Prototype News

BNSF on Nov. 7 reported that 99 customers have earned its Product Stewardship Award for the safe transportation of hazardous materials by rail in 2024.

The annual award, established in 1997, recognizes shippers who transport a minimum of 500 loaded tank cars of hazardous materials during the previous year and record zero non-accidental releases. These shippers also uphold the ethics of Product Stewardship under the American Chemistry Council’s Responsible Care® initiative.

“Safety is a shared responsibility, and at BNSF, we value strong partnerships that make it possible,” BNSF Vice President of Safety Chad Sundem said. “Recognizing customers who align with our safety standards reflects our commitment to working together to deliver necessary materials more safely than any other mode of land transportation.”

And the honorees are:

• ABERDEEN ENERGY LLC
• AGRIUM US INC.
• ALLIANCE ENERGY SERVICES LLC
• ALTAGAS LTD
• AMERICAS STYRENICS
• ARKEMA INC.
• ASPHALT & FUEL SUPPLY LLC
• AUX SABLE LIQUID PRODUCTS
• BASF CORP.
• BIG RIVER RESOURCES LLC
• BONANZA BIOENERGY LLC
• BP PRODUCTS NORTH AMERICA
• BRIDGEPORT ETHANOL LLC
• BUSHMILLS ETHANOL INC.
• CALUMET SPECIALTY PRODUCTS
• CARGILL INC.
• CENTENNIAL ENERGY LLC
• CHEMTRADE LOGISTICS INC.
• CHEVRON PHILLIPS CHEMICAL
• CHEVRON PRODUCTS CO.
• CHIEF ETHANOL FUELS INC.
• CHS INC.
• CITGO PETROLEUM CORP.
• COVESTRO LLC
• CVR RENEWABLES WYN LLC
• DAKOTA SPIRIT AGENERGY LLC
• EASTMAN CHEMICAL CO.
• ELBOW RIVER MARKETING LTD.
• ENTERPRISE PRODUCTS OPERATING LLC
• ERCO WORLDWIDE
• EXXONMOBIL CORP.
• FLINT HILLS RESOURCES LP
• GOLDEN TRIANGLE ENERGY LLC
• GREEN PLAINS TRADE GROUP LLC
• HARMATTAN GAS PROCESSING LP
• HEREFORD ETHANOL PARTNERS
• HESS CORP.
• HF SINCLAIR REFINING & MARKETING
• HUSKER AG LLC
• HUSKY ENERGY INC.
• INDORAMA VENTURES USA INC.
• INEOS STYROLUTION AMERICA
• INTERNATIONAL RAW MATERIAL
• ITAFOS CONDA LLC
• JR SIMPLOT CO.
• K2 PURE SOLUTIONS LP
• KEMIRA WATER SOLUTIONS INC.
• KIROS ENERGY MARKETING ULC
• KM LIQUIDS MARKETING LLC
• LINDE INC.
• MARATHON PETROLEUM
• MARKWEST ENERGY PARTNERS LLC
• MEGLOBAL AMERICAS INC
• METHANEX METHANOL LLC
• MID AMERICA AGRI PRODUCTS
• MOOSE JAW REFINERY PARTNERSHIP
• NEBRASKA CORN PROCESSING LLC
• NGL SUPPLY COMPANY LTD
• NUGEN ENERGY LLC
• OCCIDENTAL CHEMICAL CORP.
• OLIN CORP.
• ONEOK INC.
• OQ CHEMICALS CORP.
• PBF HOLDING COMPANY LLC
• PCS SALES (USA) INC.
• PEMBINA RESOURCE SERVICES
• PENOLES METALS & CHEMICALS
• PETROGAS ENERGY CORP.
• PLAINS LPG SERVICES LP
• PLAINVIEW BIOENERGY LLC
• PLYMOUTH ENERGY LLC
• POET BIOREFINING
• REAGENT CHEMICAL & RESEARCH
• REDFIELD ENERGY LLC
• RIO TINTO MINERALS
• RPMG LLC
• SANDHILLS RENEWABLE ENERGY
• SEABOARD ENERGY MARKETING
• SHELL OIL PRODUCTS US
• SIOUXLAND ENERGY COOPERATION
• SM ENERGY CO.
• SOLVAY AMERICA INC.
• SOUTHWEST IOWA RENEWABLE ENERGY
• SUNCOR ENERGY MARKETING INC.
• TARGA RESOURCES INC.
• TAUBER OIL CO.
• THE ANDERSONS INC.
• THE DOW CHEMICAL CO.
• THE INTERNATIONAL GROUP INC.
• THE MOSAIC CO.
• TRAFIGURA COMMODITIES MARKETING
• TRECORA HYDROCARBONS LLC
• UNITED ENERGY TRADING LLC
• UNIVAR SOLUTIONS USA INC.
• US OIL & REFINING CO.
• VANTAGE CORN PROCESSORS LLC
• WE HEREFORD LLC
• WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORP.

In related developments, earlier this year CN recognized 213 shippers with Safe Handling Awards for 2024 and Union Pacific honored 147 chemical shippers for their dedication and commitment to safety with 2024 Pinnacle Awards.

“BNSF operating teams are sustaining improved service performance as we move through the first week of November,” the Class I railroad reported Nov. 7. “Car velocity has increased compared to the previous week and is steady with the average for the month of October. Average terminal dwell remains consistent with that of the previous week and month, and our local service compliance measure exceeds 90%.”

It also reported that every month so far in 2025, from January through October, “our teams have turned in the lowest dwell in our company’s history for that month.” BNSF said it has “focused hard on reducing dwell at our facilities, which is the average time a railcar spends in a terminal before continuing toward its destination. The lower, the better.”

WXN recently unveiled the winners of the 2025 Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Awards, celebrating 102 women “whose leadership, innovation, and impact are transforming industries, organizations, and communities across the country.” The winners will be honored in person at the 23rd annual Top 100 Awards Gala, hosted at the Fairmont Royal York Toronto on Nov. 27.

Winners were selected by WXN’s Global Alliance for Inclusive Leadership, a partnership of corporations that the association describes as being “committed to helping women rise and lead.” Winners span the private, public and not-for-profit sectors.

With 11 categories, the Top 100 Awards highlight the contributions of women at every stage of their careers across industries:

1. CN Executive Leaders (CN-sponsored)
2. CPKC Skilled Trades (CPKC-sponsored)
3. Canada’s Most Powerful CEOs, presented by Postmedia
4. Amex Emerging Leaders
5. Entrepreneurs
6. RBC Future Leaders
7. Food Industry Award, presented by Skip
8. Professionals
9. STEM
10. Board of Directors
11. WXN Hall of Fame

“This year marks CN’s first time sponsoring the CN Executive Leaders category, a moment to recognize 16 outstanding women whose leadership breaks barriers, drives innovation, and inspires future generations to dream bigger,” CN reported via social media. “We’re proud to stand with these remarkable leaders and the women who move us forward.” The 16 women are from these companies: Sun Life, KJ Harrison Investors, PwC, Terry Fox Foundation, Desjardins Group, BDO Canada, LLP, RBC, Skip, Events East Group, Metrolinx, Toronto Metropolitan University, Kruger Products Inc., Vermilion Energy Inc., University of Manitoba, Bombardier, and TELUS.

In the CPKC Skilled Trades category, 11 women recognized for “contribut[ing] immense value and demonstrate[ing] excellence in skilled trades, product or service innovation, and community involvement.” They are from the following companies: Just Working Construction Inc., Build a Dream (two), Ontario Masonry Training Centre, Women on Site, IBEW Local Union 804, Heffner Lexus, Smart Local 285, UBC Local 93, SaskPower, and Guns N’ Hoses Roofing & Contracting.

“This year has tested what it means to rise boldly, and our Top 100 Award Winners have shown us what it means to answer the call,” said Sherri Stevens, owner and CEO of WXN. “They’ve turned setbacks into breakthroughs, uncertainty into courage, and ambition into real impact. Their achievements light a path for others, proving that strength, confidence and purpose are unstoppable—and that when women rise boldly, they change the whole world around them.”

WXN has celebrated 1,833 women with a Top 100 Award since the program launched in 2012. Past winners include Top 100 winners such as Lisa LaFlamme, award-winning international journalist; Princess Sarah Culberson, Princess of Sierra Leone; The Honourable Rona Ambrose, former leader of Canada’s Official Opposition in the House of Commons; and Dr. Makaziwe Mandela, global activist, head of the House of Mandela and the daughter of Nelson Mandela.

UP employees this fall supported the 2025 United Way workplace giving campaign, raising $690,000 to benefit nearly 100 United Way chapters across the railroad’s 23-state network.

During United Way’s citywide day of service in Omaha, 80 Finance employees volunteered at eight local nonprofits painting facilities, wrapping diapers, preparing food, and organizing supplies to help neighbors and community members.

Teams throughout the railroad’s system drove participation with creative events designed to engage employees across all shifts, according to UP. Activities included prize raffles, pizza parties, trick-or-treat candy deliveries and team meals.

UP reported that its leadership team played a key role: CEO Jim Vena and senior leaders connected with employees and nonprofit representatives at the railroad’s annual Community Village event; Executive Vice President-Marketing and Sales Kenny Rocker and his leadership team handed out popcorn to raise awareness; and Christina Conlin, Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary, rolled a team treat cart across Law and Risk Management to foster connection.

“It’s inspiring to see our team come together to make a difference,” said Josh Perkes, UP Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, who chaired this year’s campaign.

Since 2005, Union Pacific and its employees have raised more than $20 million through its annual United Way campaign.

The post Class I Briefs: BNSF, CN/CPKC, UP appeared first on Railway Age.

The Port said it moved 8,229,916 TEUs (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units) through the first 10 months of 2025, up 4.1% from the same period last year.

It is moving cargo ahead of the “record-setting pace” achieved in 2024 “largely because retailers ordered shipments early and stocked warehouses before tariffs and reciprocal tariffs were implemented in spring,” according to POLB.

In October 2025, dockworkers and terminal operators moved 839,671 TEUs, down 14.9% from October 2024, which the Port said remains the busiest month in its 114-year history. Imports decreased 17.6% to 401,915 TEUs; exports decreased 11.5% to 99,817 TEUs; and empty containers moving through the Port declined 12.6% to 337,940 TEUs vs. the same month last year.

