Railway Age magazine

Each year, the STB calculates the change, if any, in how efficiently railroads move freight. It determines this figure by comparing year-to-year the average cost of producing a unit of railroad output.

The Board in its decision (download below) proposes to adopt 1.015 (1.5% per year) as the measure of average (geometric mean) change in railroad productivity for the 2020-24 (five-year) period. This represents an increase of 0.1% from the average for the 2019-23 period, which came in at 1.014 (1.4% per year). The average for the 2019-23 period rose 0.2% from the average for the 2018-2022 period (1.011 or 1.1% per year), which was down 1.6% from the average for the 2017-2021 period.

52984Download

According to the STB, the cost recovery procedures since 1989 have required that the quarterly rail cost adjustment factor (RCAF) be adjusted for long-run changes in railroad productivity. (For more, read: STB Sets 2Q26 Rail Cost Adjustment Factor) “This long-run measure of productivity is computed using a five-year moving geometric average,” the Board reported. “The productivity change for the year 2024 is 1.014, based on changes in input and output levels from 2023, and represents a decrease of 2.5% from the rate of productivity growth in 2023 relative to 2022 (1.040). Incorporating the 2024 value with the values for the 2020-2023 period produces a geometric average productivity growth of 1.015 for the five-year period 2020-2024, or 1.5% per year. As the new geometric mean was computed by replacing the 2019 figure of 1.007 with the larger figure of 1.014 for 2024, there was an increase of 0.1% in the geometric mean from last year’s value.”

The STB is requesting comments by April 15 “addressing any perceived data and computational errors in the Board’s calculation.” It noted that “[a]ny party proposing a different estimate of productivity growth must, at the time it files comments, furnish the Board with one set of detailed workpapers and documentation underlying its calculations. The same information must be made available to other parties upon request.”

The post STB Calculates Five-Year Change in Railroad Productivity appeared first on Railway Age.

Under the terms of a new service agreement with Texas Materials and BNSF, Central Texas and Colorado River Railway, LLC (CTXR), an OmniTRAX affiliate, will provide unit train transportation of aggregates from the San Saba quarry to the BNSF interchange in Lometa, Texas.

“CTXR has a long history of serving Texas and our belief in the region and the line have driven us to cultivate new partnerships and restore service,” said OmniTRAX President and COO Sergio Sabatini. “Infrastructure sparks economic development and we are excited to resume safe, efficient rail operations that bring new business in the region.”

Having last operated in 2019, extensive capital investments on the CTXR between the quarry and Lometa were needed to restore operational safety and support service growth, OmniTRAX noted. The initial 49-mile rail rehabilitation improvements include an expansive network of bridges and crossings, including major structures crossing the Colorado and San Saba Rivers.

“The reopening of the CTXR Railroad is tremendous news for San Saba and the surrounding region,” said San Saba Mayor Ken Jordan. “Our community depends on reliable transportation infrastructure, and seeing this project progress so well gives us real confidence in the economic opportunities ahead. We are grateful for CTXR’s commitment to completing this work and look forward to the positive impact the restored rail service will bring to local businesses and residents.”

Final track testing and car movements continue to ready the line for renewed freight service to the region, according to OmniTRAX. The CTXR infrastructure upgrades, the company says, “will enhance safety, reduce interstate truck congestion, and support future growth.”

“The CTXR line is a critical link in our supply chain, and its reopening will significantly strengthen our ability to serve key customers across the region,” said John Shogren, President, Texas Materials Central Region. “Reliable rail access provides greater shipping capacity and the ability to transport high volumes of critical materials more efficiently over longer distances.”

The post OmniTRAX Completing Infrastructure Investments to Resume Central Texas Rail Operations appeared first on Railway Age.

On Nov. 3, 2024, a Quebec North Shore and Labrador Railway (QNS&L) freight train was traveling south toward Sept-Îles, Quebec, on the Wacouna Subdivision when seven cars derailed on the main track near Saumon Station. About 250 feet of track was damaged. There were no injuries and no environmental damage, according to the TSB report (download below).

The investigation determined that “the train separated into two sections after the yoke, a part of the coupler assembly, on the second car failed. Following the separation, the two sections of the train collided, causing the east rail to roll over, leading to the subsequent derailment.”

Post-occurrence examination, according to the report, “found that the yoke had internal porosity in a high-stress area.” This porosity, the TSB says, was not detected during manufacturing, as the Association of American Railroads (AAR) does not require non‑destructive testing for couplers. The in-train forces before the failure were found to be within AAR specifications.

R24Q0089-ENGDownload

The post TSB: Broken Railcar Coupler Led to 2024 Quebec Derailment appeared first on Railway Age.

“Get ready for an unforgettable day of connection, learning and inspiration,” says the LRW, a professional association whose mission is to improve the railroad industry by connecting and cultivating women in rail.

The symposium will kick off with experiential tours of the CSX Railroad Education and Development Institute (REDI), which has trained more than 100,000 employees, customers, and industry partners in safety, technical skills, and leadership since its launch in 2005; and of Norfolk Southern’s corporate headquarters, which opened in 2021 and was designed to support modern collaboration and innovation.

In addition to dynamic networking opportunities, symposium attendees will participate in professional development sessions to help boost their careers. The sessions include:

• Navigating AI in Today’s Rail Industry. “As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries worldwide, the rail sector is entering a pivotal era oft echnological transformation,” LRW says. “This panel will introduce the fundamentals of AI and explore its emerging applications across the sector. Our experts will break down what AI really means for today’s rail professionals, highlight real‑world examples already in motion and share insights. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of what AI looks like in practice and how this technology is influencing the evolution of rail today. Whether you’re curious, cautious, or excited about AI’s potential, this conversation will provide the context, clarity, and confidence needed to navigate the technology shaping the future of rail.” Among the speakers are: Lisa A. Matta, Chief Innovation Officer of Wi-Tronix, and Ayesha Qureshi, Rail Systems Integration Delivery Lead at Arcadis.

• Talent Acquisition on the Move — Navigating a Changing Landscape. “Talent acquisition remains a top priority across the rail industry, as companies and partners work to attract the skills and perspectives needed to drive the sector forward,” reports LRW. “At the same time, candidates are experiencing rapid shifts in the job application process shaped in part by the growing influence of artificial intelligence. In this panel, we’ll explore the evolving priorities of talent acquisition teams, examine how AI and new technologies are transforming both the candidate and employer experience, and unpack the changes in interviewing, evaluation, and hiring practices. Attendees will gain practical insights, tips, and takeaways to help them ‘lay the tracks forward’ as they navigate new opportunities and position themselves confidently in a changing hiring landscape.” Michele Hughes, Wi-Tronix’s Talent Acquisition Manager, will be among the speakers.

Secure your spot today for the LRW’s “Laying the Tracks Forward: Strengthening Your Story,” to be held June 1 at the Hotel Colee in Atlanta. Standard registration (April 1 to May 15) is $250 for LRW members and $300 for non-members. Late registration (May 16-May 31) is $300 for LRW members and $350 for non-members.

Other sponsors include:

• Norfolk Southern, Premier
• Railroad Construction Company, Platinum
• Holland, Silver
• TTX, Silver
• Wabtec, Silver

The LRW has collaborated with Railway Age on the RA / RT&S Women in Rail Conference since 2023. Our mutual goal: supporting and acknowledging women within the industry.

The post LRW Annual Symposium Set for June 1 appeared first on Railway Age.

KBS

KBS on March 31 reported launching a new stand-alone website, www.kb-signaling.com, “giving current and prospective customers, partners, and rail industry stakeholders across the globe a direct digital entry point to the company’s signaling products, project delivery capabilities, and technical resources.” KBS, which has been a member of Munich, Germany-based Knorr-Bremse Group since 2024, develops and supplies what is described as “end-to-end wayside and onboard conventional signaling, Control, Command, and Signaling (CCS) platforms and solutions.”

KBS said its “roots extend more than a century across North American rail signaling,” and the new website reflects its focus on “safety, reliability, system compatibility, and long-term performance across critical rail infrastructure.”

According to the company, the website presents its offerings “in a structure aligned with how customers evaluate signaling systems in practice”: from individual subsystems to fully integrated projects. For example, as transit agencies weigh the cost and complexity of implementing communications-based train control (CBTC), KBS noted, many are pursuing a staged conventional-signaling upgrade, and the company helps enable this approach by being CBTC vendor-agnostic. “This interoperability between CBTC hardware and digital conventional signaling enables flexible, phased deployment and smart reuse of assets,” it said.

