Railroad News

The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) yesterday approved a $76.7 million joint funding agreement for a grade separation project in Santa Fe Springs, California.

The contribution will be matched by other local funding sources to complete the $155.3 million project, which calls for building an elevated overpass structure at Rosecrans and Marquardt avenues to separate motorist traffic from rail traffic.

CN announced yesterday it has met all grain orders in western Canada for the third consecutive week and is now seeking additional export orders from grain companies.

"The decisive action we took in March to deploy more crews and locomotives has led to dramatic improvements in the movement of western Canadian grain," said Doug MacDonald, vice president of bulk at CN, said in a press release.

U.S. railroads moved 5 percent more carloads and intermodal units in April compared with rail traffic in the same month last year, according to Association of American Railroads (AAR) data.

Last month, U.S. roads originated 1,051,026 carloads, up 3.3 percent, and 1,099,000 containers and trailers, up 6.8 percent, compared with April 2017, according to an AAR press release.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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