The Port also saw a cargo volume decline in September, albeit a smaller one (3.9%), which it attributed to “[s]oftening consumer demand and rising prices driven by shifting trade policies.” 

“The consumer has not seen significant tariff impacts given that manufacturers, retailers, and others have shared in incurring some of these costs and mitigating price escalation to the consumer, but that may change as we approach 2026,” said POLB CEO Mario Cordero, who recently announced he will retire at the end of this year. “Consumers will likely see price escalation in the coming months as shippers continue to pass along the cost of tariffs on goods and a higher percentage of these costs will be passed on to the consumer.”

“Even in the midst of the nation’s longest government shutdown, cargo continues to move smoothly through our port and across the nation’s supply chain,” POLB Chief Operating Officer Noel Hacegaba added. “We continue to coordinate closely with all of our partners to anticipate and mitigate issues before they arise to keep cargo and our economy moving.”

“Our dedicated workforce and terminal operators are working hard to ensure store shelves are stocked and shoppers are able to purchase gifts for the holidays,” Long Beach Harbor Commission President Frank Colonna commented. “We plan to continue delivering extraordinary customer service and building for a sustainable future into the new year.”

The ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles recently extended their agreement with Anacostia Rail Holdings’ Pacific Harbor Line to provide railroad operating and maintenance services within the San Pedro Bay ports complex. Union Pacific and BNSF move cargo in and out of the complex.

Meanwhile, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) Governing Board on Nov. 7 voted to approve a Cooperative Agreement with the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles. “The enforceable agreement requires the ports to develop and implement charging and fueling infrastructure plans and includes annual reporting requirements and agency oversight,” according to South Coast AQMD, the regulatory agency responsible for improving air quality for large areas of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties, including the Coachella Valley.

The agreement is said to prioritize the development of “zero-emission infrastructure” at the ports. South Coast AQMD described it as “the first critical step toward eliminating emissions from cargo handling equipment, harbor craft, trucks, trains, and ocean-going vessels and attaining clean air in the region.” Under the agreement, it said:

• “The ports will develop comprehensive zero-emission Infrastructure Plans in three phases, including planning targets, key milestones, and public input.
• “South Coast AQMD will verify progress through annual reports and regular reporting to its Governing Board on implementation and progress.
• “Penalties for noncompliance range from $50,000 to $200,000 per default and will be used toward projects benefiting near-port communities.
• “A 45-day exit clause was included to provide flexibility for either party to withdraw if necessary.”

Since 2022, South Coast AQMD said it has hosted nearly 30 public meetings, including Board and Mobile Source Committee meetings, community meetings, and office hours on the agreement; public feedback directly influenced such key items as enforcement, doubled penalties, and public process for the development and modifications of infrastructure plans.

“The Governing Board also adopted a resolution to pause rulemaking for five years—unless the agreement is terminated early—allowing time for the infrastructure planning needed while preserving South Coast AQMD’s authority to resume rulemaking if needed,” South Coast AQMD said.

The Cooperative Agreement still must be approved by the Boards of Harbor Commissioners for both the Port of Long Beach and the Port of Los Angeles. Those approvals are expected to take place in the next several weeks, according to South Coast AQMD.

South Coast AQMD and the ports “will continue to negotiate on additional measures to expand emission reduction efforts, with updates expected in Spring 2026,” the regulatory agency said. “These future actions will focus on near-term emission reductions and support for long-term zero-emission goals.”

The Nov. 7 “approval of the Cooperative Agreement by the SCAQMD marks an important step forward to accelerate further progress in cleaning the air at the nation’s largest port complex,” POLB reported via social media. “It grew out of a transparent public process and extensive collaboration between AQMD and POLB/POLA.”

• POLB: $3.2B 10-Year Capex Plan
• FEMA Awards $2.6MM Security Grant to POLB
• Watch: POLB Breaks Ground on Pier B Project

The post POLB: Cargo Volumes ‘Steady’ Through October appeared first on Railway Age.

Rail transit veteran Joseph Leader has joined STV, Inc. as Vice President and Engineering Director, Transportation North Operating Group.

With more 35 years of senior leadership experience, Leader has managed inspections, design reviews and testing of emerging railway technologies “to ensure resilient and high-performing rail networks,” STV said. “He has a proven track record of overseeing complex rail operations and driving system-wide performance improvements. His expertise includes heavy and light rail operations, infrastructure management, systems integration and safety oversight, enabling him to lead strategic initiatives, enhance reliability and deliver innovative solutions for transit agencies.

Leader comes to STV from HDR, Inc., where he was Senior Rail Project Manager. Prior to HDR, he served as Chief Operating Officer of WMATA (Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority) for nearly six years. Leader spent the bulk of his career, nearly 30 years, at MTA New York City Transit (NYCT), from which he retired as Senior Vice President in 2016. He was a Senior Consultant at Bianco Associates, a consulting firm led by former NYCT President Carmen Bianco, prior to joining WMATA.

Leader helped develop NYCT’s FastTrack program, “a pioneering effort that sped up overnight maintenance and repair work, increased productivity and reduced service disruptions,” STV noted. “As part of WMATA’s SafeTrack and performance improvement programs, he led data-driven initiatives that used real-time analysis to boost reliability and achieved record customer satisfaction across the Metrorail system. His work has concentrated on optimizing maintenance approaches, deploying innovative technologies and planning long-term infrastructure projects for agencies such as the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, the New York MTA and WMATA.

Leader holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering from Manhattan College and an Executive Certificate in State and Local Governments from Harvard Kennedy School. He is a member of the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) and the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA). He also serves on the Oversight and Project Selection Commission for the Transit Cooperative Research Program.

“Shaping innovative solutions that positively impact communities is at the core of everything we do,” said STV Senior Vice President and Transportation North Operating Group District Manager Peter Pappas, P.E. “Joe’s extensive experience leading public sector transit initiatives and rail operations strengthens our team’s ability to deliver complex, high-performance transportation programs across the region.”

The post Leader Joins STV Transportation North Ops Group appeared first on Railway Age.

Atlanta, Ga.-based SIMONA AMERICA Industries (SAI), a subsidiary of SIMONA AMERICA Group, a manufacturer of thermoplastic sheet and rod products, broke ground on $25 million expansion project at its Archbald, Pa., facility in Lackawanna County. The project will add 155,000 square feet of new manufacturing space and “marks a major milestone in the company’s ongoing growth and commitment to U.S. manufacturing.”

The expanded facility will support more than 25 new jobs in manufacturing, shipping, and logistics, “contributing to regional economic growth,” SAI said. “The site’s strategic access to rail and interstate systems enables efficient nationwide distribution and supports SAI’s expanding customer base across industries including chemical processing, semiconductor manufacturing, marine, outdoor living, food and beverage, playgrounds, retail displays, signage, and medical orthotics and prosthetics.”

The Delaware-Lackawanna Railroad Co., Inc. (DLRR) provides rail freight services in Archibald on its Carbondale Line under contract with the Pennsylvania Northeast Regional Railroad Authority (PNRRA), which owns the rail assets and properties.

Scheduled for completion in the early third quarter of 2026, the expansion “will enable more advanced extrusion and fabrication technologies, including the addition of the new SL12 production line, which will enhance SAI’s capabilities in partition materials and other performance thermoplastics,” SAI noted.

“This investment represents a major step forward in advancing SIMONA’s long-term growth strategy,” said Adam Mellen, CEO of SIMONA AMERICA Group. “By expanding our production capacity and introducing new technologies, we’re strengthening our ability to serve our customers with innovative, high-quality materials while continuing to invest in our people and our community. This expansion is a testament to the dedication of our employees and the continued confidence of our customers. It positions SAI to meet growing market demand, improve production efficiency, and drive sustainable innovation well into the future.”

SIMONA AMERICA Group is a diversified manufacturer of thermoplastic products serving a wide range of industries. As a subsidiary of SIMONA AG, the Group includes SIMONA AMERICA Industries, SIMONA Boltaron, and SIMONA PMC, with manufacturing sites in Pennsylvania and Ohio, and its headquarters in Atlanta.

The post SAI Expanding in PA appeared first on Railway Age.

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro) has awarded Clever Devices a contract for the Advanced Transportation Management System II (ATMS II) dispatching and vehicle location program. The technology will be implemented on more than 500 railcars among six rail yards and 2,400 buses across 12 depots.

ATMS II, Clever Devices said, “will modernize LA Metro’s Computer-Aided Dispatch and Automatic Vehicle Location (CAD/AVL) systems across its expansive fleet, enhancing real-time operational efficiency, safety, and rider experience without sacrificing the familiar integrations and interfaces that users rely on. For the first time, LA Metro will implement CAD/AVL technology across both its bus and rail fleets, along with a new state-of-the-art yard management system, positioning Los Angeles as a global leader in intelligent transit infrastructure.”

As part of the project scope, Clever Devices will deploy a suite of cloud-hosted solutions, including CleverCAD, LMR and VoIP, Disruption Management, Real-Time Passenger Information and Reporting solutions, that will replace the previous ATMS I system, initially installed in 2004. The ATMS II project, the company noted, “will bring new and enhanced functionality to operations at LA Metro as well as greater reliability for critical communications.”

The contract has options for expanding the system to include support for Yard Management, Electric Vehicles, Rail Onboard Systems, Onboard Digital Signage, and camera system upgrades.

“As LA Metro continues to experience significant growth, investment, and increased ridership, it was paramount that we select a technology provider capable of delivering a state-of-the-art solution that prioritizes the needs of the people of Los Angeles,” said Conan Cheung, Chief Operations Officer of LA Metro. “This partnership with Clever Devices introduces powerful new capabilities such as real-time disruption management and integrated communications that will improve our operational processes, enhance service reliability, and elevate the overall rider experience. With the 2028 Olympic Games on the horizon, these advancements will ensure LA Metro is prepared to meet the demands of a global audience while continuing to deliver exceptional service to our local communities. As the City of Los Angeles prepares to welcome the world for the 2028 Olympic Games, LA Metro’s investment in advanced transit management technology will be pivotal in delivering safe, efficient, and seamless mobility for millions of residents and international visitors.”