The website:

• Covers products including the fifth-generation AFTC5 digital Audio Frequency Track Circuit and the integrated Vital Processing Interlocking (iVPI®) system.
• Highlights KBS’s role as a “project-focused partner, reflecting how the company supports customers from initial concept through commissioning and long-term operation.”
• Includes a centralized document library, as well as “enhanced search capability” to allow access to technical documentation, brochures, and supporting resources.
• Provides background on KBS’s history, leadership, locations, values, and certifications. There is also a careers section.

“In rail signaling, confidence comes from understanding the technology—and how it performs, integrates, and is supported over time,” said Craig Daniels, Head of commercial for KBS. “This website complements our technical expertise. It gives customers and partners a clear, practical way to understand our capabilities, explore our products and project experience, and engage directly with our teams as they plan and deliver complex, safety-critical programs.”

Further Reading:

• One Year of KB Signaling
• KB Signaling Showcases QuEST Rail Software-Based LCP at Railway Interchange 2025
• KB Signaling Expands WSDMM
• Knorr-Bremse, Nexxiot to Launch Suite of Smart Products for Improving Rail Connectivity
• Alstom Sells North American ‘Conventional Signaling’ Business to Knorr-Bremse AG

Actelis (Courtesy of Actelis)

Actelis, a provider of networking solutions for IoT and broadband applications, recently reported receiving a follow-on order from a “major North American railway operator” to expand “trackside networking infrastructure supporting critical rail safety and control systems.”

The customer, which Actelis did not name, “has been deploying Actelis’ solutions across its network over several years and continues to expand its footprint, leveraging Actelis’ centralized management software to remotely monitor, manage, and troubleshoot its distributed trackside infrastructure,” according to the supplier.

The order will “support the continued rollout of networking solutions along challenging rail corridors, where reliable connectivity is essential for the operation of advanced safety and signaling systems, including centralized traffic control and other mission-critical applications,” Actelis said.

Tuvia Barlev (Courtesy of Actelis)

The company’s “hybrid fiber networking solution” was selected for its “ability to deliver fiber-grade performance over existing infrastructure while enabling rapid deployment across extended and remote track environment,” Actelis said. “By leveraging existing infrastructure and integrating fiber and wireless components, Actelis’ hybrid fiber-copper technology allows operators to extend high-bandwidth connectivity along rail lines without the need for costly and time-intensive new fiber installation, ensuring the redundancy and reliability required for safety-critical applications, while supporting both traditional and AI-driven monitoring and network operations.”

“Rail networks require highly resilient communications systems that can perform reliably across remote and environmentally demanding terrain,” Actelis Chairman and CEO Tuvia Barlev said. “This follow-on order reflects the customer’s continued confidence in our ability to deliver secure, high-performance connectivity for trackside infrastructure supporting critical safety systems.”

Further Reading:

• Actelis Taps DeVol as Chief Revenue Officer (part of People News)
• Actelis Receives Software Order From Major North American Rail Operator

The post Supply Side: KBS, Actelis appeared first on Railway Age.

Siemens USA

Siemens on March 30 announced the appointment of Ann Fairchild as President and CEO of Siemens USA, the company’s largest market globally. Fairchild, who has served as interim President and CEO since October 2025, will assume the permanent role effective immediately. She will guide Siemens’ strategy and engagement across the U.S., where the company employs more than 50,000 people in all 50 states and Puerto Rico and generated $24 billion in revenue in fiscal 2025.

Based on her more than 25 years at Siemens, most recently serving as General Counsel for Siemens USA, Fairchild brings a deep understanding of the company’s business objectives and strategic priorities. She has played an important role in advancing Siemens USA’s growth, “supporting complex transactions, strengthening governance across a diverse portfolio and enabling closer alignment across the company,” Siemens noted.

“Ann Fairchild brings exactly the right leadership for this moment,” said Roland Busch, President and CEO of Siemens AG. “As U.S. customers strengthen critical infrastructure, reshore manufacturing and continue to expand their AI capabilities, Ann’s strong, steady and collaborative leadership will enable Siemens to deliver greater value for our customers. I look forward to working with Ann to advance our ONE Tech Company program in the U.S., our largest market.”

Fairchild served for eight years as general counsel of Siemens USA, overseeing legal, compliance, regulatory, and intellectual property functions, helping the company navigate complex regulatory environments while seizing strategic opportunities.

“Siemens proudly serves tens of thousands of customers nationwide and supports the backbone of the American economy—growing manufacturing, building smarter infrastructure, transforming rail networks and developing a skilled workforce,” said Fairchild. “I’m honored to help guide our efforts in this moment of opportunity—as we bring AI to the real world and help customers become more competitive, resilient and efficient.”

Fairchild is a member of the Siemens Corporation Board of Directors and serves on the Board of the German American Business Council, where she brings Siemens’ perspective to transatlantic dialogues spanning policy, diplomacy and commerce. She was also recently appointed to the board of directors of Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose (CECP).

Fairchild began her career clerking for the Honorable Tommy Miller of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, followed by a role as a litigation associate at McGuireWoods in McLean, Va. She joined Siemens in 1999 in the Power Generation business and has since held a series of senior leadership roles across the Legal and Compliance organization. She holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce with a concentration in finance from the University of Virginia and a juris doctor from the College of William & Mary School of Law.

HNTB

Carmen C. Cham, AIA, has joined HNTB as Managing Principal for the firm’s transit architecture practice, the company recently announced.

With more than 20 years of design experience advancing major transit initiatives, Cham will lead a multidisciplinary group responsible for the design, development and delivery of transit architecture projects, working closely with clients to advance rail and public transportation infrastructure and facilities across major metropolitan regions.

The post People News: Siemens USA, HNTB appeared first on Railway Age.

CSX

CSX on March 30 launched the TRANSFLO Petersburg Terminal. Located in Petersburg, Va., the facility “reflects our commitment to delivering the benefits of rail transport with efficient transloading and maximized throughput,” according to the Class I railroad, which also operates a terminal in Richmond, Va., in addition to terminals in Tennessee, South Carolina, Quebec, Pennsylvania, Ohio, North Carolina, New York, New Jersey,  Michigan, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Louisiana, Kentucky, Indiana, Georgia, Florida, Delaware, Connecticut, and Alabama.

The new Petersburg terminal at 3500 Halifax Road features:

• 40 car spots.
• LPG capability.
• Conveyor capacity.
• Access to major highways I-95, I-85, and US-460.

Further Reading:

• CSX Adds 21 Properties to ‘Select Site’ Program
• For CSX, $670MM Power Upgrade Order

BNSF (Courtesy of EDCUtah)

The Economic Development Corporation of Utah (EDCUtah) recently recognized BNSF with its Building Together Award, which is described as a “traveling trophy” celebrating organizations “making a meaningful impact on Utah’s economic prosperity.”

“BNSF plays a critical role in keeping Utah and the broader region connected to national and global markets,” UDCUtah reported via social media. “Their expansive rail network supports key industries across the state, from manufacturing and energy to agriculture and consumer goods, ensuring efficient and reliable movement of freight that strengthens economic growth.”

69b1dc8e10d9349a63c79075_EDCUtah Business & Economic Profile – FY 23-24 WEBDownload

According to EDCUtah, BNSF “continues to stand out as a strong partner in economic development,” as its “collaboration helps to deliver the logistics solutions companies depend on when choosing where to grow.”

“BNSF is honored to receive this year’s Building Together Award from EDCUtah, and proud to play a role in Utah’s economic development!” the railroad reported via social media. “We look forward to continuing to support Utah industries and growing alongside them while delivering the freight that keeps the state on the move.”

Further Reading:

• BNSF: Investment in Galesburg Yard to Boost Efficiency, Support Growth
• BNSF Customers Invest More Than $5.3B in 2025
• BNSF, CPKC, NS: Accelerating Industrial Development
• Matson, BNSF, War-Lok Team on Cargo Security

UP

A team of UP engineers utilized specialized photographic equipment last year to capture millions of data points from every angle of Big Boy 4014, the world’s largest operating steam locomotive, “to create a highly accurate, high‑resolution 3D digital model,” the Class I railroad reported March 30. (Watch video above.)

The model, it said, has been used to evaluate routes on the eastern rail network, where infrastructure can vary and where Big Boy is traveling for the first time, starting May 25, in honor of America’s 250th birthday, according to UP.

The Big Boy on March 29  left Cheyenne, Wyo., to embark on the first leg of its coast-to-coast tour, making stops in California, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming, with public display days planned in Roseville, Calif., and Ogden, Utah. It will return to Wyoming on April 24. (See map below.)

(Courtesy of UP)

The second tour leg, to the East, will include display days in Omaha, Neb.; Chicago, Ill.; Buffalo, N.Y.; and Scranton, Pa., before Big Boy’s arrival in Philadelphia for Independence Day. Additional display days are anticipated in Altoona, Pa., and St. Louis and Kansas City, Mo., before the tour concludes July 29.

