TOWARD SIDING-EXPANSION FOR SHINGLE PRODUCTION FACILITY IN NEWTON: The Kansas Dept. of Transportation has allocated a grant under its rail services improvement program toward a siding expansion in Newton to accommodate the anticipated surge in carload traffic from the new $400-million GAF shingle production facility, scheduled to begin operations late this year. [a2b Global Media, 1-17-26]
WESTBOUND EMPIRE BUILDER ANNULLED WEST OF SPOKANE DUE TO LATE ARRIVAL: Amtrak's westbound Empire Builder arrived into Spokane, Washington, 12 hours late on Jan. 17, and was annulled with buses substituting from that point to Seattle and Portland. Freight train interference and fierce weather conditions were faulted for the late arrival into Spokane. As a result of the annulment, the eastbound section of the Empire Builder that evening originated at Spokane. [Amtrak, 1-17-26]
EASTBOUND EMPIRE BUILDER NINE AND ONE-HALF HOURS LATE INTO CHICAGO: Amtrak's eastbound Empire Builder of Jan. 15 was over nine and one-half hours late arriving into Chicago, According to Amtrak, the en route delays were from mechanical issues and freight train interference. [Amtrak, 1-17-26]
SALUKI ROUND-TRIP ANNULLED DUE TO MECHANICAL ISSUE: Amtrak's round-trip Saluki trains 391-392 between Chicago and Carbondale were canceled Jan. 17 due to mechanical problems. [Amtrak, 1-17-26]
U.S. HOUSE BILL WOULD MANDATE FRA TO STUDY EFFECTIVENESS OF TANK CAR PRESSURE-RELIEF DEVICES: A bill introduced Jan. 15 in the U.S. House of Representatives calls for a study of how tank car pressure-relief devices perform during fiery derailments. The bill would require the Federal Railroad Administration to report to Congress on the rate and causes of device failures, and require the report to recommend ways to prevent such failures along with updates on the status of National Transportation Safety Board recommendations that have not been sufficiently answered. [Progressive Railroading, 1-16-26]
STB REJECTS UP-NS MERGER APPLICATION AS INCOMPLETE, BETTER REVISION NEEDED: The U.S. Surface Transportation Board on Jan. 16 rejected the merger application of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern as 'incomplete.' The board said that the railroads omitted post-merger market-share projections, as well as other documents required by law. The parties may file a revised application, subject to the same 30-day completeness review, but must notify the board of their plans to refile by Febr. 17. Union Pacific, in a statement, said it would comply. [Freight Waves, 1-16-26]
LAST OF NEW FLEXITY LIGHT-RAIL VEHICLES ENTER SERVICE IN TORONTO: Toronto Transit has marked the completion of its fleet expansion with the final of 60 new Alstom Flexity light-rail vehicles entering service on Jan. 13. The event increases the operational capacity of North America's largest and busiest light-rail network by nearly one-third. [a2b Global Media, 1-16-26]
RAILWAY POWER OUTAGE IN TOKYO DISRUPTS MORNING COMMUTE FOR THOUSANDS: A railway power outage in Tokyo disrupted the Jan. 16 morning commute for thousands of people as two main lines with some of the world's busiest stations were halted for several hours requiring trackside evacuations after reports of a fire. [Japan Today, 1-16-26]
PASSENGER TRAIN RETURNS TO NEW ZEALAND'S SOUTH ISLAND: Long-distance passenger rail service aimed at tourists will return to New Zealand's South Island for the first time since 2002 when the 'Mainlander' begins running once a month from Christchurch on Jan. 20. The entire four-day journey costs $999, which includes three nights in a hotel. Service will remain monthly until more frequent runs will be offered later this year, probably with a Friday-Sunday schedule. [Rail Passengers Assn., 1-16-26]
AMTRAK CANCELS K.C. TO CHICAGO TRAIN ON JAN. 16 FOR LACK OF EQUIPMENT: Due to unavailability of equipment, Amtrak train 318 was canceled between Kansas City of Chicago on Jan. 16. Bus service was provided. [Amtrak, 1-16-26]
AMTRAK DISCOUNTING USA RAIL PASS TO $250 FOR COACH SEATS ON SELECT ROUTES: Amtrak is discounting its USA Rail Pass from $499 to $250 for tickets booked between Jan. 14 and Jan. 20 on select routes. Travel must be within a select time period from purchase and only applies to coach seats. [Progressive Railroading, 1-16-26]
ALSTOM TO SUPPLY ADDITIONAL CORADIA MAX TRAINS TO BADEN-WURTTEMBERG: Alstom will supply 26 additional Coradia Max double-decker 124-MPH trains to the German state of Baden-Wurttemberg, including a maintenance plan extending to 2055. [a2b Global Media, 1-16-26]
AMTRAK SET TO TRANSFER ONE TRACK FROM OLD PORTAL BRIDGE TO NEW BRIDGE IN N.J.: Amtrak will be transferring one service track from the 114-year-old Portal bridge to the new Portal bridge spanning the Hackensack River in New Jersey on Febr. 13. The switch-over is in the final phase of construction, marking a milestone in the Gateway program, a series of infrastructure projects to double service capacity along the Northeast corridor. [Progressive Railroading, 1-16-26]
BLET MEMBERS RATIFY LABOR PACT WITH NYS&W: Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen members have ratified a new collective bargaining agreement with the New York, Susquehanna & Western Railway, which operates over 400 miles of track in N.Y., N.J. and Pa., connecting with Class-I carriers CSX and NS. [BLET, 1-15-26]
UNION PACIFIC TRAIN DERAILS NEAR GIDDINGS, TEXAS, NO INJURIES: About 30 cars of a Union Pacific train derailed early Jan. 14 about five miles south of Giddings, Texas. Photos from the scene show rail cars lying among brush and trees alongside the tracks. Nobody was injured and no hazazrdous material was involved. [CBS Austin, 1-15-26]
DERRICK WRIGHT NAMED PRESIDENT, CEO OF INDIANA RAIL ROAD: The board of Indiana Rail Road has appointed Derrick Wright president and CEO effective Jan. 16. He joined the company as vice-president of operations and mechanical in 2022, and he succeeds former president and CEO Joe Gioe, who joined Cando Rail & Terminals this past November. [Progressive Railroading, 1-15-26]