“This historic partnership with LA Metro is a testament to our team’s dedication to innovation and excellence in transit technology,” said Frank Ingrassia, CEO of Clever Devices. “We are honored to support their vision for a smarter, safer, and more connected transportation future.”

LA Metro operates one of the largest and most complex public transportation systems in North America, serving more than 311 million annual riders across a network spanning 1,447 square miles, with six rail lines, 118 bus routes and 107 stations.

Clever Devices describes itself as “a leading provider of technology solutions for all modes of public transportation, including passenger rail, fixed-route, bus rapid transit, and paratransit, serving more than half of North America’s top 20 transit agencies. We deliver scalable and modular Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), providing benefits to transit system operators and the riding public, including increased operational efficiencies, enhanced safety, and better passenger experiences. Clever Devices’ mission is to make meaningful contributions to worldwide mobility. Our solutions enhance mobility and help meet the public transportation challenges of communities around the world. We strive to be at the forefront of innovation, using technology to drive the next generation of public transportation.”

The post Clever Devices Awarded LA Metro ATMS II Contract appeared first on Railway Age.

Caltrain at its recent Board Meeting outlined “significant service cuts and operational impacts,” including the potential elimination of weekend service and of half-hourly trains, “to reduce budget shortfalls despite strong ridership recovery and high rider satisfaction” if the proposed regional transit funding measure fails in November 2026 and no new external funding is available, according to the California regional/commuter railroad, which provides service along the San Francisco Peninsula, through the South Bay to San Jose and Gilroy.

Gov. Gavin Newsom on Oct. 13 signed SB 63, the Bay Area Transit Sales Tax Ballot Measure that is intended to fund “fiscally distressed” transportation authorities in the Bay Area, according to the California Transit Association. Authored by Sens. Scott Wiener and Jesse Arreguin, the approved measure ”takes the next step in ensuring that the proposal will appear on the 2026 ballots of voters in the counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara,” the Association reported late last month. “Notably, the measure will not automatically go to voters; the newly formed Public Transit Revenue Measure District overseen by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission must first approve the measure for the ballot, which would require a ⅔ majority vote for its approval (alternatively, the measure could be placed on the ballot as a voter-initiated measure, which would require only a simple majority for its passage). If the measure does appear on the ballot and if it is approved by voters, it will impose a half-cent sales tax in four counties and a full-cent sales tax in San Francisco with the goal of generating nearly $1 billion in annual revenues for the transit operations of AC Transit, BART, Caltrain, Muni, County Connection, Tri Delta Transit, LAVTA, Union City Transit, WestCAT and SF Bay Ferry. SB 63 also requires financial audits of the major transit systems facing fiscal cliffs (AC Transit, BART, Caltrain, SF Muni) and provisions for stronger regional network management.”

Caltrain on Nov. 7 reported that as “transit agencies across the Bay Area are confronting structural budget shortfalls as post-pandemic travel patterns continue to reshape commuting behavior,” it has responded by:

• Taking “significant cost-cutting measures, including FTE freezes, crewing efficiencies, and reductions to professional services and other non-labor expenses.”
• Working on “monetizing available resources and diversifying revenue through a non-fare revenue strategy portfolio that includes expanded advertising, property leasing, selling fiber optic cable and Transit Oriented Development.”
• Modernizing and expanding service—“boosting train frequency beyond traditional commute hours, improving reliability, and enhancing the rider experience following electrification.”

Caltrain in September 2024 fully launched its electrified service with 23 Stadler Rail-built KISS bilevel EMUs (electric multiple-units), transforming the now 161-year-old corridor from diesel to electric power. The railroad runs every 15 minutes at most stations during peak hours and half hourly service at all other times including on the weekend.

Caltrain’s preliminary FY25 budget end results ”are showing positive impacts from the cost efficiencies and more revenue than budgeted,” according to the railroad. “The focus on quality service is also paying off: ridership has risen 55% compared to September last year with weekend ridership doubling and four consecutive months of over one million riders.” It noted that 91% of polled riders approve of the agency and results from a recent rider satisfaction rating “are the highest they have ever been in the 27 years of surveying Caltrain riders.”

According to Caltrain, the SB 63 measure “would establish a stable funding source for Caltrain and other Bay Area transit systems to maintain reliable, accessible service.” If the measure fails, Caltrain said it “would be forced to take actions to reduce the structural funding gap, unless new external funding sources are identified”; these actions, it noted, “would significantly undermine the progress Caltrain has made in recent years to rebuild ridership, improve service reliability, and support clean air goals through electrification.”

The railroad said without external funding, the potential impacts would include:

• “Closing more than one-third of stations.
• “No weekend service.
• “Reducing service to once an hour.
• “Ending operations by 9 p.m.
• “Cutting segments of service.”

Caltrain said it will “continue to work through budget scenarios with the Board in early 2026, with additional details on savings and the downsides of service cuts, which include significant loss of riders and associated revenue.” It noted that it “remains committed to transparency about its financial outlook and to working with regional partners to identify sustainable, long-term solutions that protect the service improvements, ridership increases, and environmental benefits the agency has worked hard to achieve.”

In June, Caltrain’s Board approved its operating and capital budgets for FY 2026, which began July 1, 2025, and ends June 30, 2026.

The FY26 operating budget is nearly $260 million, with funds coming from fares, Measure RR, state SB 125 funding, and utilization of State Transit Assistance (STA) carryforward funds. The railroad said it identified $10.9 million in operating cost reductions compared with its earlier financial projections by reducing both labor and non-labor expenses. These reductions were said to be achieved while maintaining current service levels, reflecting “Caltrain’s commitment to cost control and financial stewardship.”

Caltrain’s FY26 $34.8 million capital budget is funded through a combination of federal, regional and state grants; local funding; and member agency funding. It focuses on state of good repair and safety and includes funding for grade crossing safety improvements, such as LiDAR and camera-based artificial intelligence systems.

Caltrain in June said it was projecting an average annual deficit of close to $75 million between FY 2027 and FY 2035, without an “injection of funding from a regional sales tax measure or other external sources.”

“Caltrain has made tremendous strides in improving service, expanding ridership, and earning the trust of our riders and communities,” Executive Director Michelle Bouchard said on Nov. 7. “The regional funding solution would provide a sustainable funding source to continue those efforts, but should it fail to pass we will face a number of scenarios that will affect years of progress, affect tens of thousands of daily riders who depend on Caltrain, increase traffic, and adversely affect the Bay Area’s economy.”

The post Caltrain: ‘Cuts to Come’ Without External Funding appeared first on Railway Age.

A large order of Plasser American maintenance-of way-equipment arrived in Canada on Nov. 6. Offloaded from a ship at the Port of Hamilton/Federal Marine Terminals Pier 14, the equipment  was rigged up for transport on QTTX flatcars for delivery to Metrolinx facilities in the Greater Toronto/Hamilton area Nov. 8.

Equipment included three Plasser Unimat 4×4/4S universal tamping machines, and a pair of USP 2005 ballast regulators. The ship that unloaded the equipment was DSHIP CARRIERS Ronnie. Based on past ports of call, these units were constructed by Plasser India at its state-of-the art manufacturing facility in Vadodara.

While no details for this order were publicly released, the equipment has logos for Metrolinx, Aecon and FCC Canada (A division of FCC Construcción S.A), the partners in ONxpress Transportation Partners, a public-private partnership comprising Aecon Concessions and DB International Operations that was set to assume a 23-year operations and maintenance contract for GO Transit. The ONxpress contract was announced in January 2024, but cancelled in May 2025.

The post Metrolinx Takes Delivery on Plasser American M/W Machines appeared first on Railway Age.

MxV Rail’s Security and Emergency Response Training Center (SERTC) has set its 2026 lineup of specialist-level and advanced courses “designed to train first responders in all manners of surface transportation hazards and support the resilience of communities nationwide.”

SERTC’s “comprehensive catalogue represents the most extensive course offerings in recent history, providing diverse training options to meet the varying needs, learning styles, and budgetary requirements of the community,” the Center said. “SERTC trainings are widely recognized as the most immersive and realistic training available globally.”

The 2026 schedule includes:

• Resident courses conducted at SERTC’s state-of-the-art facility in Pueblo, Colo., ranging from 40 to 80 hours and featuring full-scale props and scenarios for live drills.
• Remote courses are offered, lasting four to 16 hours, which allows groups to train on location according to their schedules.
• Contract courses are available for industry partners and sponsors as remote deliveries or resident courses at SERTC’s training facility.

To “significantly expand access in 2026,” open enrollment, available on a first-come, first-served basis, is offered for the Alternative Fuels and Flammable Incident Response and Management (AFFIRM) course. While open enrollment options have been offered for other courses in previous years, this marks the first time the AFFIRM course will be available.” This initiative ensures that trainees who may not be eligible for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants can still access world-class training opportunities,” SERTC noted. “SERTC continues its affiliation with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/FEMA National Training and Education Division (NTED), offering courses that provide funding to cover participants’ travel, transportation, lodging, meals, and course costs. This partnership ensures responders and their organizations incur no expenses while receiving premium training.”

Visit SERTC.org to review all the professional learning opportunities available:

• AFFIRM (PER-327) – Expands flammable liquids emergency response to include alternative fuels and electric vehicle (EV) incidents.
• HazMat/WMD Technician for Surface Transportation (PER-293) – Combines NFPA 470 hazmat technician standards with highway and rail response training.
• Highway Emergency Response Specialist (PER-291) – Covers emergencies involving hazardous materials transported by highway.
• Leadership & Management of Surface Transportation Incidents (PER-292) – Focuses on ICS, NIMS, and NRF principles for managing full-scale scenarios.
• Tank Car Specialist (PER-290) – Comprehensive rail incident training, including derailments and non-accidental releases.
• Surface Transportation Emergency Preparedness and Security – Senior Officials (PER-331) – Half-day course for senior officials on surface transportation emergency preparedness.
• Surface Transportation Emergency Preparedness and Security – Mass Transit & Passenger Rail (PER-330) – Two-day course on mass transit and passenger rail safety using THIRA-based planning.
• Surface Transportation Emergency Preparedness and Security – Freight (PER-326) – Freight-focused emergency preparedness aligned with federal interoperability standards.
• Railroad Safety Awareness (RSA) – Returning online mid-2026 with upgraded content for responders and planners. Check SERTC.org for updates.