“This is a great example of how we utilize modern tech tools to enhance safety around a 1940s-era steam locomotive,” said Timothy Boland, Senior Manager-Engineering Infrastructure at UP. “The level of detail we’re getting allows us to validate measurements, understand how the locomotive behaves on curves, and make informed decisions before the engine ever touches the track.”

“It’s another great step toward efficient planning that provides valuable data faster and helps us share the Big Boy with the public, safely and seamlessly,” said Ed Dickens Jr., Senior Manager-Heritage Operations at UP.

ALCO manufactured 25 Big Boys for UP, 20 in 1941 and five in 1944, to haul heavy freight during World War II. They saw service until their fires were dropped for the last time in 1961. Eight survived. UP re-acquired No. 4014 in 2013 from the RailGiants Museum in Pomona, Calif., and meticulously restored her to operating condition. No. 4014 returned to service in 2019 and is the only functioning Big Boy. In 1941, Railway Age reported on its debut with an extensive technical article (download below).

RailwayAge1941UPBigBoyDownload Further Reading:

• Union Pacific Announces America250 Celebration Featuring POTUS 47 Locomotive, America250 Locomotive, and Big Boy Steam Eastern Operation
• UP’s Big Boy Celebrates America’s 250th Birthday With Coast-to-Coast Tour
• Big Boy to Make Two Whistle-Stops in Colorado During Limited 2025 Excursion
• UP: Big Boy, Lincoln Locomotive Unite for Tour

The post Class I Briefs: CSX, BNSF, UP appeared first on Railway Age.

“Driven by STA’s goal to modernize regional mobility while improving reliability and lifecycle efficiency, the project included implementation of European Railway Traffic Management System (ERTMS) Level 2, the European standard for train control and supervision that allows for the continuous, reliable data exchange of movement and speed information—effectively replacing traditional physical signaling,” Progress Rail said. “The deployment positions the Merano-Malles line as the first regional railway in Italy to adopt ERTMS Level 2.”

According to Progress Rail, the scope of work includes several integrated systems, including:

• A track management system (GDV) that “centralizes commands, controls and emergency functions for more reliable infrastructure oversight.”
• A train detection system (SDT) that “enables continuous, real-time train positioning as the foundation of ERTMS safety.”
• A traffic management system (TMS) that “improves traffic coordination, regularity and overall service.”

For STA, adopting ERTMS Level 2 will help improve safety and reliability, increase line capacity, and reduce operating and maintenance costs, reported Progress Rail, which noted that these efficiencies “contribute to lower energy consumption and reduced environmental impact, reinforcing the region’s broader sustainability goals.” The Merano-Malles project, the supplier said, also reflects a “broader national and European commitment to interoperable rail systems,” as more than 870 miles (1,400 kilometers) of the Italian railway are already equipped with ERTMS, with that figure expected to exceed 1,740 miles (2,800 kilometers) this year.

“This project is built around STA’s operational and service goals, with our team delivering a solution designed to meet those needs today and well into the future,” said Sam Doerr, Executive Vice President of Infrastructure at Progress Rail. “By combining proven ERTMS technology with our deep signaling expertise, we are helping STA enhance safety, capacity, and long-term value through reliable performance, lower lifecycle costs, and sustainable growth.”

“The ERTMS Level 2 system is the best solution for ensuring an efficient and modern regional rail service,” said Michael Prader, Head of Rolling Stock and Schedules at STA. “It is also an essential component of the Val Venosta railway electrification project, contributing significantly to improving the safety and reliability of the entire infrastructure.”

Further Reading:

• Mexico awards $US 220m ETCS contract
• Italy unveils €20bn rail digitalisation strategy
• Pure Control Command systems over ETCS Level 3

Join Railway Age on Oct. 21-22, 2026, for the Next-Gen Rail Systems Conference (formerly Next-Gen Train Control), whose program will encompass the entire system, examining how signaling and train control technologies are modified and improved by telematics, artificial intelligence, deep data analysis, cybersecurity measures and more. Presented by leading experts, Next-Gen Rail Systems will feature in-depth technical sessions and comprehensive project updates on evolutionary and revolutionary developments in advanced and emerging technologies.

The post For Italy’s Merano-Malles Line, ERTMS Level 2 appeared first on Railway Age.

The 2026 Economic Impact Report for the rail supply industry is now available (download below). Produced in partnership with Oxford Economics, it updates the 2023 edition and is supported by the Railway Supply Institute (RSI), primary sponsor, as well as the Railway Tie Association (RTA), Railway Engineering-Maintenance Suppliers Association (REMSA), and Amtrak. The report serves not only as a “strategic tool to inform policy discussions and highlight the value of a strong, resilient rail supply network,” but also as a snapshot of the industry from 2024—the most recent full-year of data available as of publication—measured across the activity that takes place within supplier firms, the activity supported through their domestic supply chains, and the activity supported by the wages they pay, according to the partners.

Rail-Supply-Industry_Economic_Impact_2026Download

“This report underscores the industry’s substantial role in the national economy,” RSI, RTA, REMSA and Amtrak said in a March 30 announcement. “The rail supply industry contributes $127 billion annually to the U.S. gross domestic product and directly employs an estimated 338,000 workers. When accounting for indirect and induced effects throughout the broader economy, total employment supported by the industry rises to approximately 906,000 jobs.”

RSI_2024impact_USDownload

The 2026 edition of the report includes a new, expanded analysis of the industry across key market segments, which the organizations say, offers “a clearer picture of the distinct economic contributions of both freight rail and passenger rail suppliers.” It also highlights “how increased federal investment in rail programs has driven growing demand for rail suppliers and strengthened domestic manufacturing and service capacity.”

The report also quantifies Amtrak’s economic footprint. The analysis finds that Amtrak’s “procurement and capital investment activity supported approximately 45,800 jobs and generated $6.5 billion in U.S. GDP in 2024, along with $3.8 billion in labor income and $1.4 billion in tax revenue across federal, state, and local levels.” These impacts, the partners said, “driven by a nationwide network of manufacturers, engineering firms, and construction and service providers, underscore how Amtrak’s investments sustain domestic supply chains, support high-quality jobs, and drive economic activity in communities across the country.”

Detailed state impact sheets for all 50 states and D.C. are also included to provide localized insights into the industry’s far-reaching economic contributions, highlighting jobs supported, economic output, and the vital role rail suppliers play in communities nationwide, including those not directly served by rail.

RSI and its partners will actively promote the report throughout the year “to reinforce the rail supply industry’s significant economic impact and national footprint,” they said, through targeted outreach to policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the media.

“The RSI is excited to once again work with our industry and Oxford Economics to publish the latest findings of the economic impact of the rail supply industry,” said Ashley Shelton, Acting President of RSI. “Across the country, companies at every level of the rail supply chain support hundreds of thousands of jobs and drive critical manufacturing activity in communities nationwide. From specialized component manufacturers producing bearings, couplers, braking systems and advanced electronics, to original equipment manufacturers building railcars and locomotives, our industry forms the backbone of America’s freight and passenger rail network. Behind the data in this report are the stories of a dedicated workforce powering and sustaining America’s rail network every day. RSI is proud to serve as the industry’s advocate and unified voice in Washington and remains committed to advancing policies that support and strengthen the industry in the years ahead.”

“The rail supplier industry is the quiet yet powerful backbone of the U.S. economy,” REMSA President Urszula Soucie said. “This report highlights just how far-reaching and vital our industry is and quantifies the positive impact of rail across our country.”

“The RTA is proud to support this study, which highlights the significant impact of the rail supply industry and the essential role freight rail plays in a thriving U.S. economy,” added Nate Irby, Executive Director of RTA. “For RTA, that includes treated wood ties, one of the fundamental track components that helps keep the nation’s rail network safe, efficient, reliable, and sustainable.”

“These numbers reaffirm what we see every day: rail investment strengthens domestic supply chains, supports local economies and drives America’s transportation future,” Amtrak President Roger Harris commented. “As we modernize our fleet, upgrade stations and advance major infrastructure projects nationwide, Amtrak remains committed to creating jobs, expanding opportunity and delivering the world-class passenger rail network Americans deserve.”

“Oxford is proud to partner once again with the rail supply industry on a new report measuring the sector’s substantial economic impact,” said Hamilton Galloway, Head of Americas Consultancy for Oxford Economics. “The results continue to underscore the industry as a powerful economic engine in every state. Excitingly, this year’s expanded analysis also delivers new, segment-level insights—including breakdowns of freight vs. passenger rail suppliers and a dedicated look at Amtrak’s procurement and capital investments. These new research enhancements offer a clearer, more comprehensive view of how the industry drives jobs, investment and growth across the United States.”

