Railroad News

By This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Managing Editor

The Maryland Department of Transportation's Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) late last week launched CharmPass, a mobile ticketing app for rail and bus services.

The app enables passengers to use smartphones to pay fares for Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC) train service, as well as light-rail and subway services. The app allows 90-minute transfers between transit modes.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is seeking applications for $1 million in grant funding from its 2018 rail service improvement program.

Railroads, rail users, cities and counties are eligible to apply for the program, which is aimed at boosting freight-rail service that supports economic development, according to an MnDOT press release.

CSX this week resumed rail service to the Port of Wilmington, North Carolina, following a stoppage due to Hurricane Florence.

The first inbound train arrived at the port on Tuesday night, according to a report on Wilmingtonbiz.com.

CN has become the first transportation company in Canada to receive the Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) Bronze Level certification from the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB).

Established in 2001, the certification signals to Aboriginal communities that designated companies are "good business partners, great places to work and committed to the prosperity of Aboriginal communities," according to a CN press release.

U.S. Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.) yesterday announced that Amtrak's Southwest Chief trains will continue running — for now.

According to a news release issued by the senator's office, Amtrak Chief Operating Officer Scot Naparstek yesterday told the Senate Commerce Committee that the railroad will continue to run Southwest Chief service "as is" in fiscal year 2019. Amtrak previously proposed replacing a large portion of the line with bus service.

Canadian Pacific today reported preliminary third-quarter results, updated its 2018 guidance and unveiled the next phase of its long-term strategy for driving sustainable, profitable growth.

Third-quarter revenue is expected to increase by 10 percent to a record high of CA$1.9 billion. Reported diluted earnings per share (EPS) are expected to be about CA$4.35, while adjusted diluted EPS are expected to be about CA$4.10 — the highest in company history, CP officials said in a press release.

Encore Rail Systems has moved into a new headquarters in Broomfield, Colorado. The 40,000-square-foot facility includes dedicated areas for equipment maintenance, product and equipment testing, sales and services offices, and space for staff meetings, according to a company press release. The larger headquarters addresses the company's increased need for space to service equipment, stock more inventory, and perform product and equipment testing, said Encore Vice President and General Manager Greg Spilker.

General Electric has selected H. Lawrence Culp to replace John Flannery as chairman and chief executive officer. Flannery was appointed to the position in August 2017. The news comes as GE continues to downsize and sell off its assets. Culp previously served as CEO and president of Danaher Corp., where he led a "successful transformation of the company from an industrial manufacturer into a leading science and technology company," GE officials said in a news release.

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) has scheduled three meetings to update residents and businesses on transit-oriented development (TOD) plans at light-rail stations.

The agency's developer selection panel will discuss how the land can be used, VTA officials said in a press release.

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) last week approved construction authorization from the Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC) directing CSX, Indiana & Ohio Railway and Norfolk Southern Railway to install and upgrade warning devices at grade crossings in Fayette, Franklin, Montgomery, Putnam and Wayne counties.

CSX will install lights and gates at the Old Webster Road crossing in Vandalia, Montgomery County, while Indiana & Ohio Railway will install the same equipment at the South Elm Street crossing in Washington Court House, Fayette County.

Iowa Interstate Railroad Ltd. (IAIS) will acquire three new Evolution Series locomotives from GE Transportation, the railroad announced yesterday.

The locomotives will be produced in early 2020 and used to transport grains, ethanol, metals and other commodities across Iowa Interstate's network between Chicago and Omaha, Nebraska.

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's (MBTA) Fiscal and Management Control Board this week awarded a $217.7 million contract to Barletta Heavy Division to upgrade and modernize the Red and Orange lines' signal systems.

Coupled with a new fleet of vehicles slated to enter service by 2023, the upgraded signal system will enable the MBTA to boost service reliability and improve peak-hour headways between cars, according to an agency press release.

Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (G&W) promoted Michael Miller to president, North America, the short-line holding company announced yesterday

Miller had been chief commercial officer of North America since joining G&W in 2010. The heads of G&W's seven North American operating regions and the CCO role now report to him as president.

CSX Corp. yesterday announced growth plans for its Northwest Ohio Intermodal Terminal, which include a haulage agreement that enables BNSF Railway Co. to launch direct intermodal service between Los Angeles and North Baltimore, Ohio.

CSX's plans also include a partnership with NorthPoint Development to construct a logistics park adjacent to the terminal, and expanded eastern access to the facility via new service to and from the Port of New York and New Jersey, according to a CSX press release.

Matthew Rose will step down as executive chairman and retire from BNSF Railway Co. in April 2019, the company announced today.

When he retires, Rose will have been executive chairman for six years and BNSF chief executive officer for the prior 13 years. He also served in senior leadership for marketing and operations before assuming the CEO role in 2000.

The National Retail Federation (NRF) yesterday praised the new trade agreement between the United States, Canada and Mexico.

NRF officials had expressed concern over the past year about the future of trade between the three nations, as negotiations to update the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) grew tense.

Metra later this month will close the ticket office at the 103rd Street Beverly Hills Station on the Rock Island Line due to declining on-site ticket sales.

In August, the station sold 1,472 tickets, the lowest number at stops along the Rock Island Line, according to the railroad. Each day, the 103rd Street Beverly Hills Station serves about 750 riders.

MTA Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) later this week will replace the Buckram Road Bridge, which carries Oyster Bay Branch trains between stations in Locust Valley and Oyster Bay, New York.

The project calls for raising the bridge clearance by nearly 4 feet to reduce truck strikes. The work also is aimed at improving public safety by improving roadway sight-lines, LIRR officials said in a news release.