SERTC highlighted three “significant milestones that informed the development of the new catalogue. First, the AFFIRM course successfully transitioned from a pilot program to a permanent offering after receiving industry-wide input and FEMA approval. Second, Lee Nelson assumed the role of Executive Director this fall, bringing more than two decades of expertise in hazardous materials emergency response during a period of transformative growth. Finally, SERTC closed the year with expanded international offerings by launching Spanish-language courses, beginning with a fully translated STEPS-FR program delivered in partnership with Mexican industry leaders.”

“Our 2026 catalogue represents our unwavering commitment to preparing first responders for the evolving challenges of transportation emergency response,” said Nelson. “By expanding access while maintaining our world-renowned training standards, we’re building safer, more resilient communities across the nation and around the world.”

“It’s no wonder that community leaders and first responders turn first to SERTC when they want to advance skills, as evidenced in our most recent student reviews,” the Center said, highlighting:

• “I was impressed by the knowledgeable cadre of instructor staff there to relay info, and the excellent props we had to understand the material. SERTC put on an excellent course with the inclusion of the Hazard3 experts.”
• “Playing the role of an Incident Commander was valuable to me, because it allowed me to get a more realistic understanding of what leadership entails, and what I need to work on. Unless you get into these positions, it is very difficult to see where your gaps are in leadership.”
• “Using the actual tools that would be used in the field made the learning stick. The hands-on portion was the most helpful, and I felt comfortable asking questions every step of the way.”

Established in 1985, the Security and Emergency Response Training Center is operated by MxV Rail, a subsidiary of the Association of American Railroads. SERTC noted its “world-renowned training programs offer extensive, immersive, realistic professional development that includes full-scale scenarios to help first responders and leaders be better prepared for surface transportation emergencies. The center provides the very best hazmat training possible, ensuring responders understand processes required for transportation accidents involving all manners of hazardous materials and can perform the duties that protect communities.

Registration Contact: SERTC Administration sertc@aar.com, 719-584-0584.

The post SERTC Sets 2026 Agenda appeared first on Railway Age.

BNSF Railway has installed Positive Train Control on the Canadian section of its New Westminster Subdivision between Seattle and Vancouver, B.C., making it the first route in Canada to permanently implement the crash prevention technology. 

The New Westminster Sub features both BNSF freight and Amtrak Cascades trains running between Eugene, Ore., and Vancouver. The first train to operate with PTC on this route was a BNSF freight on October 21. 

While BNSF claimed that the October 21 run was the first time PTC had been used in Canada, that isn’t entirely accurate. In 2023, CPKC briefly deployed PTC on its Aldersyde Subdivision between Calgary and Lethbridge, Alberta, to test the technology it had installed on Canadian Pacific 4-6-4 H1b 2816, ahead of its tri-nation tour in 2024. 

—Justin Franz 

The post BNSF Extends PTC to Canada appeared first on Railfan & Railroad Magazine.

TTC on Nov. 5 reported that Mayor Olivia Chow launched an action plan to improve safety across Toronto’s transit system. “This initiative is powered by an expanded safety and security force funded in the 2025 budget, including TTC staff, Streets to Homes outreach workers, LOFT’s Multi-Disciplinary Outreach Team, Toronto Community Crisis teams, TTC Special Constables, Provincial Offense Officers, safety ambassadors, and contract security guards, as well as Toronto Police Services,” according to the transit agency, which provides bus, subway, streetcar and Wheel-Trans services.

The agency’ Community Safety, Security, and Well-being Plan (2024–2028) was approved this week by the TTC Board. It is described as a “comprehensive six-point plan [that] aims to further enhance safety for both customers and employees, while boosting public confidence in the TTC.”

The six points are: collaboration and partnerships with city agencies and social services; clear communication and public awareness campaigns; active engagement with riders and employees; robust procedures and training for staff; ongoing improvements to vehicles, stations, and facilities; and data analysis and monitoring of safety metrics.

Through high-visibility teams, expanded crisis support, enhanced outreach, and continuous evaluation, the TTC said it is committed to reducing offenses, increasing customer satisfaction, and fostering a “compassionate, people-first transit environment.”

As part of the plan, TTC said it is taking steps to strengthen its approach to addressing fare evasion and activities not directly related to transit use, “with a focus on fairness and consistency across the network.” Staff will continue to “use discretion” and, where appropriate, connect individuals with specialized support services, recognizing the complex challenges some may be facing, it said.

According to TTC, adding TCCS crisis workers to service Line 1 bolsters the range of high-visibility safety and social supports already working in the system, including:

• 160 additional TTC staff and supervisors in stations and on platforms, compared with 2023.
• 137 TTC Special Constables, and more in training.
• 111 Provincial Offences Officers and 13 Provincial Offences Officer Supervisors.
• Streets to Homes outreach staff.
• LOFT’s Multi-Disciplinary Outreach Team.
• Community Safety Ambassadors.

Since TTC initiated a multi-disciplinary approach, it reported that:

• “Offenses have reached three-year lows, with offenses against customers down 28% since December 2022 and offences against employees down 38% since January 2023.
• “Customer satisfaction with personal safety has risen from 57% to 64% between 2023 and 2025, with a goal of 80% by 2028.
• “Customer complaints related to safety have dropped by 56% since January 2023, returning to pre-pandemic levels.
• “Overall satisfaction with the TTC climbed from 72% in July 2025 to 75% in August 2025, aiming for 85% by 2028.
• “Use of the SafeTTC app has grown by 9% since July 2025.”

TTC also reported that has:

• More than 32,000 cameras that now monitor the TTC system.
• Provided de-escalation training to frontline employees and improved employee support systems.
• Established a program with auxiliary police to conduct community safety events in partnership with Toronto Police Service20 Community Safety Ambassadors who engage with vulnerable individuals and those with complex needs.
• Initiated the Toronto Community Crisis Service pilot to support people experiencing mental health crises.
• Expanded partnerships with Streets to Homes and LOFT/M-DOT to support persons experiencing homelessness and mental health challenges, providing 24/7 support.
• Made available Naloxone at all stations and facilities to address the drug toxicity crisis.
• Implemented a program to improve cleanliness and state-of-good-repair at six stations.
• Extended bus operator barriers to prevent operator assaults.
• Instituted a public-facing dashboard that tracks key safety metrics and guides resource deployment.

“Whenever you need help on our transit system, help is here for you,” said Mayor Chow, who announced the plan alongside the TTC Special Constables, Provincial Offenses Officers, and many of the 160 additional, high-visibility TTC station employees made possible by a $31 million investment in the 2025 budget. “Our investment in resources and our unwavering focus on safety are making a real difference for riders and employees. We are committed to ensuring every Torontonian feels secure on our transit network, every day.”

“By listening to our community and acting on feedback, we’re building a transit system that puts people first,” TTC Chair Jamaal Myers added. “The downward trend in offenses and the increase in safety resources are a testament to our proactive approach to TTC safety. Our partnerships and investments are delivering results.”

“The Community Safety, Security, and Well-being Plan is our commitment to customers and employees that safety and security is our cornerstone,” said Mandeep S. Lali, who became TTC CEO in July. “We’ve expanded high-visibility teams, improved incident response, and strengthened social supports. The data show our approach is working, and we will continue until every customer feels safe, every trip.”

Metro is honoring veterans for this Veterans Day with patriotic wraps for trains, buses, and MetroAccess vans. We thank our region's veterans for their service including nearly 25% of our workforce. On Tues 11/11 we'll run a Saturday service. : https://t.co/SxaZI7D5VP pic.twitter.com/E4D6XIjSbS

This Veterans Day, WMATA is honoring the men and women who have served the United States with a special patriotic train, bus, and MetroAccess vehicle that will serve customers across Washington, D.C.; Maryland; and Virginia. With a network of six rail lines, 98 stations, 125 bus routes, and paratransit service, WMATA is the second busiest transit system in the country, and nearly 25% of its workforce has served in the military.

“In recognition of their service and the contributions of all veterans in our community, Metro [WMATA] will feature red, white, and blue stars and stripes vehicle wraps until the end of November,” the agency reported Nov. 6. The vehicles can be found on WMATA’s live tracker at wmata.com/live by clicking on “Special Edition.”

In related news, WMATA in August announced that the public selected Option 3 for the exterior design of its 256 8000-series rapid transit cars from Hitachi Rail, which will start arriving in 2027. The public was able to vote for one of three design options. Similarly, Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority in 2021 asked the public to weigh in on the exterior graphic design for its 254 new Stadler railcars. The winner was revealed in 2022.

• Report: DC Rail Extension Eyed for New Commanders Stadium Project
• WMATA Delivers $120MM Savings, Record Ridership in FY2025
• WMATA Garners Top APTA Award

Kroll Bond Rating Agency (KBRA) recently gave TriMet’s payroll tax revenue bonds a AAA rating, according to the transit agency, which provides MAX light rail, WES commuter rail, bus, and LIFT paratransit services across 533 square miles of Oregon’s three most populous counties of Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas. “KBRA’s outlook for the bonds is stable, showing confidence that TriMet will continue to meet the highest standards for our ability to repay these bonds,” TriMet reported Nov. 6.

The AAA rating means that TriMet’s payroll tax bonds are “the highest possible quality investment and the lowest credit risk, while the stable outlook affirms that they are expected to remain that way,” TriMet said.

KBRA previously gave its AAA rating to TriMet’s payroll tax bonds in 2024. According to TriMet, Moody’s earlier this year awarded the bonds its top rating of Aaa with a stable outlook, and Standard & Poor’s has also given these bonds a AAA rating.

“Bond rating agencies apply tests to determine how likely it is that a public agency will be able to repay its bonds—all of which TriMet has passed, as the AAA rating shows,” TriMet said. “Additionally, KBRA describes the payroll tax that supports TriMet operations as ‘an exceptionally reliable revenue source.’”

TriMet relies on payroll taxes to provide transit service; it sells bonds to borrow against the payroll tax revenue the agency expects to take in. These bonds help pay for infrastructure improvements and capital projects.