“RSI’s report highlights the strength of a rail ecosystem that delivers real, measurable value across the American economy,” added Ian Jefferies, President and CEO of the Association of American Railroads. “Freight rail alone generates more than $233 billion in economic output and supports hundreds of thousands of jobs nationwide, with every dollar invested producing $2.50 in broader economic activity. Together, railroads and their suppliers are not only sustaining high-quality domestic jobs, but powering the industries and supply chains that keep America competitive.”

“The rail supply industry is crucial to the success of short line railroads and the thousands of customers we serve,” said Chuck Baker, President of the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association. “Members of RSI, REMSA and RTA are critical in enabling short lines to solve operational issues, complete infrastructure upgrades efficiently and serve customers safely and effectively. This study further demonstrates the tremendous economic impact of the rail supply industry on the nation’s economy.”

“The RSI’s new Oxford Economics report comes at a pivotal moment as Congress begins writing the next surface transportation bill,” noted Paul Skoutelas, President and CEO of the American Public Transportation Association. “It makes clear that America’s passenger rail supply chain—from manufacturers to construction firms—is a powerful economic engine supporting more than 333,000 jobs and nearly $46 billion in GDP across all 50 states. It’s American workers building the infrastructure that moves people and powers our economy. APTA commends RSI for quantifying this impact and urges lawmakers to recognize that investing in passenger rail means investing in a domestic workforce that delivers returns in every congressional district.”

The post New Report Showcases Rail Supply Industry’s Economic Impact, National Footprint appeared first on Railway Age.

The Prairie Economic Gateway is part of a larger initiative to strengthen infrastructure across Calgary. SDC recently reached the milestone of conceptual scheme and land use approval and awarded EXP the contract through a qualifications-based selection.

The Shepard Logistics Centre development is a jointly planned collaboration between SDC, the City of Calgary and Rocky View County (RVC), and will result in a nearly 1,300-acre rail-serviced industrial hub. The project, EXP says, will support the manufacture, storage and distribution of commercial products. With more than 20 million square feet available for future industrial development, this inland port is strategically located near the TransCanada Highway, CANAMEX Trade Corridor and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) main line “to maximize efficiency of transportation between the U.S., Mexico, Canada and global markets.”

EXP will provide civil engineering design both onsite and offsite, landscape architecture services, oil and gas main/well decommissioning and infrastructure asset coordination. The company will also support SDC in their communication with stakeholders and surrounding jurisdictions, to advance Phase 1’s 480 acres. Through detailed engineering design and professional services, EXP will assist SDC with scheduling and cost predictability.

Servicing is expected to proceed through 2029.

The post EXP Selected to Deliver Engineering Services for Shepard Logistics Centre appeared first on Railway Age.

LACMTA

The LACMTA Board on March 26 “unanimously approved a plan that will reshape how residents get around the city,” according to KTLA 5 in Los Angeles, Calif.

The Board selected the San Vicente–Fairfax alignment as the Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) for the K Line Northern Extension, a 10-mile, 10-station underground extension of the K Line that will run from the E Line north to Hollywood (see map, top). The new rail service will connect with LACMTA’s B, C, D, and E lines, serving six of LA’s busiest bus corridors and improving access to jobs, healthcare, and entertainment (download Fact Sheet below).

053a07067d1eae076d1423315ab37f78Download

“Supporters said the extension will provide direct rail connections to major destinations, including LAX, the Kia Forum and SoFi Stadium,” the media outlet reported. “However, there was some pushback from homeowners concerned about tunneling beneath their neighborhoods.”

LACMTA “has tunneled in a variety of projects throughout Los Angeles County, and many homeowners participated in a tour throughout Los Angeles County of all of the work that Metro has done,” L.A. County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath said, according to KTLA 5. “They continue to do safety studies and additional technical analysis to address the concerns that community members have raised. And, as I said, they will continue to do so in order to address the concerns that the community members have.”

According to the media outlet, construction is slated to begin in 2041, with service starting in the late 2040s.

NYMTA (Courtesy of MTA)

The New York MTA on March 25 launched an update of its mobile app exclusively for New York City subway and bus riders. With a single tap, the agency said, users can now find real-time subway and bus arrivals close to them and view the real-time position of a train or bus and its estimated time of arrival at all its future destinations, allowing riders to fully plan their trips from start to finish. The new MTA App also features 24/7 live in-app customer support to answer rider questions, as well as direct customers to other MTA services.

Customers can download or update the existing MTA App through the Apple App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). The app is available in English and Spanish. 

According to MTA, the app was developed by an in-house team at a “minimal cost.” The app can be updated and improved regularly, without having to rely on third parties, it added. New features are expected later this year, including OMNY account management ride history. 

MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said, “The new app for subway and bus customers is making a play to be another five-star download, just like TrainTime before it. This is what happens when you invest in and empower in-house talent—best-in-class innovation without the Big Tech price tag.”

The new MTA App is said to retain “popular features that frequent users currently rely on, including favorited lines, routes and stops, per-station arrival times for specific trains and buses, improved user location accuracy, and an in-app trip planner.” It will also continue to allow users to book and manage Access-A-Ride trips. The app will not store any user data, including location, according to MTA. It added that MTA Metro-North Railroad and Long Island Rail Road customers will continue to benefit from the TrainTime App where they can buy and use tickets, plan their trips, and track their trains.

Following is a detailed breakdown of the new features in the MTA App: 

• Subway Experience. “Access to key information, including real-time subway arrival data, station wayfinding, and transfers have been improved in several ways, delivering an overall faster and easier experience navigating the subway system,” MTA said. “The app features more accurate, higher-frequency updates to subway arrival times and locations; a clearer representation of stations with multiple levels and subway lines; information about service changes affecting individual subway lines at a specific station; markers showing riders where to stand on the platform for boarding as well as exiting; improved labels for subway directions; improved service alert iconography, and live arrival times for subway-to-subway and subway-to-bus transfers.”

• Bus Experience. “The new MTA App strengthens and enhances real-time bus service information, making it the go-to tool for bus riders,” MTA reported. “Features include more accurate, higher-frequency updates to bus arrivals and locations; trip-level views for favorited bus routes; real-time bus location markers; arrival times for all bus routes at a specific stop; improved bus stop iconography for easier navigation, and live arrival times for bus-to-bus and bus-to-subway transfers.”

• Accessibility. “The updated MTA App is focused on providing fast, easy to find accessibility information for both subway and bus riders,” MTA said. “Upgraded features include a new accessibility mode: a version of the subway map that highlights accessible stations, easier-to-find elevator and escalator status, support for screen readers and font scaling, and continued integration with Access-A-Ride, allowing customers to book and manage trips.”

• Planned Service Changes. “The MTA App makes it easy to look up current and future subway and bus service changes for the lines you care about most,” MTA reported. “Customers can select now, tonight, tomorrow or this weekend to look up planned work that may affect their travel.”

• MTA Lost and Found. “The new MTA App has a direct link to the official MTA Lost and Found page, providing subway, bus and commuter rail customers with a quick and efficient way to file a claim for lost property,” MTA noted.

BART (Courtesy of BART)

BART on March 25 reported carrying more than a million riders during Super Bowl LX week (Feb. 2-8), the highest ridership week for the transit agency since the pandemic. Thursday, Feb. 5, was also the highest ridership day since the pandemic with 225,832 trips, per BART’s February Ridership Snapshot.  

“Preliminary ridership numbers for March are strong,” BART reported. “Over February and into March, Saturday ridership reached 85% of pre-pandemic levels, and March to date is 14% higher compared to the same period a year ago. Tuesday, March 24, is now the third-highest post-pandemic ridership day with more than 221,000 trips.”

According to BART, the February ridership boost was driven largely by fans and visitors traveling to destinations across San Francisco for Super Bowl-related events and celebrations. The strong performance, the agency noted, highlights its “ability to move large crowds quickly and efficiently, connecting the region during moments of peak demand.”

February ridership highlights:

• Total trips: 4.5 million (+13% year-over-year).
• Average weekday ridership: 191,099 (+11% year-over-year).
• Average Saturday: 129,183 (+27% year-over-year).
• Average Sunday: 77,296 (+15% year-over-year).

BART reported that Saturdays “saw particularly impressive growth, reflecting increased demand for events, entertainment, and weekend travel across the region.”

In February, more than 685,000 trips were taken using Tap and Ride, up 7% compared with the previous month, which BART said reflected “continued adoption of contactless payment options that speed up station entry and improve the rider experience.”

BART ridership was also up in January.

Even with continued growth, fare revenue has not returned to pre-pandemic levels and is not enough on its own to fully fund operations, according to BART. “Like transit agencies nationwide, BART faces a structural budget deficit as remote and hybrid work patterns reduce traditional commute trips,” it noted. Read more about BART’s funding deficit here.