PASSENGERS FALL FROM SEATS AS TRAIN IN U.K. SWITCHES TRACKS AT TWICE THE PERMITTED SPEED: A number of passengers fell from their seats when a train lurched sideways after passing a set of switch points at more than twice the speed limit at U.K.'s Cambridge Junction at 56 MPH last month. The authorized speed was 25 MPH, and the signals displayed the correct indications. An investigation is ongoing. [Rail Business Daily, 1-15-26]
AT LEAST 32 DIE, SCORES INJURED WHEN CONSTRUCTION CRANE CRASHES INTO TRAIN IN THAILAND: A passenger train derailed and caught fire in northeastern Thailand on Jan. 14 after a construction crane fell on two of the train's cars, killing at least 32 people and injuring 66, the regional governor said. The crane was working on a high-speed rail project when it collapsed upon the passing train, causing the train to derail and briefly catch fire. [Reuters, 1-14-26]
SECOND EMERGENCY BOARD ORDERED TO MEDIATE LABOR DISPUTE ON LIRR: President Trump has ordered new mediation for stalled contract talks between New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority and leaders of five unions in a bid to avoid a strike on the Long Island Rail Road. The board will review whether the principals are negotiation in good faith. The panel will also have the power to recommend a resolution to the dispute, which entered mediation more than a year ago. {KTEN. 1-14-26]
WEEKLY U.S. RAIL FREIGHT TRAFFIC REPORT: U.S. railroads originated 510,457 carloads and intermodal units in the week ending Jan. 10, 2026, up 9.7 pct compared with the corresponding week last year. Calculated separately, carloads were up 16.7 pct, and intermodal was up 4.4 pct. [Assn. of American Railroads, 1-14-26]
CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON NEW AIRTRAIN SYSTEM AT NEWARK, N.J.: The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey has begun construction on the track and guideway structures for the new AirTrain system between the Newark, N.J., Liberty International Airport train station and the P4 parking lot station. The $3.5-billion system will replace the existing system, which opened at the airport in 1996. [Progressive Railroading, 1-14-26]
AMTRAK, VRE SCALING BACK SERVICE TO ACCOMMODATE CONSTRUCTION OF POTOMAC RIVER BRIDGE: Beginning this week, Amtrak and Virginia Railway Express are scaling back service and making other changes to allow for construction of the new bridge across the Potomac River south of Washington. The changes are expected to last through 2030. Crews are building the new two-track bridge, along with six other new bridges that are part of the $2.7-billion Long Bridge project. [WJLA, 1-14-26]
AMERICAN INDUSTRIAL TRANSPORT, TELEGRAPH PARTNER IN MANAGEMENT PLATFORM FOR RAIL CAR CUSTOMERS: American Industrial Transport, a rail-car services provider, has announced a partnership with Telegraph, a rail-focused predictive data and tech company, calling for Telegraph's products to be brought to AITX FleetAX, a real-time digital fleet management platform for railcar customers. [Progressive Railroading, 1-14-26]
MEXICO CITY TO MODERNIZE ITS METRO LINE 3: Mexico City has confirmed plans to modernize its 14.7-mile Metro line 3 with $270-million earmarked in the 2026 city budget for the first phase of works. [International Railway Journal, 1-14-26]
HUNGARIAN STATE RAILWAYS TO BUY 93 SECOND-HAND EMU'S: Hungarian State Railways has signed a contract with Stadler to purchase 93 second-hand GTW electric multiple-units, currently in service with Swiss operator Thurbo. [International Railway Journal, 1-14-26]
GENESEE & WYOMING TOUTS INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT RESULTS: Genesee & Wyoming today announced its latest industrial development results with 44 projects accounting for more than $1-billion in customer investments in 16 states. The projects are exacted to generate more than 700 jobs in communities along the company's U.S. rail networks, and add more than 82,000 carloads to the rail industry. With more than 100 owned or leased freight railroads, Genesee & Wyoming is the largest short line rail holding company in North America. [Genesee & Wyoming, 1-14-26]
CALIFORNIA ZEPHYR OVER SIX HOURS LATE ARRIVING INTO EMERYVILLE: Amtrak's westbound California Zephyr on Jan. 13 arrived into Emeryville, Calif., sic hours and 22 minutes late. According to Amtrak, the majority of the train's en route delays were on account of a broken rail being repaired on the track ahead east of Elko, Nev. [Amtrak, 1-13-26]
LAKE SHORE LIMITED DELAYED IN CHICAGO BY EQUIPMENT ISSUES: Amtrak's eastbound Lake Shore Limited of Jan. 12 left Chicago over three and one-half hours behind schedule, having been delayed prior to departure due to equipment repairs and adjustments. [Amtrak, 1-13-26]
TWO PIEDMONT TRAINS IN N.C. CANCELED BY MECHANICAL PROBLEMS: Amtrak Piedmont trains 75-76, representing a round-trip between Charlotte and Raleigh, N.C., were canceled on Jan. 13 due to mechanical issues. [Amtrak, 1-13-26]
U.S. RAIL FREIGHT TRAFFIC REPORT FOR 2025: U.S. freight rail traffic in 2025 was up 1.5 pct over 2024. Intermodal rail traffic for 2025 totaled 14.06 million containers and trailers, second most ever behind 14.36 million in 2018. Freight railroads hauled 8.48 million carloads, not including coal, in 2025, the most since 2019. Coal carloads rose 3.1 pct in 2025, accounting for 26.3 pct of all U.S. non-intermodal rail volume in the year. [Progressive Railroading, 1-13-26]
FRA RE-ESTABLISHES R.R. SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE: The Federal Railroad Administration has announced the re-establishment of the Railroad Safety Advisory Committee. The committee provides information, advice and recommendations on rail safety matters. The charter is renewed for two years. [Progressive Railroading, 1-13-26]