“Thanks to the top-notch bond ratings we’ve received for our payroll tax bonds, we pay less in interest on those bonds,” TriMet said. “That helps to bring down the cost of improvement projects that allow TriMet to better serve our riders. As part of our strategic planning effort, TriMet is making deliberate service and budget reductions to ensure payroll tax resources will be available to pay our debt obligations for many years to come.”

• TriMet Announces Service Cuts to Address Budget Shortfall
• WES: Commuter Rail Skirting Its Principal City
• TriMet Board Adopts $1.96B FY2026 Budget

WWU’s Personal Rapid Transit system, or PRT, is marking 50 years of transporting students, faculty and staff, and visitors across the Morgantown Campus, according to the University, which is celebrating the milestone with a series of special events Nov. 3-8.

Initially funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation with design and construction from Boeing, the PRT was an experimental project and the first large-scale automated guideway transit system in the United States, according to WVU. The 67 rubber-tired, electrically powered vehicles are built on a Dodge truck chassis. Cars travel at speeds of up to 33 mph on 8.7 miles of dedicated guideway between five stations: Walnut, Beechurst, Engineering, Towers, and Health Sciences. The trip from end to end covers four miles in 11.5 minutes.

The PRT has helped reduce traffic congestion in Morgantown by providing more than 100 million passenger trips, according to WVU. On average, 12,000 riders take the PRT each day, and the PRT’s reliability rate is said to be regularly above 98% thanks to a dedicated staff of more than 30 managers, central control operators and maintenance workers.

“The PRT is a quintessential and critical part of our campus community—a recognizable, bedrock piece of infrastructure that also stands as an ongoing example of the ingenuity that defines Mountaineers,” WVU President Michael T. Benson said in the PRT anniversary announcement on Oct. 27. “For generations, students, faculty and staff, and visitors have made their way to class, to sporting events, or to meet friends in the original PRT cars that run between the Downtown, Evansdale, and Health Sciences areas of campus along with downtown Morgantown as moving pieces of history.”

“There is no other system like this,” WVU Transportation Director Jeremy Evans said. “When the PRT was built, the design life on it was estimated at 10 years. It’s really a testament to the people who work at the PRT—especially our maintenance staff—who have kept it running for these 50 years. Our on-demand service is really what sets us apart. You can get on any PRT vehicle, pick the destination you want to go to, and we’ll take you directly there and bypass all the other stations. There are other similar systems, but you have to stop at every station, so we’re much more efficient and really the only ones that do it this way. We take great pride in how well the PRT runs to serve our students which is very important to everyone here.”

Evans predicts the PRT will continue to evolve, tapping into new technologies. “Possibilities include going to battery-powered vehicles that could someday allow us to take the PRT vehicle off the guideway and out into a dedicated lane somewhere and other places across campus and in town,” he said. “Five decades later, the PRT experiment continues in really exciting, forward-thinking ways.”

WVU will be holding the following events to celebrate the PRT’s anniversary:

• As part of Mountaineer Week and the PRT’s anniversary celebrations, behind-the-scenes tours of PRT Central will be offered Nov. 6-7. Each tour will give participants a look at the operations and technology that keep the transportation system running. Participants will meet at the Beechurst Station, where a PRT team member will gather the tour group to travel to PRT Central. Tours will last approximately 90 minutes and are limited to 20 people per group. Tours are open to members of the University community and the public, but space is limited. Find tour registration information here.
• The West Virginia and Regional History Center, located at the Downtown Library, will host a historical PRT display in the Atrium during regular business hours from Nov. 3 through the end of the year.
• The WVU Bookstore is hosting a special anniversary activation on Nov. 6 and Nov. 7, which will include a walk-through photo history of the PRT and a retro-inspired PRT collection available for purchase. WVU Bookstore hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

• Watch “A Ride of the Future,” produced for WVU by Ellis Dungan in 1977.
• Meet the WVU PRT supervisor who keeps campus moving.
• Learn about the WVU alum whose senior capstone project inspired the development of the PRT lab.
• Read about the living legacy of the WVU PRT.

The post Transit Briefs: TTC, WMATA, TriMet, WVU appeared first on Railway Age.

Two battery-electric locomotives (BELs) from Progress Rail’s Brazilian plant are bound for Fortescue’s mining operations in the Pilbara region of Australia.

The EMD® Joule series units are due for arrival in December, Fortescue reported late last month via social media. The Western Australia-based technology, energy and metals company placed the order with Progress Rail, a Caterpillar Company, in 2022.

“Each [BEL] carries an impressive 14.5 MWh of energy, making them the largest battery-powered mobile assets in the world,” Fortescue said in its posts. “We’ve collaborated with Progress Rail to design a scalable, zero-emission rail solution that provides a pathway for heavy industry to decarbonise today, not tomorrow.” The units, it noted, will be “ready to hit the tracks and start cutting emissions from day one.”

Fortescue praised its “Rail Decarb team for bringing this vision to life and preparing the locomotives for their journey to Australia. A true example of what partnership and collaboration can achieve together.”

“We are excited to support Fortescue with our shared passion for safety and innovation,” Progress Rail commented in a social-media repost of Fortescue’s delivery announcement. “At Progress Rail, we’re proud to deliver advanced rail solutions, expand global partnerships, and invest in sustainable technologies that move the world forward.”

Separately, Anacostia Rail Holding’s Pacific Harbor Line is acquiring five zero-emission locomotives, building upon a successful first year of operations with its zero-emission Progress Rail EMD® Joule SD40JR BEL at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

• Looking Beyond Diesel
• Engines of Change
• Could BE Technology Reinvigorate the Locomotive Market?
• Battery Locomotives: Debate Continues
• Progress Rail to Expand in KC
• Wabtec, Roy Hill Unveil Second-Gen FLXdrive 

The post Fortescue to Take Delivery of Progress Rail BELs appeared first on Railway Age.

At its 2025 Summit, held in Washington D.C., the Commuter Rail Coalition (CRC) honored rail transit veteran Kay O’Neil as a Champion of Commuter Rail. O’Neil, who serves as Chief of Network Strategy and Partnering at Keolis Commuter Services, the MBTA’s (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority) operations and maintenance contractor, received the Doty Award, named for Robert Doty, “who empowered a generation of rail leaders by building teams that were diverse by intention and nurtured individual strengths.”

“Kay entered the traditionally male-dominated transportation industry in the 1970s with the determination and vision that she could contribute to transformative change,” CRC noted. “Her journey began with significant roles at the Boston & Maine Railroad and the MBTA, where she quickly earned a reputation for her innovative thinking and technical expertise. Kay later founded KKO and Associates, a consulting firm specializing in transportation systems analysis, information systems and management consulting. Through her leadership, KKO provided critical software solutions and planning analyses to commuter rail systems across the globe, contributing to projects in major U.S. cities like Boston, New York, Miam, and Chicago, as well as internationally in countries such as Poland, Argentina, Macedonia, and South Africa.

“One of Kay’s most notable achievements at KKO was the development of the Train Resource Management System (TRMS), a cutting-edge software system to collect and correlate disparate data on rollingstock, crews, infrastructure and reliability to provide an integrated database of train performance information.

“Leading up to 2003 and again in 2014, the MBTA sought Kay’s expertise for the creation and negotiation of the largest contract ever between the State of Massachusetts and a private company. In 2015, Keolis invited Kay to join their organization where she continues to make significant contributions to Massachusetts’ passenger railroad. As Chief of Network Strategy and Partnering, she collaborates closely with the MBTA to plan and execute long-term capital investment strategies that align with the commuter rail’s future vision. Under her leadership, Keolis has enhanced service reliability, operational efficiency, and the passenger experience for more than 100,000 daily commuters across more than 150 communities. Kay has played a critical role in advancing public transportation both in Boston and around the world.”

“I’m honored to receive this award,” said O’Neil. “Transportation has been my passion and my career, and I’m proud of the work I’ve done to improve Boston’s commuter rail system and railroads around the world. I’d like to thank my colleagues and the Commuter Rail Coalition for this special recognition.”

“Kay’s career has been defined by her dedication to improving the commuter rail system serving Greater Boston and beyond,” said Keolis Commuter Services CEO and General Manager John Killeen. “Her strategic vision, collaborative spirit, and unmatched expertise have garnered the respect of her colleagues, partners, and industry peers alike. I can’t think of a better candidate to be honored as a Champion of Commuter Rail.”

Keolis Commuter Services has operated and maintained the MBTA commuter rail system, the sixth largest in North America, for more than ten years. Keolis Commuter Services is a subsidiary of Keolis North America (KNA), both headquartered in Boston, and employs approximately 2,500 people throughout the region. Both companies are part of Keolis Group, a global provider of transit services with operations in 13 countries.

The post CRC 2025 Champion of Commuter Rail: Kay O’Neil appeared first on Railway Age.

Union Pacific’s annual Sustainability Partner Awards recognizes customers and suppliers “for innovative sustainability initiatives.” The 2025 Awards honored 16 companies—eight customers and eight suppliers—for “their commitment to advancing environmental stewardship and sustainable business practices,” and “highlights organizations that are driving measurable progress toward ambitious sustainability goals through innovation, collaboration and leadership.”

UP’s customer honorees are APL Logistics, Dow Chemical, DSL Logistics Inc, General Motors, Graphic Packaging International, LyondellBasell (LYB), Schneider, and Toyota North America. Supplier honorees are Capgemini, Chevron, Concentrix, Rail Management Services (RMS), a Carrix Enterprise, Vossloh/Rocla Concrete Tie, Inc., W.T. Byler Co. LLC – A Quanta Services Company, Wabtec Corporation, and WSP USA.

Established in 2023, the Sustainability Partner Award “is based on a company’s sustainability efforts, such as the use of innovative business practices to reduce environmental impact,” UP noted. “Also considered was a company’s track record of engaging and collaborating effectively with key stakeholders, including communities and business partners.”

“Union Pacific is proud to stand side by side with our customers and suppliers, working together to find environmentally responsible ways to move freight,” said Executive Vice President Marketing and Sales Kenny Rocker. “By aligning our efforts, we’re building a stronger supply chain and driving better long-term outcomes for communities across America.”

Union Pacific’s 2025 Sustainability Partner Award honorees were recognized Nov. 6 at a ceremony held at Lauritzen Gardens in Omaha, Neb., where they shared their sustainability initiatives and projects.