Find comprehensive BART ridership reports here and daily ridership numbers here.  

Further Reading:

• BART Adopts Alternative Service Plan Outlining Budget-Balancing Details (part of Transit Briefs)
• For Bay Area Transit, a $590MM ‘Fiscal Bridge’

Denver RTD (Courtesy of RTD)

RTD’s preliminary, unaudited 2025 financial results “indicate a 17% year-over-year revenue growth, totaling $1.3 billion revenue,” the agency reported March 26. “RTD’s financial position is strengthened by investment income and continued grant performance contributing to financial progress and disciplined management across the organization.”

Customer boardings “remain stable though reduced from 2019 levels due to enduring fully remote and hybrid work schedules which began in 2020 that impact total boardings and fare revenue,” according to RTD, which provides bus, commuter and light rail, shuttles, ADA paratransit, demand responsive, special event, vanpool, and many other services. However, RTD said its sales and use tax revenue mitigates reliance on fares solely for overall revenue. While RTD said it is “operating at a deficit during a multi-year adjustment cycle,” the agency is “focused on long-term sustainability as a provider of critical transit resources across the service area.”

Chief Financial Officer Kelly Mackey said, “Under the leadership of General Manager and CEO Debra A. Johnson, in partnership with the Board of Directors, staff is addressing the deficit head-on and preparing for the 2027 budget cycle; transparency will remain central to that work.”

RTD’s sales and use tax revenue grew 1.3% to $869 million though $34 million below budget (-4%) due to projected construction starts and permitting that did not materialize for use tax, according to the agency. RTD fare revenue of $61 million decreased 4% year-over-year and was $4 million favorable to budget (7%), it said.

The agency reported a preliminary net position decrease of $227 million, which was a 20% year-over-year improvement and $163 million (42%) better than budget. RTD boardings declined by 0.3% in 2025 compared with the prior year but increased by 4.3% in the second half of 2025 compared with the same timeframe in 2024 “due in part to an update in the A Line ridership counting method,” RTD said.

“Notably, 2025 working capital declined as pandemic-era federal funding was utilized—not only for RTD, but transit agencies nationwide—while operating costs continued to increase,” RTD reported. “Even so, liquidity remains well above pre‑pandemic levels, supporting stability and debt‑service capacity.”

RTD also reported that S&P Global Ratings on March 13 affirmed its “financial strength,” with the agency maintaining its AA+ long-term rating and underlying rating (SPUR) on certificates of participation (COPs) outstanding. “S&P affirmed RTD’s stable outlook, recognizing the agency’s healthy liquidity and manageable debt profile, while highlighting the importance of continued progress in addressing the structural deficit as the agency prepares for the 2027 budget cycle,” RTD said.

On Jan. 15, Fitch Ratings reported that RTD maintained its AA+ rating on RTD’s FasTracks revenue bonds and AA on COPs with stable outlooks across all categories, according to RTD. Similarly, it said, on Dec. 17, 2025, Moody’s affirmed that RTD maintained its ratings of Aa2 on FasTracks revenue bonds and A1 on COPs with a stable outlook.

“The credit rating agencies recognize RTD’s proactive and conservative financial management and policies and RTD’s support from voter-approved sales and use taxes that enable the agency to provide transit services for 3.1 million customers across its 2,345 square-mile service area,” RTD said. “The ratings reflect confidence in RTD’s proactive financial management and recognize the need for its essential role as a transit provider across the Denver metro area.”

Further Reading:

• Denver RTD Launches Comprehensive Operational Analysis (part of Transit Briefs)
• Denver RTD Releases 3Q Financial Results (part of Transit Briefs)
• Denver RTD Increases Rail System Fare Checks (part of Transit Briefs)
• Denver RTD Earns ‘Stable Outlook’ From Three Credit Agencies (part of Transit Briefs)
• Denver RTD Tabs Tran as CPO
• For Denver RTD, FY26 Budget Tops $1.5B

SEPTA (Courtesy of SEPTA)

SEPTA is launching a pilot program to deploy digital real-time arrival displays at selected trolley and bus stops, according to the transit agency. The first 10 devices will be installed later this spring.

“The screens, which are solar-powered and use e-paper technology, are unique because they are small enough to be mounted on a bus stop sign pole,” SEPTA said. “Knowing when the next vehicle will arrive was a top priority for many of the 20,000 riders who participated in the comprehensive community engagement efforts for SEPTA’s New Bus Network initiative.” Each device will be equipped with a text-to-speech button, enabling blind and low-vision riders to access the same real-time service information.

The timing of the pilot aligns with the anticipated surge in visitors expected this summer when Philadelphia hosts FIFA World Cup matches, the MLB All-Star Game, and America’s 250th birthday celebration, SEPTA reported.

Pilot locations will be selected based on two key criteria: overall customer impact and geographic equity, ensuring that the benefits of improved real-time information reach riders across all parts of SEPTA’s service area, according to the agency. Bus stops, as well as T, G, D and M Metro stations, will be considered for device locations.

“We are committed to leveraging state-of-the-art, secure technology to modernize the rider experience,” SEPTA Assistant General Manager of Information Technology Elisa Cunningham said. “We will evaluate the results of the pilot to determine future phases of deployment across the network.”

“Every improvement we make to our network starts with listening to our riders,” added SEPTA Chief Officer of Customer Experience and Communications Administration Lex Powers. “This program is one more way that SEPTA is investing in the people who depend on us—today and into the future.”

SEPTA is encouraging riders to share feedback about where they would like to see these devices installed.

Alstom (Courtesy of Alstom)

Alstom on March 24 reported being selected by George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston, Texas, to replace its existing Skyway automated people mover (APM) system and provide operations and maintenance services for 15 years. The contract includes a new Operations Control Center, upgraded Automatic Train Control (Urbalis) and communications systems, 16 new Innovia APM R vehicles, modernized station doors across all terminals, and continued operations and maintenance of the system. The total contract value is approximately $437 million, Alstom said.

Alstom has been operating and maintaining the Skyway APM at Houston’s largest airport for two decades, using the original Innovia APM 100 vehicles built by Bombardier Transportation, which Alstom acquired in 2021. Alstom said it has a dedicated 48‑person operations and maintenance team onsite.

“IAH is undergoing multi‑billion‑dollar expansion to accommodate record‑breaking passenger growth, which topped 48 million passengers last year,” Alstom reported. “The renewed Skyway system will reduce service disruptions, improve passenger flow between terminals, and enhance the overall travel experience. Upgraded digital communications and monitoring systems will increase operational reliability, supporting smoother journeys during peak airport demand.”

Alstom noted that interim busing will be provided when the Skyway is out of service to minimize customer impact. 

“Modernizing Houston’s Skyway system is essential to meeting the needs of one of the fastest‑growing airports in the United States,” said Michael Keroullé, President of Alstom Americas. “This next‑generation APM will deliver more reliable, seamless travel for millions of passengers every year. We are proud to continue our long partnership with IAH and to help shape the future of airport mobility together.” 

Separately, in March four new Alstom APM vehicles entered service at Tampa International Airport in Florida, and last May Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Georgia took delivery of the first of 29 APM vehicles from Alstom.

Further Reading:

• Toronto Commuter Operating Contract Extension Signed
• Toronto Orders New Subway Train Fleet
• IAM Alstom Members Ratify First Contract
• Mexico Awards $1B Passenger Fleet Contract
• From Expo 86 to Everyday Essential: SkyTrain Marks 40 Years
• Finch West LRT Opens
• Alstom, CTDOT Unveil Commuter Railcar Mockup
• Montreal REM Segment 2 Launches
• NJT Slates $917MM Multilevel I, II Overhaul

The post Transit Briefs: LACMTA, NYMTA, BART, Denver RTD, SEPTA, Alstom appeared first on Railway Age.

The agreement adds R. J. Corman, which operates 19 short line railroads in 11 states and serves all major North American railroads, to a growing roster of commercial partners, noted Intramotev, which currently has active TugVolt deployments under way with Carmeuse Americas and Watco. Last month, the company announced that Ray Betler, former CEO of Wabtec, has joined its Board of Directors.

“We strive to be the best service provider to our customers by continuously improving rail operations to be as safe and efficient as possible. Deploying Intramotev’s TugVolt railcars is a direct investment in that commitment,” said Justin Broyles, President and CEO of R. J. Corman Railroad Group, which employs approximately 1,400 people in 24 states. “We’re looking forward to putting their technology to work.”

“R. J. Corman is one of the most respected operators in the rail industry, and we’re honored to work alongside them,” said Tim Luchini, CEO of Intramotev. “When it comes to proving that autonomous rail is ready for commercial deployment, there’s no better validation than a partner who has spent over 50 years moving American industry.”