DENVER A-LINE REGIONAL TRAIN STRIKES TRUCK IN AURORA: A Denver Regional Transportation District A-line train struck a pickup truck in Aurora, Colorado, early Jan. 13. The train did not derail, and the truck left the scene. Shuttle buses were employed for passengers through the area due to the incident. [KDVR, 1-13-26]
COLLECTION OF MINIATURE TRAIN-NAME PLATES ACQUIRED BY U.K. COLLECTOR: A 'huge' collection of miniature train-name plates has been bought by a pair of professional locomotive model makers in the U.K. The thousands of intricate metal signs were made by a model entusisast, the late Chris Watford, who kept them in his home in Cornwall. His daughter said she did not know what to do with the items, but was reluctant to send them out for scrap. Instead, she used her father's business contacts to find a buyer. [Rail Business Daily, 1-13-26]
JAMEY FEDERICO TO SERVE AS CHAIR OF ORANGE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY: The board of California's Orange County Transportation Authority has selected Jamey Federico to serve as its chair. He succeeds outgoing chair Doug Chaffee, who remains on the board. [Progressive Railroading, 1-13-26]
BNSF REPORTS BEST-EVER SAFETY RESULTS IN 2025: BNSF today announced 2025 was its best year ever in safety results. The railroad operated its network with a 10 pct lower employee injury frequency than its previous record in 2023. The company also had a 13 pct decrease in rail equipment accidents, continuing to lead the industry, as it has over the past decade. [BNSF, 1-13-26]
OPERATIONS COMMENCE AT USA RAIL TERMINALS AT MONROE, LOUISIANA., TERMINAL: USA Rail Terminals has commenced operations at its newest rail terminal in Monroe, La., expanding rail-to-truck logistics capacity to support construction activity with Meta's Richland Parish Data Center in nearby Holly Ridge. [PR Newswire, 1-13-26]
BNSF ADVANCES CONSTRUCTION OF NEW INTERMODAL HUB NEAR BARSTOW, CALIF.: BNSF is advancing construction of a major new intermodal hub near Barstow, California, targeted for late-2026 completion and positioned to become one of the world's largest intermodal terminals. [Assn. of American Railroads, 1-13-26]
NORFOLK SOUTHERN'S NEW INLAND PORT IN GAINESVILLE, GA., SET TO OPEN THIS YEAR: Norfolk Southern is set to open its Blue Ridge Connector Inland Port in Gainesvillle, Ga., this year, a freight-focused initiative designed to strengthen intermodal connectivity between northeast Georgia and the Port of Savannah. It will include 18,000 feet of track and handle up to 200,000 container lifts annually. [Assn. of American Railroads, 1-13-26]
EMPIRE BUILDER DELAYED OVER SEVEN HOURS IN WASHINGTON STATE BY BOULDER ON TRACK: Amtrak's eastbound Empire Builder of Jan. 12 was delayed over seven hours between :Leavenworth and Wenatchee, Wash., blocked by a boulder on the route ahead needing removal by heavy machinery. [Google News, 1-13-26]
PACIFIC SURFLINER TO ADD ONE LOS ANGELES-SAN DIEGO ROUND-TRIP Beginning Jan. 26 a new daily Amtrak Pacific Surfliner round-trip will be added between Los Angeles and San Diego. With this addition, there will then be 13 daily round-trips between Los Angeles and San Diego, five daily round-trips between San Diego and Goleta, and two full-corridor daily round-trips between San Diego and San Luis Obispo. [Amtrak, 1-13-26]
PLAN FOR METROLINK TRAIN FROM VENTURA COUNTY, CALIF., TO SANTA BARBARA, GOLETA CANCELED: The plan to bring a Metrolink train from Ventura County to Santa Barbara and Goleta, California, has been abandoned. Instead, the Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo rail corridor agency's board has opted to provide the service itself from Ventura County all to way to San Luis Obispo. [Santa Barbara News-Press, 1-13-26]
B&O MUSEUM UNVEILS RESTORED AMERICAN FREEDOM TRAIN LOCOMOTIVE: The B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore today unveiled the restored American Freedom Train locomotive AFT-1. It is the locomotive that pulled the American Freedom Train during the U.S. Bicentennial in 1976. It has been cosmetically restored and will stand as a permanent symbol of national unity and a gift to the nation to kick off the America250 celebration. [B&O RR Museum, 1-12-26]
NORFOLK SOUTHERN TAKES STEPS TO RELIEVE BACKUPS AT LOUISVILLE APPLIANCE PARK: Truck drivers have been facing delays when picking up containers at Norfolk Southern's Appliance Park terminal in Louisville. The delays began after the railroad converted international intermodal operations at the terminal to grounded stacks several weeks ago, and began requiring appointments to pick up loads. To help east the backups, Norfolk Southern has opened a satellite lot at a ContainerPort Group facility about nine miles away. [Journal of Commerce, 1-12-26]
WEEKLY AMTRAK LONG-DISTANCE TRAIN PERFORMANCE: Sixty-two percent of Amtrak's named long-distance trains arrived at their scheduled final destination on time or earlier in the week ending January 11, 2026. The remaining trains, on average, arrived 45 minutes late. MORE.. [Bull Sheet Statistical Dept., 1-12-26]
VIA RAIL TRAIN FROM MONTREAL TO HALIFAX DERAILS, NO INJURIES: A westbound VIA Rail train en route from Montreal to Halifax derailed early Jan. 12 in Saint-Alexandre-de-Kamouraska in the Bas-Saint-:Laurent region of Quebec when it collided with two truck-trailers that were too close to the tracks. The 124 people on the train were not not injured, nor were the four people in the vehicles pulling the trailers. The two lead locomotives and several other rail cars sustained damage. Passengers were able to resume their journey later in the morning by bus. [Canadian Press, 1-12-26]
