Short Line Safety Institute launches free hazmat instructor training
The Short Line Safety Institute (SLSI) announced the launch of Hazardous Materials Instructor Training (HMIT), a program for short line and regional railroads.
Breaking News
ASLRRA, three firms to help members with grant opportunities
When it comes to infrastructure, grants can be the lifeblood of small railroads’ expansion and upgrades. A new program aims to help them obtain those funds.
Growth for Guelph Junction Railway
Canada’s Guelph Junction Railway (GJR) in 2017 hauled record carloads, declared its first dividend to sole owner City of Guelph, Ont., in more than 20 years, and extended its operating contract with Ontario Southland Railway (OSRX) for up to five more years.
Carnival Corp. buys Alaska heritage railroad
The world’s biggest cruise ship operator is hoping an historic Alaska rail gateway will be a gold mine for its tourist trade.
CN plans C$210M Quebec investment in 2018
CN Railway aims to improve safety while supporting efficient service through the province of Quebec with a planned C$210 million ($160 million) investment during 2018.
Musk’s Boring Company to develop Chicago-O’Hare line
First cars, then rockets. Now a major U.S. city will find out if Elon Musk can revolutionize rail travel.
NYAB names Camilo CEO
New York Air Brake (NYAB) has appointed Ulisses Camilo President and CEO. Camilo will succeed current President and CEO Michael J. Hawthorne, who has accepted the position of President and CEO at Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC, a sister company within the Knorr-Bremse Group, NYAB’s parent company.
PFL: Headwinds, though short-term, for CBR
The June 13, 2018 report from PFL Petroleum Services, a full-service railcar company covering the North American rail market (sales and leasing, loaded and empty storage, mobile railcar cleaning, blasting, scrapping and mobile repair) says that CBR (crude by rail) traffic is growing in the U.S. and Canada, albeit with some short-term headwinds.
AAR takes freight rail message to mayors
All politics is local, the saying goes, and U.S. railroads are taking their case for favorable public policy directly to the country’s local political influencers.
Siemens-Alstom merger could be delayed
Among the Europe-based rail industry suppliers, the big are going to get bigger, it’s just going to take a little longer than expected.
Opinion
Three pillars of a sustainable career
While technology is driving the new era of railroading, the need for a rock-solid foundation is paramount. The foundation of the railroad industry is training. Just like the Roman Pantheon, an ancient building with a solid foundation and large round pillars that support the stone roof, the pillars of empowerment, compensation and technology must hold up the “roof” of railroading goals that support the desired outcomes like car-count, safety and velocity.
Let me off this plane—no, train
I am a frequent flier. Since very few commercial airliners crash, I naturally assume that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the airlines themselves are doing everything possible to ensure that flight crews are medically fit to fly commercial airplanes.
Taking technology to the next level
A few weeks ago, the Federal Rail Administration asked for input from the rail industry and the public about the role automation and artificial intelligence (AI) can play in rail. It is a sign that FRA recognizes the rail industry will need to leverage technology to safely and efficiently transport more freight and passengers by rail in the coming decades across the U.S.
Getting there is half the fun
Almost 20 years ago, there was a good solution which Amtrak experimented with to make its dining cars on long distance trains perform better financially: It was the 24-hour dining car on the Sunset Limited. This was accompanied by an onboard promotion of “When You’re Hungry, You’re Hungry” and promotional materials were placed in every coach seatback and sleeping car accommodation.
Automobiles, planes, and—oh yes—trains
Passenger trains don’t operate in a vacuum. They compete for business against air and motor vehicles. The results of the competition are reflected in, and measured by, their respective market share. Automobiles win the competition for the great majority of intercity travel, even in the highest-density corridors.