Premium Pictured: Hanford Viaduct in Kings County (CHSRA Photograph)

CHSRA Releases Draft 2024 Business Plan

The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) on Feb. 9 issued its draft 2024 Business Plan for public review and comment. It covers major program progress in Northern California, the Central Valley and

FRA Proposes Changes to Freight Car Safety Standards (UPDATED 2/9)

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) in December 2023 proposed to amend the Freight Car Safety Standards (FCSS) to advance a freight rail safety provision of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). Manufacturers of newly built freight cars placed into U.S. service will face restrictions. The Railway Supply Institute (RSI) weighed in this month, as did the Rail Security Alliance, which represents North American freight railcar manufacturers and component suppliers.

(Image Courtesy of FRA)

FRA Issues Report on Improving Tank Car Crash Energy Management

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has released a technical report aimed to help improve the puncture resistance of hazardous materials (hazmat) tank cars in the event of an accident or derailment.

Pictured: Parallel’s prototype railcar loaded with a shipping container. (Photo courtesy of Parallel Systems)

FRA Reviews GC, HOG Petition to Pilot Parallel Systems Technology (Updated)

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has conducted a preliminary review of a request submitted on Aug. 10, 2023, by Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (G&W) subsidiaries Georgia Central Railway, L.P. (GC) and Heart

FRA Requiring BNGR to Discontinue Operation

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has issued an emergency order requiring Blackwell Northern Gateway Railroad (BNGR), a Class III railroad headquartered in Blackwell, Okla., to “discontinue operation of all trains, locomotives and any other on-track rail vehicles or equipment under any circumstances,” stating that the short line is operating with “a complete disregard for the safety of the public.”

Andy Koziol, Director West-East Rail, MassDOT

Koziol Appointed as West-East Rail Director

Massachusetts Gov. Maura T. Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kimberley Driscoll and Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt on Feb. 6 announced that they will be appointing Andy Koziol as Director of West-East Rail, which would extend passenger rail service from Boston to Worcester, Springfield and Pittsfield.

ASLRRA President Chuck Baker
Commentary

Supporting the Drive to Net Zero Emissions by 2050

ASLRRA PERSPECTIVE, RAILWAY AGE FEBRUARY 2024 ISSUE: Short line railroads are in business to provide shippers with reliable and competitive transportation service. Doing so requires constant attention to improving operating practices, upgrading infrastructure, and maintaining safety. While that is by necessity their focus, a growing number of short lines are also devoting serious time and resources to maximizing the environmental advantages inherent in rail transportation.

(TTC Operated by ENSCO Photograph)

Up Close at the Impact Wall

TTC OPERATED BY ENSCO, RAILWAY AGE FEBRUARY 2024 ISSUE: When visitors enter the Transportation Technology Center (TTC), they travel over a small overpass just prior to arriving at the entrance gate. Despite

NYMTA photo

Transit Briefs: NYMTA, NJ Transit, Amtrak

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) launches OMNY on Hudson Rail Link, releases the results of the Fall 2023 Customers Count Survey, and receives approval to time delay emergency exits to fight fare evasion. Also, New Jersey state lawmakers advance a bill to establish an office representing customers’ interest following a proposed 15% fare hike by NJ Transit; and a new study predicts the significant economic impact of passenger rail in Ohio.

Commentary

‘Here’s the Data. Have Fun With It’

Feb. 3 marks the one-year “anniversary” of Norfolk Southern’s East Palestine, Ohio, derailment, which quickly turned into a media circus, flavored with tasty fodder appealing to preaching, finger-pointing politicians. We’ve covered the

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