CN FILES MOTION WITH STB SEEKING ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT PROPOSED UP-NS MERGER: Canadian National has filed a motion with the Surface Transportation Board to compel additional information related to the proposed merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern. The motion claims that the applicants have not been upfront with their assessment and failing to outline the full extent of competitive harms as a result of the merger. [CN, 1-12-26]
N.Y. AWARDS $101-M FOR FREIGHT RAIL, PORT MODERNIZATION PROJECTS: New York State has awarded more than $101-million in funding for 25 freight-rail and port modernization projects, including two separate $10-million grants to the Long Island Rail Road for a set of bridge modernization projects. LIRR will use one grant to replace the Fresh Pond Yard Bridge in Queens, which will ensure continued movement of freight from Long Island via the New York & Atlantic Railway. The other grant will support LIRR's rehab of the English Kills bridge which connects to a rail yard in Brooklyn. [Progressive Railroading, 1-12-26]
DIANNE BARNETT OF NORFOLK SOUTHERN NAMED 2025 RAILWAY WOMAN OF THE YEAR BY LEAGUE OF RAILWAY WOMEN: The League of Railway Women has named Dianne Barnett, assistant vice-president of mechanical at Norfolk Southern, as the 2025 Railway Woman of the Year. Over her 27-year career, she has embraced challenge, earned trust through consistency and respect, and developed a leadership philosophy center on growth, said the league president. [Progressive Railroading, 1-12-26]
L.A. METRO TO CONSIDER CERTIFICATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR C-LINE LIGHT-RAIL EXTENSION: The Los Angeles County Metro's board on Jan. 22 will consider certification of the final environmental impact report for the 4.5-mile extension of the C-line light-rail service to Torrance from Redondo Beach. It would operate as a part of the K-line when completed. [Progressive Railroading, 1-12-26]
POLAND SEEKS PROPOSALS FOR FIRST-EVER HIGH-SPEED TRAINS: Poland's national rail operator PKP Intercity has officially launched a request for proposals for the country's first-ever fleet of high-speed trains, seeking 20 units capable of 199 MPH, with an option for 35 more. [a2b Global Media, 1-12-26]
TALGO LANDS 10-YEAR HSR MAINTENANCE DEAL IN UZBEKISTAN: Talgo has secured its largest-ever maintenance contract in Uzbekistan, a 10-year deal to service the nation's fleet of Talgo 250 high-speed trains. The agreement solidifies Talgo's 15-year presence in central Asia, even as Uzbekistan Railways moves to diversify its rolling stock with a recent order from Hyundai Rotem. [a2b Global Media, 1-12-26]
FRA FAILED TO ACT UPON MOST NTSB RECOMMENDATIONS OVER A DECADE, REPORT SAYS The National Transportation Safety Board in the period 2015 through 2024 fed 81 safety recommendations to the Federal Railroad Administration, but the FRA only fully implemented five (5) of them, according to a report by the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism at the University of Maryland. The FRA said in late Sept. 2025 that the agency still had over 100 open safety board recommendations dating back as far as 1998, and was currently taking action, or planning to take action, on more than 70 pct of them, but has no immediate action plans on the rest. [Benzie County Record Patriot, 1-12-26]
COAST STARLIGHT CONTINUES TO BE ANNULLED SOUTH OF EMERYVILLE: Amtrak's Coast Starlight is currently only operating between Seattle and Emeryville due to flood damage north of Santa Barbara. Host carrier Union Pacific anticipates reopening of the affected track on Jan. 13. [Google News, 1-11-26]
UNION PACIFIC TRAIN DERAILS IN EASTERN TEXAS, CLOSING HIGHWAY: A Union Pacific train derailed late Jan. 9 near West Orange, Texas, next to the boundary with Louisiana, causing authorities to block off State Highway 87. The railroad said 17 rail cars derailed but nothing was spilled, and there were no injuries. [13 Now News 1-10-26]
TRAIN DERAILS IN S.C., SHELTER-IN-PLACE ORDERED: A train derailed early Jan. 10 in Dorchester County, S.C., near the KION North America Plant, blocking a portion of Highway 78. A shelter-in-place order went into effect for residents within a mile and a half of the scene. Officials with Norfolk Southern said this was because of a flammable chemical called chlorobenzene. [WIS-TV, 1-10-26]
FIRE NEAR TRACKS DISRUPTS AMTRAK SERVICE IN MICHIGAN: A fire close to the tracks west of Kalamazoo on Jan. 10 caused Amtrak to cancel cancel Wolverine trains 352 and 354. and Blue Water train 364. Bus transportation was arranged. [Amtrak, 1-10-26]
SOUTHWEST CHIEF ARRIVES INTO CHICAGO THREE HOURS LATE: Amtrak's eastbound Southwest Chief was three hours late arriving Chicago Jan. 10. Amtrak explained that the train had been delayed about an hour in Riverside, Calif., by an emergency hold, and later en route by a communication outage. [Amtrak, 1-10-26]
EMPIRE BUILDER DELAYED IN SPOKANE, WASH., BY COMMUNICATIONS OUTAGE: Amtrak's eastbound Empire Builder of Jan. 8 was three and one-half hours late arriving Chicago Jan. 10. According to Amtrak, the train had been delayed east of Spokane, Wash., by a communications outage. [Amtrak, 1-10-26]
READING & NORTHERN EXPANDS BIKE TRAIN SCHEDULE: Reading & Northern Railroad's Bike Train schedule is expanding to 13 this year. Operated in partnership with Pocono Biking, trains begin May 16 and run on select weekends each month through September, and a final train Nov. 14. The most popular option is one way where guests load their bicycles into special rail cars at Jim Thorpe, Pa., and ride by coach 25 miles north through Lehigh Gorge State Park to White Haven, and there they can bike their way back down hill to Jim Thorpe. [Standard Speaker]
DISNEYLAND MONORAIL PASSENGERS EVACUATED BY LADDER AFTER TRAINS LOSE POWER: About 60 people were evacuated by ladder late Jan. 8 from the Disneyland monorail in California after two trains lost power. No injuries were reported after the evacuations. [Mercury News, 1-9-26]