The post UP Honors 2025 Sustainability Partners appeared first on Railway Age.

Wabtec Corp. is investing US$3.73 million to expand its operations, capabilities and workforce in Brazil. The investment, the company said, “strengthens engineering and manufacturing capabilities to design and deliver innovative products and services needed to meet the region’s growing demand.”

Most of the expansion will occur in the city of Contagem, Minas Gerais, where Wabtec has a locomotive factory. The company plans to establish a Global Engineering Center, its first in Latin America, which will focus on research and development to support local and international projects. Located near Wabtec’s factory in the Cidade Industrial district, the approximately 29,000-square-foot facility will house laboratories and workstations for 300 engineering positions, which the company “is actively recruiting to fill.” Wabtec plans to open the center in December of this year.

Wabtec launched a new locomotive production line in the Contagem plant in April, increasing production capacity by 28%, enabling it to “meet growing demand.” The expectation is that by 2026, the facility will reach a milestone of 1,000 locomotives produced. “We’ve adjusted our processes to increase production volume and diversify our deliveries,” said Danilo Miyasato, President and Regional Leader of Wabtec in Latin America. “This upgrade enables us to serve regional customers and new markets, like Australia and Uruguay, with new locomotive models.” 

In addition to the investments in Contagem, Wabtec will also open two new Logistics Centers in Brazil this year, in Governador Valadares, Minas Gerais, and Monte Alto, São Paulo, “aiming to expand shipping capacity and create room for growth in other business areas, such as Maintenance of Way, Digital Intelligence and Components.”

“With these new ventures, Wabtec expects to surpass 1,000 employees in Contagem by 2026, combining the factory and Engineering Center teams,” said Miyasato. “This expansion demonstrates our confidence in the Brazilian market and the region’s growth potential. It also reflects on how our team in Brazil has routinely delivered the products and services needed for our customers to thrive. With this investment, we are prepared to serve railroads in Brazil and around the world with excellence, while continuing to drive innovation.”

The post Wabtec Expanding Brazilian Footprint appeared first on Railway Age.

Election Night 2025 was a good one for Democrats. Although there were some local elections earlier this year, the first multi-state set of contests since POTUS 47 returned to office (after having been POTUS 45 earlier) has resulted in the Democrats taking back some or all the ground they lost to him last year. They won statewide offices in New Jersey and Virginia, won in New York City with one of the most unusual candidates to run for major office lately, and approved Gov. Gavin Newsom’s plan to change Congressional apportionment in California to fight what Republicans are doing in Texas and other states. There were also two questions about transit, one of which will improve it in the region where the vote was taken, the other producing a negative result that probably won’t matter.

In this article, I will report the results first, then we’ll look at how those results might affect transit and Amtrak in the states where they occurred. I will conclude with a brief look at the big picture.

Due to accidents of history, statewide elections in New Jersey and Virginia are held the year after presidential contests. So is the election for Mayor and other officials in New York City. These elections are often considered a bellwether toward next year’s Midterm elections for members of Congress and many statewide contests, as well as a referendum on how the voters believe the current Administration is doing. This year, the voters where new officers were elected don’t think it’s doing very well for them.

For the first time in New Jersey, the same party has kept the governorship for a third consecutive term. That office usually flips after one or two terms, and Phil Murphy held it for the eight-year term limit. Democrat Rebecca Michelle “Mikey” Sherrill defeated Republican Giacchino Michael “Jack” Ciattarelli by a decisive margin of 13.5 points: 56.3% to 43.1%, with 0.6% going to minor candidates. It was Ciatterelli’s third failed try for the office, and Murphy defeated him by only 2.6% four years ago. He campaigned on a MAGA agenda with POTUS 47’s endorsement. He carried only seven of the state’s 21 counties, mostly in Republican strongholds in West Jersey and at the Shore. He carried only one county elsewhere in South Jersey, where Republicans are usually strong. Sherrill has been a House member for several years, and is known in the State, especially among Democrats. That party has controlled both houses of the state legislature for decades, and it appears that they have increased their lead. In the Senate (40 seats), the lineup is 25-15. Senators serve four-year terms, and the next election will take place in 2027. In the Assembly (80 seats), the current count is 52 Democrats and 28 Republicans. Some races were reported too close to call on Nov. 5, but Democrats appear to have captured at least 53 seats at this writing.

Democrats also swept the state-level races in Virginia: Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General, all elected separately. Virginians elected Abagail Spanberger over Republican incumbent Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears by almost 15%: 57.2% to 42.6%. Like Sherrill, Spanberger had also been a House member. The governor of Virginia is not allowed to run for re-election. As in New Jersey, Senate elections will take place two years from now. In the 2024-25 House of Delegates, Democrats held a three-seat majority but, according to Virginia Public Media, they swept the chamber for the upcoming session, capturing 64 seats to 35 for the Republicans, with one seat not yet called.

The most dramatic race occurred in New York City, where Democrat Zohran Mamdani was elected Mayor with 50.4% of the vote, to 41.6% for former Governor Andrew Cuomo and 7.1% for Republican Curtis Sliwa, a radio talk show host who is best known for founding the Guardian Angels, a vigilante group formed in 1979 to fight crime in the city’s subway system. Mamdani considers himself a “Democratic Socialist” and focused much of his campaign effort on making the city more affordable. In an upset that startled the party establishment, he defeated Cuomo in the primary, although Cuomo continued to run as in independent candidate. POTUS 47 gave him a last-minute endorsement, and he also picked up votes from incumbent mayor Eric Adams, who withdrew from the race. Mamdani’s background is unusual: a Muslim of South Asian heritage who lives in Queens, was born in Uganda, and immigrated to the United States from there. He is 34 and has been serving in the State Assembly. He made several campaign pledges, including making the city’s buses “fast and free.”

There was a special election in California. Gov. Gavin Newsom has been pushing Proposition 50, which calls for a temporary realignment of the state’s Congressional districts until the next census in 2030. The move was prompted by efforts in Texas to change the electoral map to create five more districts in which Republicans are expected to win. The California plan, which voters approved by 63.9% to 36.1% (almost 2 to 1), would give Democrats a comparable advantage in five districts.

Mecklenberg County, N.C. voted 52% to 48% for a 1% sales tax increase for transportation, including transit in the Charlotte area. The new tax will be 8.25%, which is expected to generate $19.4 billion over the next 30 years. Some of that money is slated to be used to build the Red Line, a proposed regional rail line running north of Charlotte to Davidson on a branch of Norfolk Southern (historic Southern Railway). A new Metropolitan Public Transit Authority will be formed to approve projects. According to the City of Charlotte, 40% of the money will be spent on road and pedestrian improvements, 20% on bus system modernization and microtransit, and the other 40% to expand rail service. The City said that projects will include “construction of the long-awaited Red Line commuter rail, connecting Uptown Charlotte to Huntersville and Davidson. Additional projects include the Silver Line light rail from CLT Airport to Bojangles Coliseum, Blue Line extension to Pineville, and Gold Line streetcar expansion.”

A different result occurred in South Jersey, where voters in Pitman, a historic Methodist town next to Glassboro, disapproved a plan to build a light rail line south from Camden to Glassboro by a vote of nearly 2 to 1. While Glassboro has supported the plan, other towns have also rejected it. The Glassboro-Camden Line was first proposed in 1996 and is still in the planning stage. New Jersey Transit became the “agency of record” in 2024, although the website does not mention the agency conspicuously. If it is built, approval by all towns might not be necessary.

In a related development, in Plano, Tex., the City Council approved a special election in May 2026 to let voters decide whether the city should withdraw from DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) services. The vote followed a Council meeting where more than 100 people spoke in opposition, “emphasizing their reliance on DART for work and medical needs,” according to FOX 4 News. “If voters choose to leave, the city plans to implement alternative microtransit and paratransit options in early 2026, though the city would still owe DART debt obligations.”

The New Jersey results could be decisive in allowing the Garden State to keep much of the transit it currently has beyond the next three years. New Jersey Transit faced challenges under former Gov. Chris Christie, a Republican who held the office from 2009 until early 2017. Trains were annulled, canceled, or delayed, and incumbent Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat, pledged to fix the agency’s problems, but trains are still being annulled, canceled or delayed. One area where Murphy did better was getting funding for operations. As the COVID-19 relief money ran out, Murphy requested and Democrats in the legislature passed a surcharge on the largest businesses in the state that has kept transit going, with only minor service cuts.

Ciatterelli had said that he wanted the transit agency to be run like a business, implying that he would oppose renewing the tax surcharge when it expires at the end of 2028. With Democrats so strong in state government and many of the party’s voters depending on transit, especially in cities, it appears more likely that transit funding and service will continue at or near current levels in the Sherrill Administration than if Ciatterelli had been elected.

There is not much rail transit in Virginia: only some of the lines coming from Washington, DC on the Metrorail system, commuter trains during peak-commuting hours on Virginia Railway Express (VRE), and the Tide, a light rail line in Norfolk. As we have reported before, the passenger rail action in Virginia is about infrastructure projects that would enhance service on corridor-length segments of rail purchased from CSX and NS. The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) started these projects under former Gov. Ralph Northam (a Democrat) and continued them under incumbent Glenn Youngkin (a Republican). It is reasonable to expect that the Spanberger Administration and a strong majority in the legislature would continue those projects, and perhaps even work to expand rail transit elsewhere.

Given the political realities in New York, the best of intentions by Mayor-elect Mamdani might fall short when it comes to performance. The State has more political power than the City in many areas of city life, including transit. Gov. Kathy Hochul, who succeeded rival candidate Cuomo, got onto the Mamdani bandwagon late in the campaign, but that alone is not enough to ensure strong cooperation or stronger funding for urban necessities like transit. The State controls the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), which runs the transit system in the City and New York suburbs surrounding it.

Mamdani believes in transit, to the point of arriving at campaign rallies by riding a bus and emerging from it at the event. Can he convince Albany to share his belief? That is the question. One of his major campaign planks is “fast and free” buses in the City. Nobody disputes that New York City buses are slow, although the new Congestion Pricing toll has resulted in somwhat faster travel south of 60th Street in Manhattan, where the toll is in effect. There might be measures that NYC DOT can take regarding street design and traffic patterns, but POTUS 47 has criticized Mamdani severely and has threatened to punish the city if he is elected. Does that mean New York City will lose federal funds? Time will tell.