The post R.J. Corman to Utilize Intramotev’s TugVolt Railcars in Switching Operations appeared first on Railway Age.

GPA

Gateway Terminals Savannah has announced the appointment of Bryan Blalock as President, effective April 13, 2026. He will succeed Kevin Price, who will transition to the GPA leadership team as the newly announced President on July 1, 2026.

“We would like to welcome Bryan Blalock to Savannah and the important role he will play supporting the ocean carriers who call Savannah. Collectively between the Georgia Ports and Gateway, our aim is to provide our mutual customers, both the Ocean Carriers and Truckers, a best-in-class experience,” said GPA President and CEO Griff Lynch.

Blalock joins from CMC where he was the COO, covering 60+ operations with 1900 employees. He brings a distinguished 35+ year career of optimizing business processes, strategic planning and innovative solutions in the port terminal industry.

“Bryan’s leadership, credentials, safety mindset and way of working with people will enable Gateway Terminals Savannah to continue on a high-performance trajectory and get closer to our customers,” said Price. “We are excited to have him join our team.  He has worked in all facets of our industry, brings excellent working relationships in our region and will be immediately effective in his new role, allowing a seamless management transition.”

“I’m honored to join Gateway Terminals Savannah—a leader in the stevedore industry with its best practices and high growth. The Port of Savannah is one of the fastest growing ports in the country and I’m looking forward to helping our customers win more business by delivering best-in-class operations,” said Blalock.

CSX

Judy Covington‑Poole, CSX Technical Director, was named Woman of the Year by the National Association of Railway Business Women Jacksonville Chapter, the Class I recently announced in an X post.

“Covington-Poole leads teams that help keep technology reliable so railroaders across our network stay connected and supported, Congrats, Judy—thank you for leading with service and collaboration,” CSX wrote.

Judy Covington‑Poole, CSX Technical Director, was named Woman of the Year by the National Association of Railway Business Women Jacksonville Chapter. She leads teams that help keep CSX technology reliable so #railroaders across our network stay connected and supported. Congrats,… pic.twitter.com/zc9ETHdVSJ

— CSX (@CSX) March 27, 2026 CPKC

CPKC recently congratulated via LinkedIn John Furlong, Terry Savage, and Mohamed El Bitar for winning a 2026 CEO Award for Excellence for their “transformative track technology.”

“Setting a new standard for how we monitor and manage track infrastructure, their work resulted in fewer slow orders, improved asset life and more reliable service for our customers.

“With safety as our top priority, their shift from reactive fixes to predictive maintenance plays a key role in making our railroad safer, more efficient and better positioned for long-term performance,” CPKC wrote.

Northern Plains Railroad

Jesse Chalich, President of Northern Plains Railroad, passed away suddenly on March 11, 2026, the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) recently announces.

Jesse Chalich

“Noted in the obituary, Chalich started his career as a conductor/engineer in 1997 on the Northern Plains Railroad in central North Dakota. As a 4th generation railroader, the love for the industry and its culture ran deep in him.

“Chalich quickly moved into customer service, where his natural ability to connect with people quickly stood out. Known for his genuine care for others and the trust he built with those around him, Chalich later transitioned into marketing and executive leadership roles, helping guide the company as it expanded from 40 to more than 200 employees. Over time, he rose through the organization, ultimately serving as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Northern Plains Rail companies—a role he led humbly with pride, integrity, and dedication until his final day. Under Chalich’s leadership, the company maintained exceptional employee morale and a culture that truly supported employees in putting safety and family first.”

The post People News: GPA, CSX, CPKC, Northern Plains Railroad appeared first on Railway Age.

The CIP is a rolling, five-year financial plan that funds all MBTA capital projects, “seeking to deliver meaningful results for riders today while building a best-in-class transit system for the future,” according to the agency. Capital projects are investments or activities related to acquiring, renewing, constructing, improving, or maintaining a capital asset, including project planning and design. To support these goals, the capital projects in the proposed FY27-31 CIP focus on:

• “Regular Maintenance: Building on the MBTA’s recent progress to effectively and efficiently deliver results for our riders now and in the future.
• “Building for the Future: Tackling major modernization projects that set a strong foundation for future infrastructure while seeking additional funding.
• “Improving Service for our Riders: Ensuring improved service in the near- and long-term by improving frequency and reliability, decarbonizing the system, and improving the experience of riders.”

This proposed FY27-31 MBTA CIP (download below) includes more than 680 unique capital projects for a programmed spend of $10 billion over the next five fiscal years to “modernize, improve, and increase the safety and reliability of the MBTA.” These investments, the agency says, “aim to maintain a state of good repair, modernize MBTA assets, improve service, and meet strategic priorities and performance goals.” It is informed by the Capital Needs Assessment and Inventory, the MBTA Strategic Plan, and long-term plans such as Focus40, the Rail Modernization Plan, and Focus 2050, the Program for Mass Transportation (PMT) currently in development and also open to public comment now. Updated every five years, the PMT will bridge the MBTA Strategic Plan and the fiscally constrained CIP, “identifying investment priorities and potential capital improvements over 25 years through 2050.”

“Under the leadership of the Healey-Driscoll Administration and with the support of our Legislative and municipal partners, the MBTA continues to set a national example for how to accelerate transportation infrastructure projects that drive economic vitality supporting jobs, businesses, and communities,” said Interim Secretary of Transportation and MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. “We are strategically planning to deliver capital projects that deliver meaningful benefits, improve service, and ensure safety to meet and exceed the needs of today and future generations. I invite all riders and community members to weigh in on the proposed Capital Investment Plan – your input is essential as we continue to build the MBTA in which we can all take pride.”

2026-03-26-fy27-31-proposed-cipDownload

The post MBTA Invites Public Comment on Proposed FY27-31CIP appeared first on Railway Age.

U.S. Rep. Sam Graves (R-Mo.), who has served as House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chair since 2023, has announced he will retire from Congress in January, at the end of this session.

“After considerable reflection, 2026 will be my final year in Congress,” Graves reported March 27 via social media platform X. “This wasn’t an easy decision, but it’s the right one. I believe in making room for the next generation. It’s time to pass the torch and allow a new guard of conservative leaders to step forward and chart a path forward for Missourians.”

From 2019 to 2022, Graves was the T&I Committee’s senior Republican. Before that, he served four years as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, and as the senior Republican of the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.

Graves is also Co-Chair of the House General Aviation Caucus. From 2009 to 2015, he served as Chairman and senior Republican of the Committee on Small Business, and he continues to serve as a high-ranking Member of the Committee on Armed Services.

Graves was born in Tarkio, Mo., on Nov. 7, 1963. He graduated from Tarkio High School in 1982 and attended college at the University of Missouri-Columbia, where he received his degree in Agronomy from the College of Agriculture. In 1992, Graves won his first race for State Representative. In 1994, he was elected State Senator for the 12th Senatorial District and was subsequently re-elected in 1998.

“When I first ran for State Representative back in 1992, my aspiration was to represent my hometown of Tarkio, Missouri,” Graves reported March 27. “I was a twenty-seven year old farmer who just wanted to stand up for a way of life and his community. I never could have imagined where that decision would take me.  

“For 8 years in the Missouri House and Senate, I fought for Northwest Missourians. From deregulating vehicle inspections, to standing for chain gangs, to securing funding for rural schools in the desegregation fight, I never lost sight of why I was sent to Jefferson City. Then, in 2000, the good, hardworking people of Missouri’s Sixth District entrusted me to be their voice in Congress.   

“For 26 years, I have had the privilege of serving, culminating in becoming the Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and passing some of the most significant legislation in our nation’s history. The responsibility entrusted to me is not something I have ever taken for granted. Not for a single day.  

“What I’m most proud of is the work my team did when Washington made life harder for the people of Missouri’s Sixth. Together, we stood with hundreds of thousands of Missourians in their toughest moments.  We helped them cut through red tape and navigate a system that often felt stacked against them. We got them answers and fought to deliver real results when they needed them most.  

“I’ve said all of that to say this: After considerable reflection, 2026 will be my final year in Congress. … 

“That doesn’t mean I’m slowing down, not even close. As I enter the 4th quarter of my life, I have more left in me. As many of you know, I don’t let grass grow under my feet. We’ve still got a lot of work to do. I’m going to fight to protect Missouri interests as we work to shape this year’s Highway Bill. I plan to finish this last term the same way I started, full speed ahead.  

“Maintaining our strong democratic republic will always depend on good people stepping up to serve from every corner of our great nation. I’m grateful for my colleagues in both parties, for the people I’ve worked alongside, and even for the opponents who challenged me and made me better. Public service isn’t easy. It takes hard work, humility, a thick skin, and a willingness to fight for what’s right.  