EXTREME WINTER WEATHER IMPACTING RAIL FREIGHT OPERATIONS ACROSS EUROPE: Rail freight operations across Europe are under heavy pressure as prolonged winter conditions affect ports, railway infrastructure and terminal operations. With further snowfall forecast, disruptions across northern Europe are expected to continue with recovery dependent upon conditions over the coming days. [Railmarket News, 1-9-26]
CN SETS CALENDAR YEAR GRAIN MOVEMENT RECORD: Canadian National set a record for grain moved within a single calendar year in 2025. Across all of Canada, CN shipped more than 32.7 million metric tons, exceeding the prior record set in 2024 of 32.25 metric tons. [CN, 1-9-26]
IAM WORKERS AT ALSTOM IN PLATTSBURGH, N.Y., VOTE TO RATIFY THREE-YEAR LABOR PACT: Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers at Alstom in Plattsburgh, N.Y., have voted to ratify their first three-year collective bargaining agreement. [Railway Age, 1-9-26]
CANADA'S RAILWAYS DELIVERING ECONOMIC PROGRESS, REPORT SAYS: The Railway Association of Canada has released a rolling 10-year review of the performance of Canada's rail industry, and the data demonstrate that it is delivering measurable progress for the economy, supply chains, and the communities it serves. The sector recorded its lowest freight accident rate on record, and a 12.4 pct improvement in the passenger rail accident rate. Passenger railways saw a recovery in ridership, with commuter and intercity numbers rising 22.7 pct and 8.6 pct, respectively. [Global Railway Review, 1-9-26]
FIRST NEW NORTHLANDER TRAINSET DELIVERED, BEING TESTED IN TORONTO: The first of three new Northlander trainsets has arrived in Ontario and is undergoing testing and commissioning in Toronto. Produced by Siemens Mobility, the trainsets each consist of a locomotive and three passenger cars. [Progressive Railroading, 1-9-26]
AMTRAK LONG-DISTANCE TRAIN DISRUPTIONS JAN. 9: Northbound Floridian was delayed about three and one-half hours in Savannah due to a mechanical issue, and eastbound Lake Shore Limited left Chicago two hours late because mechanical crews were servicing the trainset to complete an equipment adjustment. [Amtrak, 1-9-26]
CSX ELIMINATING 166 MANAGEMENT POSITIONS: CSX has announced the elimination of 166 management positions, or about 5 pct of its management work force. The move is part of a broader trend where large corporations are re-evaluating cost structures in response to evolving market conditions. [a2b Global Media, 1-8-26]
BRIGHTLINE TRAIN STRIKES UNOCCUPIED VEHICLE ON CROSSING, DRIVER NOT AT THE SCENE: A Brightline train collided with an unoccupied SUV late Jan. 7 in Stuart, Fla. Photos from the scene showed the vehicle heavily damaged. The driver was not present at the time of the collision.; [Hoodline, 1-8-26]
SAFE TRAINS ACT IMPLEMENTED, AFFECTS CHINESE FREIGHT CARS, TECHNOLOGY: The Rail Security Alliance, which represents North American freight car builders and suppliers, this week observed the implementation of the Safe Trains Act. The legislation was passed in 2023 and implemented in 2025, and prohibits Chinese rail cars and Chinese-sourced sensitive technology located on freight cars from being placed on the U.S. railroad interchange system. [Progressive Railroading, 1-8-26]
PORT OF VA. NEARS HAVING DEEPEST SHIPPING CHANNELS ON U.S. EAST COAST: The Port of Virginia is close to operating the deepest shipping channels on the U.S. east coast as its $450-million dredging project nears completion early this year. The project coincides with the inauguration of a fourth berth capable of handling ultra-large container vessels, enhancing its on-dock rail capabilities. [a2b Global Media, 1-8-26]
CALIFORNIA ZEPHYR DELAYED TWO HOURS IN LINCOLN, NEB., BY MECHANICAL ISSUE: Amtrak's westbound California Zephyr was delayed more than two hours in Lincoln, Nebraska, while crews did troubleshooting a mechanical problem. [Amtrak, 1-8-26]
OHIO APPROVES $1.9-M IN FEDERAL, STATE FUNDS FOR GRADE CROSSING UPGRADES: The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio has greenlit $1.9-million in federal and state funds for grade crossing safety improvements involving four railroads in Paulding, Fairfield, Wayne and Lucas counties. [Progressive Railroading, 1-8-26]
U.K.'S PORTSMOUTH DIRECT LINE MODERNIZATION PROJECT COMPLETED: Alstom has completed a modernization project on U.K.'s Portsmouth Direct line, introducing digital-ready signaling and advanced control systems on a key section of the 150-year-old railway. [a2b Global Media, 1-8-26]
ESTONIA-LATVIA PASSENGER RAIL SERVICE BEGINS: A new international passenger rail service was formally introduced Jan. 5 between Estonia and Latvia with an inaugural run from Tartu ahead of the regular service planned for Jan. 12. Services will be operated using a two-car Stadler Flirt diesel train. [Railmarket News, 1-8-26]
INDIA PLANS MULTIPLE PASSENGER RAIL REFORMS THIS YEAR: Indian Railways plans a number of reforms this year focusing on safety, artificial intelligence, advanced technology and work force training to enhance passenger services. It has significantly reduced train accidents and aims for single-digit figures, alongside a major upgrade in food and catering services. [Economic Times, 1-8-26]
L.A. METRO TRAIN CRASHES INTO TRUCK, DERAILS: A Los Angeles A-line metro train derailed early Jan. 7 after colliding with a pickup truck that ran a red light in the South-Central neighborhood. The incident disrupted service on the A-line, prompting a service alert. There were no immediate reports of injuries. [KTLA, 1-7-26]
WEEKLY U.S. RAIL FREIGHT TRAFFIC REPORT: U.S. railroads originated 404,293 carloads and intermodal units in the week ending Jan. 3, 2026, down 4.0 pct compared with the corresponding week last year. Calculated separately, carloads were down 2.6 pct, and intermodal was down 5.1 pct. [Assn. of American Railroads, 1-7-26]