Regarding the “free” part, that won’t be easy, and it might even be impossible, despite Mamdani’s best hopes and efforts. Gubernatorial appointees outnumber mayoral appointees on the MTA Board and among senior MTA managers. It is unclear, and it appears unlikely from here, that the MTA would give up the revenue that it now collects from bus riders. Other cities, including Richmond and Kansas City, have implemented fare-free bus systems, as have some smaller bus providers, but it is not easy to fathom that New York City would also go that route. In addition, Mamdani has not mentioned the subway system going fare-free. Even in the unlikely event that money could be found from other sources to pay for operating fare-free buses, a system where riders must pay a fare on one mode but are not required to do so on the other mode would be extremely complicated, especially on a system as massive as New York’s. We don’t know the details about how Mamdani would implement a plan to eliminate bus fares, but it will be interesting to find out what he has in mind, once he takes office.

There is no question that this year’s election results will help the Democrats. They are now more confident about next year’s elections than they had been, and at least some of their success can be attributed to POTUS 47’s policies, the longest federal shutdown in history, skyrocketing health insurance costs, layoffs (especially in northern Virginia), and the loss of SNAP food benefits.

In a way, it is scary that California Democrats are gerrymandering to combat the same abhorrent practice in Texas. It might be necessary from their viewpoint, but that does not make it any less repugnant, at least to this writer, who believes in democracy. Still, it shows that Californians under Gov. Gavin Newsom are fighting back against POTUS 47, his Republican cronies and their policies. New Yorkers elected Zohran Mamdani to fight back, too. We don’t know how this election will affect trains, transit, and other facets of American life, especially in the states that had notable elections this year, and maybe elsewhere, too. Whatever those effects might be, I’ll keep you informed about them.

David Peter Alan has been reporting on passenger trains and rail transit in the United States and Canada since 2004. A long-time passenger rail advocate, he came to reporting after gaining two decades of advocacy experience. He is a member and has previously served as Chair of the Senior Citizens and Disabled Residents Transportation Advisory Committee (SCDRTAC) at New Jersey Transit, the Lackawanna Coalition (which concentrates on New Jersey), and the Essex County (New Jersey) Transportation Advisory Board. Nationally, he belongs to the Rail Users’ Network (RUN) and has been a member of its Board of Directors since 2005. Admitted to the New Jersey and New York Bars in 1981, he is a member of the U.S. Supreme Court Bar and a Registered Patent Attorney specializing in intellectual property and business law. Alan holds a B.S. in Biology from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1970); M.S. in Management Science (M.B.A.) from M.I.T. Sloan School of Management (1971); M.Phil. from Columbia University (1976); and a J.D. from Rutgers Law School (1981). He has ridden the entire Amtrak and VIA Rail networks and nearly all rail transit in the United States and Canada.

The post Dems Win Big. Amtrak and Rail Transit, Too? appeared first on Railway Age.

A short line in British Columbia that depends on wood products is suffering due to the ongoing trade war between the United States and Canada. Now, it’s leading to the cancellation of popular holiday excursions 

The Nelson & Fort Sheppard Railway runs on former Great Northern trackage between Frutvale and Columbia Gardens, B.C., where it interchanges with the St. Paul & Pacific Northwest, ultimately linking to BNSF Railway. The short line’s main source of traffic is lumber being exported to the U.S. But that traffic has been affected by a trade war started by President Donald Trump earlier this year.

“​​Our railroad thrives on the export of wood products from Canada to the U.S., and the ongoing trade war between the U.S. and Canada is placing wood products on the front lines.    As volumes of wood product exports to the U.S. decline and our overall freight volumes decrease, we are taking necessary cost savings measures to ensure our railroad can weather these challenging times,” the railroad announced in November. “While we’ve had generous support from local businesses for many years to help offset the cost of insurance for our Community Train Rides, the additional costs we incur to operate each ride are beyond our budget this year.”

The railroad stated that it plans to resume the annual December excursions in the future, once traffic returns. 

—Justin Franz 

The post Tariffs Hit B.C. Short Line appeared first on Railfan & Railroad Magazine.

STB member Michelle Schultz, renominated by POTUS 47 to a second five-year term, and Richard Kloster, a first-time nominee by POTUS 47, found themselves in awkward positions when challenged by Democratic Sens. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin and Ben Ray Lujan of New Mexico as to whether they supported an email sent to STB staff by STB Chairperson and Republican Patrick Fuchs blaming Democrats for the government shutdown now in its 37th day.

Lujan asked the nominees how the STB can function effectively “if subject to political interference and coercion”—suggesting, more broadly, that POTUS 47 had directed the agency to approve a Union Pacific (UP)-Norfolk Southern (NS) merger, and that the President’s alleged illegal firing of STB member and Democrat Robert E. Primus was a warning to the nominees that they could be next if they oppose the transaction.

Both nominees, having earlier in the hearing pledged to be “impartial” in all matters coming before the STB, appeared startled by the question. And there was good reason.

The accusation made by the Democratic senators regarding the email was incorrect. It was not authored by Fuchs, but was, in fact, a standardized temporary furlough notice created by the Executive Branch Office of Management and Budget and distributed to all federal agencies—including Democratic-chaired ones such as the National Transportation Safety Board—for redistribution to all agency employees. Schultz was startled because she knew the facts, which she then quietly explained. Kloster, not a federal worker nor yet a federal official, was unaware of the memo.

Baldwin subsequently made clear the purpose of the email question, tying the “independence and integrity” of the STB’s decision making to whether Schultz and Kloster could be bullied by the POTUS, following Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena’s Oval Office meeting, subsequent contribution to the $300 million White House ballroom construction and the POTUS saying the merger sounded “good” to him.

Baldwin has a long history of advocating legislatively on behalf of rail shippers. As a House member in 2009, she supported legislation to place railroads more fully under the antitrust laws; and as a senator in 2015, delayed a Senate floor vote on confirmation of fellow Democrat Daniel R. Elliott III to a second term, citing concerns of Wisconsin “manufacturers, utility companies, the agriculture industry and countless small business” as to the agency’s commitment to greater rail competition.

What Baldwin, as Lujan and Republican Sen. Tim Sheehy of Montana, were seeking of Schultz and Kloster—and which each had pledged in their opening statements, and re-pledged under questioning—was commitment “to follow the rigorous and comprehensive evaluations required” by the STB’s merger rules in evaluating a UP-NS merger. A formal merger application is expected to be filed by those railroads by early December.

Kloster acknowledged he faces a learning curve if confirmed, having stumbled over Lujan questions as to what “the record” means in a formal regulatory agency hearing as opposed to opinions he may hear uttered by politicians on television—saying he does not follow social media. Sitting behind Kloster during the hearing was his son, Andrew R. Kloster, general counsel to the Office of Personnel Management and former associate director of the White House Office of Presidential Personnel during POTUS 47’s first term.

December likely will be the soonest the Commerce Committee votes whether to recommend Schultz and Kloster for confirmation by the entire Senate. There are no indications their nominations are in trouble, as the Democratic senators’ line of questioning was to emphasize the Commerce Committee’s oversight role in preserving the agency’s decision making independence and to signal that UP CEO Jim Vena’s efforts, whatever their intent, have not gone unnoticed. Senate Democrats may, however, seek to stall a floor vote on Schultz and Kloster pending a court decision on whether POTUS-ousted Democrat Primus is to be returned to his STB seat.

If confirmed, Republican Kloster would fill a seat vacant since the May 2024 retirement of Democrat Martin J. Oberman—at term expiring Dec. 31, 2028. Schultz’ second term would expire Nov. 30, 2030.

By statute, STB members serve only two terms for a maximum of five years each, although they may remain a maximum of 12 months beyond term expiration if a successor has not been Senate-confirmed. The STB’s political majority matches that of the President’s party, explaining why Republican Kloster was nominated to fill Democrat Oberman’s vacant seat.

Primus’ Democratic seat on the five-person STB remains vacant, with the second Democratic seat held by Karen J. Hedlund. Republican Fuchs remains as POTUS 47’s designated chairperson.

Kloster, 67, is president and founder of rail equipment consultancy Integrity Rail Partners and has an extensive career in rail fleet management. He earned an undergraduate degree in business from Northern Illinois University and a master’s in marketing from the University of Alabama. His initial post-college employment was in pricing and marketing roles for Chicago & North Western Railway (now part of UP) and later as vice president, marketing and sales, at 250-mile regional Indiana Rail Road (INRD), which, at the time of Kloster’s hiring, began operating engineer-only trains. “He was a good thinker,” former INRD CEO Thomas Hoback told Railway Age.

Schultz, 53, was general counsel to the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), where she was director of legislative affairs, prior to her first STB term that began in January 2021. She earned an undergraduate degree from Penn State, a master’s degree in government administration from the University of Pennsylvania and a juris doctor degree from Widener University Law School. She is described to Railway Age by those working with her as “a conscientious attorney who makes her decisions within the four-corners of the law.”

The post STB Nominees Endure Partisan Politics appeared first on Railway Age.

The 2025 Central Maryland Regional Transit Plan (RTP) Update refines recommendations from the original plan released in 2020 and outlines strategies to advance transit over the next 20 years, incorporating regional changes such as travel trends, shifts in population, and emerging employment hubs, according to MDOT MTA. Its updated plan, released Nov. 5, was developed in collaboration with the Baltimore Regional Transit Commission (see above).

The 2020 Central Maryland RTP is a 25-year plan for improving public transportation in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Harford County and Howard County. The 2025 RTP Update highlights the progress made since then, including:

• “Completion or adoption of a majority of the transit improvement strategies identified in the previous RTP’s five-year implementation plan.
• “Implementation of numerous local improvements identified as ‘Transit Network Improvements’ in the 2020 RTP.
• “Planning or construction of improvements in half of the 30 RTP Corridors.”

The 2025 RTP Update also refines the 2020 RTP recommendations, complementing other regional transit planning that has taken place since, including the BMORE BUS plan for Core Bus Network and the MARC Growth & Transformation Plan for regional rail. Updated recommendations are provided for the following:

• “RTP Corridors: Proposals for the most investment-ready RTP Corridors, along with essential facility needs and recommendations for other RTP Corridors.
• “Strategies: New and revised strategies based to keep making progress toward RTP objectives.
• “Transit Network Improvement Areas: Updated list of transit-supportive local actions.”

