News

We hosted a former Class I CEO to review the recent Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger application. He sees a very strong filing with acceptance likely though not until 2027. The…

In May, GATX Corp. and Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Wells Fargo’s rail operating lease portfolio of approximately 105,000 railcars for $4.4 billion. On…

Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern’s growth-oriented merger argument remains sound, but the bid-ask spread on competitive concessions remains unknown until the rails respond. Downstream, we view today’s filing as constructive…

Lili Tran on Jan. 5 will join the Regional Transportation District (RTD) of Denver, Colo., as Chief People Officer (CPO).

While Amtrak has started upgrading its maintenance facilities to support major fleet acquisitions, including NextGen Acela, Airo, and planned Long Distance trains, developing and implementing a strategic plan would help…

Northumberland, Pa.-based North Shore Railroad Company & Affiliates (NSHR) on Dec. 22 rolled out a tribute to America’s 250th anniversary: NSHR 2238. Local artist Pedro Reyes hand-painted symbols of “our nation’s…

When Congress passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, Americans were promised modernization of the country’s transportation network. Roads, bridges, ports, and supply chains were all supposed to emerge faster, stronger, and more competitive. …

The San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (SJRRC) appoints Chris Orlando as CEO. Also, Kathryn B. “Katie” Thomson is Acting Secretary of the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), following the departure…

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) system-wide ridership decreases 1% in November. Also, STV’s Quantico Station Improvement Project wins an American Council of Engineering Companies of Virginia (ACEC Virginia) Grand Award;…

Chicago, Ill.-based FreightCar America, Inc. on Dec. 22 reported completing the acquisition of Carly Railcar Components, a move that will strengthen its “aftermarket distribution business with a focus on running-repair…

The U.S. Department of Transportation on Dec. 19 issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) that makes $33 million in funding available for the Department’s University Transportation Centers (UTC) Program…

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) shortlists three Commuter Rail operator teams. Also, Alto, Canada’s planned Toronto-Québec City HSR (high-speed rail) system, “could see dozens of daily trains”; crime is at…

’Twas one week before Christmas, and all through the land, rail stakeholders were stirring, as Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern dealt their merger hand.

Union Pacific’s (UP) Chicago Service Unit celebrates a world-class safety achievement. Also, CSX’s Columbus, Ohio, Mechanical Team achieves 1,500 days injury-free; and the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) releases its annual…

The Regional Transportation Authority (Chicago, Ill.) on Dec. 18 voted to adopt the 2025 Regional Transit Operating Budget and 2026-2030 Capital Program following the signing of the Northern Illinois Transit…

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has adopted for first-quarter 2026 the rail cost adjustment factor (RCAF), which is defined as “an index formulated to represent changes in railroad costs incurred…

The Senate Dec. 18 voted 53-43, along party lines, to confirm STB member Michelle A. Schultz to a second two-year term on the five-member agency.

The level of granularity in evaluating thousands of pages of a merger application prompted William H. Tucker, when a member of Surface Transportation Board (STB) predecessor Interstate Commerce Commission in…

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announces major congestion pricing-funded subway improvement projects moving forward. Also, Canada and TransLink invest in traction power upgrades across Metro Vancouver’s SkyTrain network;…

The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) and the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division (BMWED), representing 53% of the unionized workforce at Union Pacific (UP) and Norfolk…