“At the end of the day, I’m still the farmer from Northwest Missouri. You’ll find me back home on the farm nearly every weekend, after all, it is planting season. In fact, I’ll probably be on a tractor this weekend. And come Monday, I’ll be heading back through Kansas City on my way to D.C. to keep doing the job you sent me there to do.  From the bottom of my heart, thank you.   

“It has been the honor of a lifetime.”

Graves noted in a separate T&I Committee press release that “Before the end of this year, the Committee must complete a vital surface transportation reauthorization bill to fund America’s roads, bridges, highway safety, transit, and rail transportation systems—a surface bill that will be the most important of its kind in decades.

“The Committee is working on the next Water Resources Development Act to improve our ports, harbors, inland waterways, flood protection, and other water resources infrastructure.  We have bills to reauthorize pipeline safety programs, to modernize Clean Water Act permitting processes to cut red tape in the building of infrastructure projects, and to provide the most significant reforms to FEMA since Hurricane Katrina.

“And just this week [week of March 22], our committee unanimously approved the ALERT Act to address all 50 safety recommendations from the NTSB following their investigation of the tragic aviation accident in our nation’s capital.

“I will remain fully focused on getting these bills and other important legislation over the finish line.  Serving as Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, where Members of Congress can and have so often worked together to get things done for all of America, has been a tremendous honor that will drive me until my last day in Congress.”

Graves’ “exit was unlikely to affect the balance of power in the House given the strongly Republican bent of his district in northwest Missouri,” The New York Times reported March 27. “But it was the latest in a wave of G.O.P. retirements over the past several months as Republicans anticipate defeats in November that could cost them control of Congress. And it marked another significant loss of institutional knowledge underway in both parties as a push for generational turnover has prompted senior lawmakers to retire after lengthy careers in Washington.”

American Public Transportation Association (APTA) President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas released the following statement on March 27:

“On behalf of APTA and our over 1,700 members organizations, I extend our deep appreciation to Chairman Sam Graves for his years of dedicated service and his commitment to building a stronger, safer public transportation network for all Americans.

“Chairman Graves has been a trusted partner to the public transportation community. Just last year, he spoke at APTA’s Legislative Conference and challenged our industry to make the case to Congress on the importance of reauthorization. We heard him, and we took that charge to heart. As he prepares to close this chapter, we are mindful of how much his leadership has shaped the path forward—and how much work remains, with the September 2026 reauthorization deadline fast approaching and so much riding on the outcome for public transit riders, workers, and communities across the country.

“We look forward to continuing to work with Chairman Graves through the remainder of the 119th Congress and wholeheartedly thank him for his years of public service and leadership to deliver a strong surface transportation bill for the American people. We wish him well in all that comes next.”

The post House T&I Committee Chair Sam Graves to Retire appeared first on Railway Age.

New Jersey Transit (NJT), at the direction of Gov. Mikie Sherrill, is developing a Rapid Action Plan, “detailing measures to improve specific aspects of the customer travel experience, including cleanliness, accessibility, safety, and the digital experience.” It will hold three virtual forums for the public to help inform the plan’s development.

The New Jersey Governor, on March 24, signed Executive Order No. 16 (download below), which requires the transit agency “to improve commuter experience.” NJT provides more than 925,000 weekday trips on 264 bus routes, three light rail lines, and 12 commuter rail lines, and through Access Link paratransit service. It is the third largest transit system in the country with 165 rail stations, 62 light rail stations, and more than 19,000 bus stops linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.

EO-16Download

“Every New Jerseyan deserves a transit system that is safe, clean, accessible, and reliable,” Gov. Sherrill said. “This Executive Order is about delivering cleaner stations, clearer communication, and more dependable service across NJT. We are listening to riders, holding ourselves accountable, and making the improvements necessary to ensure that rail and bus transit work better for everyone who uses it.” 

“The goals of the Executive Order and the focus on public engagement will help in moving our transportation system forward, and I look forward to working with NJT CEO and President Kris Kolluri in executing the Governor’s vision,” NJT Chair and Acting NJDOT Commissioner Priya Jain said.

The Executive Order has two parts:

1. Within 45 days from signing, the Commissioner of Transportation, in her capacity as Chair of the NJT Board of Directors, will develop and send to the Governor “a comprehensive plan to improve riders’ experiences.” Gov. Sherrill is directing the Commissioner to focus the plan on the following priority areas: “Cleanliness of NJ Transit stations, stops, buses, and railcars; “[a]ccessibility of NJT-owned properties, including escalators and boarding areas”; “[p]ublic safety, including lighting, cameras, and law enforcement presence at stations and stops”; and “the digital experience for riders, with focus on the usability and reliability of real-time tracking features on the NJT website and mobile app.” To inform the development of this plan, NJT Customer Advocate Franck Beaumin will hold three public listening sessions (virtual forums) and develop a public survey, for those unable to attend. The survey is posted on njtransit.com/actionplan. Beaumin will report the survey results and feedback from the listening sessions—to be held March 31, April 2, and April 4—within 30 days. 
2. In the 45 days following the delivery of the plan, NJT “will fast-track implementation of the highest priority initiatives so that, by June 22, NJT riders begin to see immediate improvements toward a safer, cleaner, and more reliable ride.”

“Since stepping into this role [in 2024], my top priority has been listening to our customers and gathering their feedback to help deliver a better travel experience across NJT,” Franck Beaumin said. “I truly value the opportunity to engage directly with customers and hear their ideas on how we can make every trip more enjoyable. I look forward to developing a plan that improves the customer experience.”

Separately, in January, NJT launched a language survey to improve the customer experience.

Further Reading:

• For NJT, a Relatively Smooth Portal North Cutover Startup
• NJT: Renovated Vehicle Interiors, Special Anniversary Wrap for River LINE
• Kolluri Tapped to Lead NJT, NJTA
• NJ Transit Introduces New Patriotic Paint Scheme
• NTSB Determines Probable Cause for NJ Transit Collision
• NJT Launches Accessibility, Real Estate Initiatives
• NJT Accelerates Fare Modernization Program
• NJT Exercises MLIII, ALP45-DP Alstom Options

The post For NJT, A ‘Rapid Action Plan’ appeared first on Railway Age.

BNSF’s $3.6 billion capital investment plan for 2026 will help us modernize infrastructure and enhance capacity across our 32,500-mile network. A key part of that plan is a major improvement project underway in Galesburg, Ill., a location central to BNSF operations since the 1850s.

Locomotives at the Galesburg yard. (Caption and Photograph Courtesy of BNSF)

Located about 200 miles southwest of Chicago, Galesburg is the second-largest hump yard on BNSF’s system and an essential hub for sorting and classifying railcars. To increase efficiency and support long-term growth, we are adding a second hump lead track—a significant enhancement that will increase switching capacity and improve overall terminal performance.

The Galesburg hump crest. (Caption and Photograph Courtesy of BNSF)

Galesburg’s strategic location, combined with its yard capacity, makes it one of BNSF’s most important merchandise terminals. 

The Galesburg classification yard. (Caption and Photograph Courtesy of BNSF)

“With Chicago serving as the nation’s largest rail interchange hub, Galesburg provides essential classification support for traffic moving to and from interchange partners,” said Felicia Mosenfelder, Corridor Superintendent for the Chicago Division. “The Galesburg yard’s performance is vital to sustaining fluid, dependable operations systemwide.” 

Currently, Galesburg’s hump is served by a single lead track. After an inbound train arrives into a receiving track, the cars are pulled to the hump lead to then be pushed over the hump to be sorted based on next destination.

An aerial of the hump yard expansion. (Caption and Photograph Courtesy of BNSF)

“This capital project will add a second parallel hump lead that will reduce the time between processing trains over the hump, because a second inbound train can be readied on the lead while the prior train is being pushed over the hump crest,” explained Craig Rasmussen, Assistant Vice President of Engineering Services & Structures. 

In addition, how the yard is configured today results in tracks on the east side of the yard being unable to directly reach the hump crest, Rasmussen added. “The second lead will connect into these tracks, allowing operational flexibility with more tracks available to arriving inbound trains.”

The Galesburg yard with hump in the background, left. (Caption and Photograph Courtesy of BNSF)

Once completed, the upgraded yard will be able to process approximately three additional trains per day or about 300 cars.  This added capacity will meaningfully improve terminal fluidity and contribute to more consistent merchandise service across the BNSF network.   

“This expansion enhances terminal reliability and supports more predictable schedules for our customers, contributing to steadier transit times and overall service dependability,” Mosenfelder added. 

Currently the area is being graded and is expected to be ready for track installation in May.