Lastly, the 2025 RTP Update includes a five-year implementation plan that is said to prioritize the refined recommendations and identify the actions that MDOT MTA and other state and local partners can take in the short term.

Separately, MDOT recently launched a rewards program to encourage Baltimore-area commuters to try transit.

Valley Metro riders have experienced “significant enhancements” in security, cleanliness and rider behavior, according to a recent study of more than 1,100 riders, reported the agency that provides regional bus, streetcar, light rail and paratransit services in the metro Phoenix area. The improved rider experience is also paired with a drop in rail security incidents, year over year, by more than 50%, it said on Nov. 6.  

The survey found that 81% of bus, streetcar, and light rail riders feel very secure or secure (vs. 71% in 2022 survey); 61% see more security on transit (vs. 52% in 2022); 82% are very likely or likely to recommend Valley Metro to others (vs. 74% in 2022); and 78% very satisfied or satisfied with Valley Metro (vs. 69% in 2022).

According to Valley Metro security data, the agency said, from FY 2024 to FY 2025, the average rail incident rate dropped by 54%; and from January to June 2025, total incidents decreased 75% compared with the same period in 2024. 

Improvements in security “reflect continued investments in both personnel and prevention,” Valley Metro reported. Field Security Officers, who patrol stations, trains and park-and-rides, are now more visible with a 40% increase in presence, representing 45–50 officers on the rail system during peak hours, according to the transit agency. Partnerships with local law enforcement add another layer of security presence, including from the Phoenix Transit Police, Tempe Police’s extra-duty program, Mesa Police’s bike squad, and via Operation Blue Ride that offers wellness resources to bus riders, it added.

Valley Metro also reported on Nov. 6 that bus and rail ridership in September 2025 increased by 21% year over year, with 45,000 daily weekday riders; that the new rail extension into south Phoenix is seeing more than 9,000 riders each weekday, surpassing a projected 8,000 daily riders; that Metro Parkway station, which opened in January 2024, had 69,000 boardings in September, the second highest in the system, and was followed closely by 67,000 boardings at the new end-of-line in south Phoenix at Baseline/Central Ave.; and that Express and RAPID commuter buses are seeing weekday increases of 18%.

“Our unwavering focus on security is transforming the transit experience for our riders,” Valley Metro CEO Jessica Mefford-Miller said. “Whether it’s deepening partnerships with law enforcement or prioritizing safety enhancement at our passenger facilities, every effort contributes to a more confident and enjoyable journey for our community.”

“Behind this progress are the people who look out for our community,” added Adrian Ruiz, Valley Metro Chief, Safety and Security. “Our police partners, supervisors, Customer Experience Coordinators, alongside our security officers, work together every day to ensure a safe and welcoming experience for all riders. We also rely on our community. If you see something, please say something.”

Separately, Valley Metro recently introduced streetcar fares.

Metrolink’s annual Holiday Express trains will return for three weekends next month, featuring festive interiors and visits from Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and an assortment of merry helpers, according to the regional passenger rail service, whose 545.6 total service line miles and 67 stations span Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, and San Diego counties.

Each nonstop, round-trip train ride lasts approximately 75 minutes, giving riders plenty of time to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, sing along with the elves, and snap photos with Santa and company, according to Metrolink. Prior to departure, riders are invited to welcome receptions with themed activities, treats, music and family-friendly entertainment. Metrolink, in partnership with various local nonprofit organizations, is also continuing its tradition of collecting toys at each event to support families in need during the holiday season.

“There’s something truly magical about Metrolink’s Holiday Express trains that capture what this time of year is all about,” said Riverside County 2nd District Supervisor and Metrolink Board Member Karen Spiegel, who joined in the merriment with her family last year in Redlands. “This heartwarming experience enriches our local communities and creates memories that last long after the season ends.”

“When aboard Metrolink’s Holiday Express, the journey itself becomes the destination, and it’s a celebration,” added Metrolink Board Member Tâm Nguyễn, who visited last year’s Holiday Express stop in Anaheim. “It’s a wonderful example of how Metrolink connects our region, not just through rail service, but through shared experiences that bring people together.”

Following is the 2025 Holiday Express schedule:

• Saturday, Dec. 6 – L.A. Union Station
  Departures: 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
• Sunday, Dec. 7 – San Bernardino Depot Station
  Departures: 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
• Saturday, Dec. 13 – Irvine Station (Sold Out)
  Departures: 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
• Sunday, Dec. 14 – Irvine Station (Sold Out)
  Departures: 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Dec. 20 – Riverside-Downtown Station
  Departures: 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
• Sunday, Dec. 21 – Simi Valley Station
  Departures: 9:45 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.

Metra is operating its annual Holiday Trains—specially decorated and filled with holiday characters—on five rail lines this December:

• Dec. 6: Milwaukee District West and BNSF lines
• Dec. 13: Metra Electric, Rock Island, and UP Northwest lines
• Dec. 20: Metra Electric Line

On the Metra Electric Line, each ticket will also include a visit to a North Pole winter wonderland at Millennium Station, where families can enjoy treats, holiday music, face painting, games, and other fun activities, according to the commuter railroad. 

Tickets will go on sale at noon on Nov. 17 at shop.metra.com.

Metra said it is also donating Holiday Train tickets so children from Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago can ride.

Participants can ride the Holiday Trains back to their starting point or stay downtown and use their Holiday Train ticket to return on any scheduled train that day.

Other downtown stations will be decorated to spread holiday cheer to participants, as well as regular riders, according to Metra, and the Holiday Trains will also be used in regular service during December.

“Our Holiday Trains have become an annual tradition for our riders and their families, and we are happy to be operating them again,” Metra CEO/Executive Director Jim Derwinski said. “It’s our way to spread a little holiday joy and thank our riders for making Metra part of their lives all year.”

AT&T is the official Character Costume Sponsor and Chick-fil-A at State and Lake is a “valued sponsor” for this year’s Holiday Trains. Easterseals will be at Millennium Station creating free buttons for all participants through its HB Threads booth; HB Threads is a nonprofit program that provides employment opportunities, job training, and life skills development for individuals with disabilities.

The post Transit Briefs: MDOT MTA, Phoenix Valley Metro, Metrolink, Metra appeared first on Railway Age.

Ports of Indiana recently announced that it has been awarded two federal grants FEMA grants to strengthen security infrastructure and assessment capabilities at its Burns Harbor and Jeffersonville ports. 

The FEMA Port Security Grant Program “provides funding to state and municipal entities to help protect critical port infrastructure from terrorism, enhance maritime domain awareness, improve port-wide maritime security risk management, and maintain or reestablish maritime security mitigation protocols that support port recovery and resiliency capabilities.”

The grants made to Ports of Indiana, totaling more than $140,000, “will support critical upgrades and evaluations that advance the safety and resilience of Indiana’s multimodal logistics network.”

A $115,691 federal grant will fund the procurement and installation of advanced CCTV infrastructure at the Burns Harbor port. The project includes installation of new lighting and fiber, which Ports of Indiana says, will enhance surveillance capabilities. Ports of Indiana will contribute a $38,564 match to complete the project.

A $25,000 federal grant will support a third-party security assessment at the Jeffersonville port. The assessment will evaluate all aspects of physical and cybersecurity, identify vulnerabilities, recommend improvements, and produce a Facility Security Plan (FSP) tailored to the port’s operational needs. No matching funds are required for this project.

“These grants reflect our ongoing commitment to proactive security investment and operational excellence across Indiana’s ports,” said Ports of Indiana COO David Parrott “We’re grateful for FEMA’s support in helping us strengthen infrastructure and safeguard critical assets that drive economic growth.”

“Maintaining and improving the highest level of security at our ports is of utmost importance, given the significance of Ports of Indiana to this state’s economy. We are extremely appreciative of FEMA’s recognition of that fact and their assistance toward that goal,” added Dan Henson, Security Manager at Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor.

More cargo is flowing through SeaPort Manatee than ever in the 55-year history of the maritime trade hub for Southwest and Central Florida, according to record results reported Nov. 4 for the fiscal year 2025 ended Sept. 30.

SeaPort Manatee handled an all-time-high total throughput of 11,855,828 tons of cargo in fiscal 2025, slimly surpassing the prior record of 11,779,601 tons moved in fiscal 2024, while also reporting best-ever levels of liquid and dry bulk activity.

“The latest record results highlight the vital role SeaPort Manatee plays in our local and regional economy,” said Mike Rahn, Chairman of the Manatee County Port Authority. “We are committed to continuing to advance the capabilities of the port to efficiently move increasing volumes of such critical commodities as gasoline, fruit juices, fresh produce and construction materials.”

Petroleum products and juices, the trade hub says, were key contributors to the record 6,400,844 tons of liquid bulk moving through SeaPort Manatee in fiscal 2025, up 8% from the preceding 12-month period, while the dry bulk pinnacle of 3,442,991 tons—up 9.7% from fiscal 2024—was boosted by consistent flows of such commodities as phosphate rock, granite and limestone.

Breakbulk tonnage rose 10.4% from fiscal 2024, reaching 793,128 tons in the recently completed 12-month period, with Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A. Inc. shifting the way it imports tropical fruits from containerized to breakbulk manner. Commensurately, SeaPort Manatee’s containerized cargo volume declined to 919,556 tons from the record 1,283,027 tons the preceding fiscal year, and the number of 20-foot-equivalent units handled declined to 133,456 from the record 168,897 TEUs of a year earlier.

“SeaPort Manatee has proven its resilience through its rapid recovery from Hurricane Milton, which made landfall just south of the port on Oct. 9, 2024, only nine days into fiscal 2025,” said Carlos Buqueras, SeaPort Manatee’s Executive Director. “Not only were crucial fuel distribution activities resumed within hours of the storm’s landfall, but the port also swiftly restarted shipments of a host of consumer and industrial goods, including lumber, plywood and aluminum used in our region’s rebuilding process.”

The post Intermodal Briefs: Ports of Indiana, SeaPort Manatee appeared first on Railway Age.