Amtrak outlines “near-term” equipment needs
CSX stretches timetable for Jacksonville intermodal plan
CSX Corp. will delay its construction of a new intermodal container transfer facility in its headquarters city of Jacksonville, Fla., by six months to a year. The planned terminal, originally set to open in 2011, will handle sea/rail container traffic with TraPac Container Terminal and Hanjin Shipping Co. Ltd.
Two short lines tap 10East PMMS system
10EastCorp. announced Wednesday that both the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad and theBelt Railway Company of Chicago have chosen the company’s RailDOCSTM PreventiveMaintenance Management System (PMMS) in support of preventive maintenance andgovernment compliance logistics for their signal requirements. This includes the Tests &Inspections System and the Configuration Management System.
Two short lines tap 10East PMMS system
10EastCorp. announced Wednesday that both the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad and the Belt Railway Company of Chicago have chosen the company’s RailDOCSTM Preventive Maintenance Management System (PMMS) in support of preventive maintenance and government compliance logistics for their signal requirements. This includes the Tests & Inspections System and the Configuration Management System.
FreightCar America expects downturn in 2009
FreightCar America President and CEO Chris Ragot says the company expects ”a significant reduction in railcar deliveries” in 2009, but after a strong finish in 2008 is well-positioned to ride out the downturn.
A fare deal for Acela Express customers
Acela Express fares up to 25% lower than the lowest previous fares are available now for travel between March 3 and June 26, Amtrak announced Tuesday.
New website for Electro-Motive in India
Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc. (EMD) has launched two websites in India, one of the locomotive manufacturer’s fastest-growing markets.
SYSTRA USA appoints new president and CEO
Systra SA has appointed Diego Diaz as SYSTRA USA’s new president CEO, effective immediately.
H.R. 1 would bolster freight and passenger rail
H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, contains billions of investment dollars for rail projects, passenger and freight.
H.R. 1 kind to Amtrak, HSR; transit gets nicked
As Congress tinkered last week with final details of the proposed Stimulus Package, some transportation analysts lamented that funding for all rail modes totaled only 2% of the $787 billion plan.
Support the APTF fundraising drive
The American Public Transportation Foundation, which provides scholarships for young professionals pursuing careers in public transportation, is in the midst of a fundraising drive. APTF’s goal is to raise $5,000 during the month of February.
How Norfolk Southern will spend $1.4 billion
Norfolk Southern’s 2009 capital spending program, totaling$1.412 billion, is the railroad’s second-largest in five years. It is exceeded by 2008’s $1.556 billion, but tops expenditures of $1.341 billion in 2007, $1.178 billion in 2006, and $1.025 billion in 2005.
Hedge fund gives up a seat on CSX board
Hedge funds TCI (The Children’s Investment Fund) and 3GCapital Partners won four seats on the CSX Corp. board of directors in a proxy fight last year. Now, TCI managing partner Christopher Hohn has decided not to seek re-election to the board this year and CSX has decided not to fill the vacancy, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission onFeb. 12.
Weekly freight traffic still trailing 2008 levels
Freight traffic on U.S. railroads during the week ended February 7 was off again in comparison with last year, although “up slightly” from the previous week ending Jan. 31, according to the Association of American Railroads. Total volume of 28.2 billion ton-miles was 15.1% lower than the comparable week in 2008.
RA seeks Shortline/Regional award nominees
Railway Age is collecting entries for its annual ShortLine/Regional Railroad of the Year competition, but applicants still have time to enter. Short lines and regionals—and there are more than 500 of them—are invited to submit entries describing outstanding achievement in one or acombination of areas. The entry deadline is Friday, Feb. 27, 2009.
New locomotives get a lift
MTA Staten Island Railway’s revitalized freight operation recently took delivery of four new locomotives from Brookville Equipment Corp. Normally, domestic locomotives are delivered by rail, but the equipment move to Staten Island required something out of the ordinary—a barge, high-lift crane, and a steerable trailer.
Stimulus package flexibility could benefit rail
House Democrats Thursday demanded time to review the $789 billion economic stimulus bill crafted by congressional conference committee, but most political analysts still expected both the House of Representatives and theSenate to approve the measure. Should the package hold until President Obama signs it into law, freight and passenger railroads could benefit significantly.
Stimulus package flexibility could benefit rail
House Democrats Thursday demanded time to review the $789 billion economic stimulus bill crafted by congressional conference committee, but most political analysts still expected both the House of Representatives and theSenate to approve the measure. Should the package hold until President Obama signs it into law, freight and passenger railroads could benefit significantly.
Greenbrier Cos. announces layoffs
Greenbrier Cos. says it will reduce its work force by roughly 150, in an effort to rein in costs during the current economic recession.
STB eyes freight rail fines for Amtrak delays
Freight railroads, particularly Class I railroads, deemed responsible for delays to Amtrak passenger trains using their tracks could befined under new authority granted to the Surface Transportation Board.