At top, a southbound view of grading work; at bottom, a northbound view. (Caption and Photographs Courtesy of BNSF)

Beyond the yard, a BNSF certified site is available southeast of Galesburg. This industrial park offers convenient access to both BNSF’s main line and nearby highway infrastructure. The site, along with improvements at the yard, positions the region for continued economic and customer growth.

Galesburg has long been a railroad town. (Caption and Photograph Courtesy of BNSF)

For nearly two centuries, BNSF, its predecessors and Galesburg have been inextricably tied since the settlement was founded in 1836. The city became a major railroad center not long after the first train passed through in December 1854—and we continue the tradition of mutual growth with this latest expansion project.

This article first appeared on the BNSF Rail Talk website.

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With a direct connection to Savannah’s 40 ships per week global ocean carrier network, local manufacturers—including poultry, heavy equipment, and forest product companies—can reach international markets more efficiently, GPA noted.

Direct rail with service five days a week between Northeast Georgia and Savannah gives shippers an alternative to a 600-mile roundtrip truck route “that will reduce trucks on Georgia’s highways and in the Atlanta region,” according to GPA.

“Our new inland rail facility in Gainesville, Georgia, will significantly offset truck traffic congestion in Atlanta and improve air quality by replacing an estimated 26,000 truck roundtrips in the first year alone. We’re already seeing positive customer engagement and Norfolk Southern will bring an excellent level of service working together with GPA,” said Georgia Ports President and CEO Griff Lynch at the March 24 GPA Board meeting.

At full build-out, the $134 million Gainesville Inland Port (formerly known as the Blue Ridge Connector) will have an annual capacity of 200,000 containers.

To reduce the new railyard’s traffic impact on local communities in Gainesville, GPA funded $4.8 million in Hall County projects, eliminating an at-grade rail crossing, rerouting White Sulphur Road and surfacing Cagle Road. The new White Sulphur route south of the inland terminal “ensures free access for emergency vehicles and avoids traffic disruption from trains,” GPA noted. Equally important, the resurfacing of Cagle Road “offers an improved alternative for residents.” Both projects were completed in late summer 2025.

GPA is carrying out a nearly $5 billion infrastructure investment plan over the next decade to expand berths, yards, gates, inland ports and rail capacity. 

“New infrastructure assets take planning and time to build,” said GPA Board Chairman Alec Poitevint. “We believe in a steady investment that delivers port capacity ahead of our customers’ future needs. This enables our customers to plan long-term for the future and have confidence their supply chain keeps pace with growth. We want to thank Governor Kemp, the General Assembly, and GDOT for the great work they are doing with Peach State infrastructure projects outside the terminal, like Brampton Road, the Talmadge Bridge, and the widening of Savannah highways for freight to move easier.”

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March 27, 2026 marks 50 years since WMATA (Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority) inaugurated the Washington Metro (Metro Rail) rapid transit system in the National Capital Region. The first passenger-carrying Metro Rail trips occurred On March 27, 1976, on the 4.6 miles of Red Line connecting Rhode Island Avenue and Farragut North. We at Simmons-Boardman Publishing Corp. and Railway Age are proud to say that this publication played an important role in its development.

In the late 1960s, then Railway Age Editor-in-Chief the late Luther S. Miller—my predecessor—and then Publisher the late Robert G. Lewis led tours of other rapid transit systems around the world—Paris and Stockholm, for example—for Metro Rail planners, engineers and architects to gather ideas. Interestingly, the Washington Post criticized these transit system tours as “junkets” and “boondoggles.”

The Washington Post had it all wrong. Among the people participating in our tours was Stanley Nance Allen (1921-2015), longtime Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA) and past president of architectural firm Harry Weese and Associates, from which he retired in 1995. Allen’s most significant impact as an architect—indeed, his most important career achievement—was development and construction of Metro Rail, for which he was project manager from 1964 through 1977 at Harry Weese and Associates. Weese designed Metro Rail’s modern, spacious, cavernous open-concept subway stations, which at the time were a far cry from the “hole in the ground” stations typical of legacy U.S. subway systems like New York City Transit. The RATP (Paris Metro) stations inspired him. (NYCT’s newest lines, like the Second Avenue Subway and Seventh Avenue Subway West Side Extension, are designed similar to Metro Rail’s.)

Shutterstock/Nicole Glass Photography

Today, Metro Rail is a six-line, 130-mile network with 98 stations. In 2025, the system delivered 147 million trips. Since 1976, Metro Rail customers have taken more than 7 billion trips.

“Metro was a bold vision and investment in the region by previous generations,” said Metro General Manager Randy Clarke. “Fifty years later, it remains essential to how people connect to jobs, school, and opportunity. Today, we honor the organizers, the decision makers, the builders, the employees, and the customers who have made America’s Metro System an integral part of the region over the past half-century. Team Metro is committed to stewardship of this great system and continuing to provide safe, frequent, and reliable service for the next 50 years.”

“Throughout the coming months, Metro will celebrate its Golden Anniversary with special 50th anniversary Smart Trip cards, vehicle wraps, pennants, trading cards, and merchandise,” the agency said. ”Customers can walk down memory lane at Metro50th.com, a dedicated website where they can see a timeline of our history and browse pennants and photos from years past. Later this year, a commemorative 50th anniversary coffee table book will be released.”

Revised Budget Proposed

Coinciding with Metro Rail’s 50th, Randy Clarke proposed revisions to the FY2027 Budget originally presented during the WMATA Board of Directors meeting in December 2025. “The revised budget proposal reflects Metro’s continued commitment to financial management and efficiency by managing jurisdictional subsidy growth at 1.8%, which is below the cost of inflation and the 3% regional target,” Clarke said. “Metro is leading the nation in ridership growth and is focused on efforts to bolster fare collection by expanding programs like Tap. Ride. Go., which is available on Metro Rail and Metro Bus, and is currently being implemented at more than 40 Metro parking facilities throughout the system. Tap. Ride. Go. along with other fare product offerings support continuous improvement efforts to remove friction for customers and promote transit accessibility for the region.  

“The proposed revisions reflect the momentum Metro has seen over the past few years, allowing Metro to tightly manage budgets and cost efficiency efforts that allow continued service improvements where revenue, ridership, and impact needs are reflected most throughout the region. The revised proposal (download below) asks for the Board’s consideration of … adjusted service improvements and fees.”

FY2026-Mid-Year-Financial-Review-and-Revised-FY2027-Proposed-BudgetDownload For a comprehensive Metro Rail history, see the Wikipedia entry. A 7000-series train at Farragut West in April 2018. Tdorante10/Wikimedia Commons

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As part of the funding, MTS received $48,315,000 for Phase 2 of the Orange Line Improvement Project, also known as Rail Ready. This project, the agency says, will deliver critical upgrades to the aging Orange Line corridor, “improving safety, reliability, and long-term state of good repair across approximately 18 miles of track.” Phase 2 focuses on enhancements from Massachusetts Station through El Cajon Transit Center, “building on prior investments and advancing system performance across the eastern segment of the line.” Project elements include:

• Grade crossing safety enhancements.
• New universal interlocking crossovers.
• Replacement of aging signal interfaces.
• Additional signal, track, and communications improvements.

This funding, MTS says, builds on earlier investments from a 2022 TIRCP award, which supported Phase 1 improvements from 32nd & Commercial Street Station through West Massachusetts Avenue Station. Phase 1 modernized track, signal, grade crossing, and variable message sign (VMS) systems. Infrastructure design for Phase 2 was completed on Dec. 18, 2025, and construction is anticipated to begin in July 2026.

As part of the grant process, MTS requested formal allocation of TIRCP funds from the California Transportation Commission (CTC) this month. Following approval at the March 20 meeting, the funds will be obligated to MTS, enabling construction to proceed as scheduled.

The funding allocated by the CTC is part of TIRCP’s Cycle 6 awards. In 2023, the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) allocated more than $3.4 billion statewide for initiatives that “enhance transit safety, increase ridership, modernize infrastructure and strengthen regional connectivity.”

“This investment from the State of California allows MTS to upgrade our transit network and make meaningful improvements for the communities that depend on us most,” said Stephen Whitburn, MTS Board Chair and San Diego City Councilmember. “The projects funded will strengthen safety, reliability and sustainability. These funds help ensure that our riders benefit from clean, efficient and future‑ready transportation for decades to come.”

“Public transit is a lifeline, and this investment in MTS reflects exactly that. These funds will mean more reliable service, cleaner vehicles, and better infrastructure for the San Diegans who depend on transit most to get to work, to school, to each other and home safely,” said Clarissa Reyes Falcon, Chair of the California Transportation Commission. “As both Chair of the California Transportation Commission and a proud San Diegan, I couldn’t be more pleased to see these dollars coming home. I look forward to seeing the difference firsthand alongside the riders this investment is meant to serve.”

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