STB PROPOSES RULE ALLOWING CAPTIVE SHIPPERS TO SEEK FREIGHT SERVICES FROM ANOTHER RAILROAD: The Surface Transportation Board has proposed changes that would make it easier for shippers to seek freight services from a railroad that does not directly serve their location. The proposal would allow captive shippers a second option to seek services and prices from more than one carrier. [Freight Waves, 1-7-26]
FIRST OF NEW BALTIMORE METRO RAIL CARS TO ENTER SERVICE JAN. 9: Maryland's Transit Administration will put the initial six of 78 Hitachi-built rail cars into service on the Baltimore Metro between Owings Mills and Johns Hopkins Hospital on Jan. 9. The balance of the new cars will be added as they become available for service. [Baltimore Banner, 1-7-26]
TEXAS EAGLE DELAYED IN TEXARKANA BY DISABLED FREIGHT TRAIN: Amtrak's westbound Texas Eagle on Jan. 7 was delayed over an hour and one-half in Texarkana because the route ahead was blocked by a disabled freight train. [Amtrak, 1-7-26]
N.Y. MTA ORDERS ADDITIONAL R255 HYBRID WORK LOCOMOTIVES: Wabtec has secured a $386-million order to deliver additional R255 hybrid battery-diesel work locomotives to New York City's MTA to replace aging equipment. Use of the new locomotives will eliminate emissions by utilizing battery power during subway projects. [Progressive Railroading, 1-7-26]
ALSTOM TO SUPPLY 47 DMU'S FOR TWO EMERGING MEXICAN CORRIDORS: Mexico's transport regulatory agency and Alstom have signed a contract for the supply of 47 diesel multiple-unit four-car trains. They will be used on two emerging corridors, one linking Mexico City with Queretaro and Irapuato, and the other connecting Saltillo with the U.S. border. Both lines are now under construction. [Railway Gazette, 1-7-26]
EMPIRE BUILDER ANNULLED WEST OF SPOKANE BY SEVERE WEATHER: Amtrak's westbound Empire Builder on Jan. 7 was annulled, both to Seattle and Portland, because of severe weather. [Amtrak, 1-7-26]
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF DUTCH HSR LINE ANNOUNCED: The northern section of the South high-speed rail line in the Netherlands connecting Amsterdam with the Belgian border will close for three months in 2028 to allow major repairs to four viaducts. [International Railway Journal, 1-7-26]
VIETNAM PLANS TO BEGIN BUILDING NORTH-SOUTH HSR LINE LATER THIS YEAR: Vietnam's ministry of construction has directed agencies to ensure that work can begin before the end of this year on the north-south rail line to link Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the country's first high-speed line. [International Railway Journal, 1-7-26]
COAST STARLIGHT ANNULLED SOUTH OF EMERYVILLE BY INUNDATION: Amtrak's southbound Coast Starlight trains on Jan. 5 and 6, and northbound Coast Starlight on Jan. 6 and 7 were annulled between Emeryville and Los Angeles by severe weather and high water. [Amtrak]
CSX COMPLETES MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS TO WILLARD YARD IN OHIO: CSX has completed a series of major infrastructure improvements at its Willard, Ohio, rail yard. The upgrades focused on restoring connectivity following a conversion from a hump yard to flat switching several years ago leaving portions of the yard underutilized. Work included reconnecting the former hump area to the classification yard with new track and switches. The yard now handles more than 600 rail cars per day, effectively doubling its previous capacity, and supports six trains that stop to drop off or add cars. [CSX, 1-6-26]
MATTHEW IGOE NAMED PRESIDENT OF R.J. CORMAN RR: R.J. Corman Railroad has appointed Matthew Igoe as company president and chief operating officer, responsible for overall performance of its 19 short lines. Most recently, he was BNSF's executive vice-president of operations. [Progressive Railroading, 1-6-26]
AMTRAK FACES CHALLENGES IN SERVICING NEW EQUIPMENT : A program to modernize Amtrak's maintenance facilities is facing planning and management challenges, creating a risk that the company may be unable to operate its full fleet of new trains, according to a report from Amtrak's office of inspector general. The delays could force dozens of new Acela and Airo train sets to be intermittently idled as they await required shop time. [a2b Global Media, 1-6-26]
UNION PACIFIC EQUIPS ENTIRE FLEET OF DOMESTIC CONTAINERS WITH GPS: Union Pacific has equipped its entire fleet of domestic intermodal containers with embedded GPS technology. The initiative, affecting EMP and UMAX fleets, provides shippers with real-time visibility into their supply chains. [a2b Global Media, 1-6-26]
D.C. METRO COMPLETES CONSTRUCTION OF GREEN LINE: Construction on Washington D.C. Metro's Green line ended Dec. 30, and its Yellow line now extends to Greenbelt, Md. [Railway Track & Structures, 1-6-26]
THREE LOCOMOTIVES OF NORFOLK SOUTHERN TRAIN DERAIL IN N.C., ONE LEAKS FUEL: Three locomotives of a Norfolk Southern train derailed Jan. 6 in Salisbury, N.C., with one of the locomotives having a small diesel fuel leak. There were four other locomotive units and 70 cars in the train, but they did not derail. [City of Salisbury, 1-6-26]
MAJOR TRAIN DERAILMENT IN AUSTRALIA DISRUPTS NATIONAL FREIGHT ROUTES: A major freight train derailment occurred early Jan. 6 on the east-west main line between Adelaide and Melbourne, disrupting national freight routes. Extreme heat may have led to the incident, and the heat is disrupting the effort to clean up. It is estimated that the track will be reopened about Jan. 10. [Google News, 1-6-26]
EROSION PROBLEM DISRUPTS PACIFIC SURFLINER SERVICE: California's Pacific Surfliner rail service will be stopped for an undetermined amount of time, affecting northern Santa Barbara County, as a result of erosion that occurred near Highway 101 and Arroyo Quemada on the Gaviota Coast during recent rain. The railroad tracks are closed, with an alert saying that service north of Goleta has been suspended until further notice. [Santa Maria Times, 1-6-26]
SOUTH KOREA PLANS 230-MPH TRAIN OPERATION: The development of technologies for a 230 MPH train set branded EMU-370 has been completed as part of a South Korean program. The ministry of transport is to order two train sets of eight cars for use by Korail. Commercial operation are planned to begin in 2031. [Railway Gazette, 1-6-26]
SUNSET LIMITED ANNULLED EAST OF SAN ANTONIO DUE TO MECHANICAL ISSUES: Amtrak's eastbound Sunset Limited was eight hours behind schedule when it finally arrived into San Antonio Jan. 6, and the train was annulled from that point to destination. The train had experienced ongoing mechanical issues at its origin and on its journey from Los Angeles.. [Amtrak, 1-6-26]
LAKE SHORE LIMITED LOSES THREE HOURS IN ALBANY DUE TO EQUIPMENT ISSUES: Amtrak's westbound Lake Shore Limited on Jan. 6 was delayed three hours in Albany due to equipment adjustments and repairs to a coach car. [Amtrak, 1-6-26]
BIG BOY STEAM LOCOMOTIVE TO MAKE COAST-TO-COAST TOUR LATER THIS YEAR: Union Pacific plans to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S, by bringing out its Big Boy steam locomotive 4014 on its first coast-to-coast tour sometime later this year. Employees of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern may bring their families to key stops along the route. [Union Pacific, 1-5-26]
UNION PACIFIC GRANTS BNSF TRACKAGE RIGHTS ON TWO CALIFORNIA LINES FOR BALLAST SERVICE: BNSF has been granted a one-year trackage rights agreement over two Union Pacific lines on the Oakland and Canyon subdivisions in northern California to move empty and loaded ballast trains to and from the Elsey ballast pit. [Progressive Railroading, 1-5-26]
MARTA TO ADD FOUR NEW STADLER CQ400 TRAIN SETS, REPLACING LEGACY FLEET: Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit's capital projects include implementation of four new CQ400 train sets built by Stadler to replace its legacy fleet. [Progressive Railroading, 1-5-26]
EMPIRE BUILDER DELAYED TWO & ONE-HALF HOURS IN WASHINGTON STATE BY DISABLED FREIGHT ENGINE BLOCKING ROUTE: Amtrak's westbound Portland portion of the Empire Builder on Jan. 5 was delayed two and one-half hours between Pasco and Wishram, Wash., due to a disabled freight train engine blocking the route ahead. [Amtrak, 1-5-26]
TWO GOLD RUNNER TRAINS ANNULLED THROUGH MARCH 5 DUE TO EQUIPMENT REPAIRS: Due to equipment repairs, Amtrak's California Gold Runner trains 713 and 714 will not operate their Oakland-Bakersfield route January 5 through March 5. [Amtrak, 1-5-26]
UP, NS REJECT RIVAL CLASS-I RAIL CLAIMS THAT MERGER APPLICATION IS INCOMPLETE: Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern have defended their merger application, rejecting claims from four Class-I rival rail carriers that the filing is not complete. The procedural battle marks the first major hurdle in a consolidation proposal that could see rail traffic change in key corridors. [a2b Global Media, 1-5-26]
SEPTA MID-DAY FOX CHASE RAIL LINE TO BE REPLACED BY BUSES THROUGH APRIL: Beginning Jan. 5, buses will replace mid-day trains on SEPTA's Fox Chase regional rail line for a renewal project scheduled through April. [Google News, 1-5-26]
WEEKLY AMTRAK LONG-DISTANCE TRAIN PERFORMANCE: Fifty-three percent of Amtrak's named long-distance trains arrived at their scheduled final destination on time or earlier in the week ending January 4, 2026. The remaining trains, on average, arrived one hour and eight minutes late. MORE.. [Bull Sheet Statistical Dept., 1-5-26]
HARBOR INDUSTRIAL SERVICES BEGINS OPERATIONS AT PORT OF PORTLAND TERMINAL 6: Harbor Industrial Services on Jan. 1 began operating the Port of Portland's Terminal 6. and will formally launch vessel, rail and break bulk services at the newly-branded Oregon Container Terminal on Jan. 7. Intermodal container service has already started. [Progressive Railroading, 1-5-26]
WESTERN MD. SCENIC R.R. BEGINS 2026 TRIP PROGRAM: The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad began its first trips for 2026 with four Allegheny Winter Express excursions from Cumberland to Frostburg, Md., Jan. 3 and 4. The 10-car trains were powered by former C&O 2-6-6-2 No. 1309. [Yahoo News, 1-5-26]
TAMPA'S UNION STATION GETTING $6-M RENOVATION: Tampa's 113-year-old Italian Renaissance-style Union Station is set to get a $6-million renovation this year. It will include new windows and other features designed to maintain the building's historic status. Renovation should be mostly completed by this time next year. [WMNF, 1-5-26]
ENTHUSIASTS SEEK TO EXTEND NORTH DORSET RAILWAY IN U.K.: Rail enthusiasts in the U.K. who have been rebuilding a section of line ripped up in the 1960's are now in talks with a council about further extending the line about 1.25 miles south of the station on the North Dorset Railway, home to a museum. A half-mile portion of track had been reinstated by the group earlier. [Rail Business Daily, 1-5-26]
NORTHLANDER SERVICE RETURNING TO ONTARIO LATER THIS YEAR: The Northlander passenger rail service is slated to return to Ontario later this year following an absence since 2012. It will connect Toronto to Timmins with a rail connection to Cochrane. The 460-mile route will include 16 stops. [Google News, 1-5-26]
AMTRAK'S CRESCENT CUT BACK TO N.Y.-ATLANTA SERVICE CERTAIN DAYS THIS MONTH AND NEXT FOR TRACK MAINTENANCE: Amtrak's Crescent service between Atlanta and New Orleans will be subject to a temporary service suspension on select days Monday-Thursday in January and much of February due to track maintenance, with bus transportation provided. The train will continue running between New York and Atlanta on dates that it is not being run through to New Orleans. [Google News, 1-4-26]
SOUTH SHORE LINE TESTING BEGINS ON MONON WEST LAKE EXTENSION: Dynamic testing has begun on the new eight-mile West Lake Extension on the Monon Corridor branch in Indiana, with service expected to open to passenger service later this year. [Google News, 1-3-26]
EMPIRE BUILDER, COAST STARLIGHT ANNULLED OVER ROUTE PORTIONS: Amtrak's eastbound Empire Builder was annulled east of St. Paul on Jan. 4 following extensive en route delays from congestion, broken rail and mechanical issues; and the southbound Coast Starlight was annulled south of San Jose on Jan. 4 due to severe weather. [Amtrak, 1-4-26]
NORTHSTAR COMMUTER RAIL TO END OPERATIONS JAN. 4: Northstar, the only commuter rail line in Minnesota, will end operations Jan. 4, 2026. The service will be replaced by an expanded bus network beginning the next day. [Google News, 1-3-26]
MAJOR RAIL DISRUPTION IN CHANNEL TUNNEL: A major disruption occurred in Europe's Channel Tunnel during the New Year period. Chaos began Dec. 30 with major impacts continuing through the following day. The disruption included an overhead power supply failure and a broken-down LeShuttle train. Approximately 25,000 passengers were affected. Some travelers were stranded throughout the night on trains without power. [Google News, 1-3-26]
ITALY EMBARKING ON RAIL MODERNIZATION PLAN: Italy is embarking on a transformative railway modernization plan, aiming for a comprehensive network overhaul by 2030. The strategy positions the country as a leader in European high-speed rail development. [a2b Global Media, 1-3-26]
SIEMENS' VECTRON LOCOMOTIVES CERTIFIED FOR 143 MPH OPERATION IN EUROPE: Siemens Mobility's Vectron locomotive have received authorization from the European Union Agency for Railways to operate passenger services at up to 143 MPH. [a2b Global Media, 1-3-26]
FOUR CLASS-I RAILROADS CLAIM UP-NS MERGER APPLICATION IS 'INCOMPLETE': BNSF, CPKC, CN and CSX have told the Surface Transportation Board that the merger application filed by Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern is 'incomplete and should be rejected.' CSX, in its comments, said that the application lacks important information such as control of other railroads, fails to identify and analyze downstream effects of the merger fails to calculate net public benefits, and fails to provide evidence of how the merger would enhance competition. [Progressive Railroading, 1-2-26]
READING & NORTHERN SHIPS OVER A MILLION TONS OF ANTHRACITE COAL FOR 3RD STRAIGHT YEAR: Reading & Northern Railroad in Pa. has shipped mover than one million tons of anthracite coal for the third straight year. It purchased additional covered hopper cars last month, with delivery expected in Jan. of Febr., to be added to its fleet of nearly 2000 rail cars. [Progressive Railroading, 1-2-26]
NORFOLK SOUTHERN CELEBRATES DECADE OF SAFETY TRAIN FOR 1ST RESPONDERS: Norfolk Southern in 2025 celebrates a decade of operating its Safety Train, completing 16 stops during the year to provide first responders with training on how to deal with rail-related emergencies. More than 5800 participants were trained through the program in 2025. [Progressive Railroading, 1-2-26]
N.Y. MTA COMPLETED 10 KEY ACCESSIBILITY PROJECTS IN 2025: New York City's Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced the completion of 10 key accessibility projects in 2025. The work included comprehensive upgrades at seven subway stations and three Long Island Rail Road stations, bringing the total number of accessible stations to 154 and 117, respectively. [a2b Global Media, 1-2-26]
POLISH PASSENGER RAIL OPERATOR SEEKS 20 HIGH-SPEED TRAINSETS: Polish passenger rail operator PKP Intercity has announced a procurement process for 20 trainsets capable of speeds of at least 199 MPH, with an option to order up to 35 more. The first two trainsets are expected to be delivered by 2032. [Railway Gazette, 1-2-26]
INDIA EXPECTS FIRST BULLET TRAIN TO BE RECEIVED IN AUGUST 2027: India is likely to receive its first bullet train on Aug. 15, 2027, as it was reported by the country's railways ministry. Construction to accommodate the train is underway between Ahmedabad and Mumbai. [Akashvani News, 1-2-26]
AMTRAK LONG-DISTANCE TRAIN PERFORMANCE IN 2025: Forty-three percent of Amtrak's named long-distance trains arrived at their scheduled final destination on time or earlier in 2025. The remaining trains, on average, arrived one hour and 23 minutes late. MORE.. [Bull Sheet Statistical Dept., 1-1-26]
PEDESTRIAN STRUCK, KILLED BY TRI-RAIL TRAIN: A Tri-Rail train was involved in a fatal collision with a pedestrian early Dec. 31 in West Palm Beach, Fla. Southbound train 5693, which started in Mangonia Park, was involved. Service for that train was canceled, and the 19 passengers were able to alight safely. [WPBF, 1-1-26]
CN TRAIN DERAILS IN PA., NO INJURIES: A Canadian National train derailed late Jan. 1 near Branchton,Pa. Approximately 25 cars of loaded iron pellets were involved, derailing in various positions. There were no reports of injuries or fires, and there was no impact to public health or safety. [WPXI, 1-1-26]
SILVER METEOR DELAYED TWO & ONE-HALF HOURS BY MECHANICAL ISSUE: Amtrak's southbound Silver Meteor was delayed over two and one-half hours between Petersburg, Va., and Rocky Mount, N.C., on Jan. 1 due to a mechanical problem. [Amtrak, 1-1-26]
LAKE SHORE LIMITED TWO & ONE-HALF HOURS LATE ARRIVING INTO CHICAGO: Amtrak's westbound Lake Shore Limited arrived into Chicago two and one-half hours late on Jan. 1, the result of having freight train interference between Erie, Pa., and Toledo, Oh., [Amtrak, 1-1-26]
TRAIN STRIKES CAR IN JAPAN, TRAPPING DRIVER: A local train on Japan's JR Utsunomiya line partially derailed after colliding with a car at a crossing Jan. 1, causing severe damage to the car and a rescue operation for a person trapped inside. No injuries were reported among train passengers. [Google News, 1-1-26]
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