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“Norfolk Southern delivered another quarter of strong results on safety, service, and productivity through a dynamic freight market,” said Mark George, President and CEO of the Class I railroad, which on Oct. 23 posted third-quarter 2025 results, including income from railway operations of $1.1 billion, an operating ratio of 63.3%, and diluted earnings per share of $3.30, each of which was adjusted to exclude expenses related to its potential merger with Union Pacific; restructuring and other charges; and the effects of the 2023 East Palestine, Ohio, derailment.

“The entire Thoroughbred team pulled together to serve our customers, achieve an all-time record in fuel efficiency, delivered on key productivity initiatives, and executed a noteworthy land sale that will ultimately deliver rail volumes for years to come,” Mark George continued. “I’m proud of the way our team is performing with discipline and focus—driving results and strengthening our foundation for long term success.”

Following are highlights of NS’s third-quarter 2025 results:

• Railway operating revenues came in at $3.1 billion, an increase of $52 million, or 2%, from the same quarter last year, on flat volumes, according to the railroad. Fuel surcharge revenue declined $30 million compared with third-quarter 2024, which NS said represents a 1% headwind to overall revenues.

• Income from railway operations was $1.1 billion, a fall-off of $498 million, from third-quarter 2024, which included a $380 million benefit from two railway line sales in the states of Virginia and North Carolina, NS noted. Adjusting for merger-related expenses*, restructuring and other charges, and the effects of the Eastern Ohio incident, NS reported income from railway operations was $1.1 billion, up $21 million, or 2%, aided by $65 million incremental land sales, compared to adjusted third-quarter 2024. (*In third-quarter 2025, NS incurred $15 million in merger-related expenses, which it said were “primarily related to third-party advisor fees, legal fees, and costs associated with employee retention arrangements.)

• Operating ratio in third-quarter 2025 was 64.6% vs. 47.7% in the prior-year period, which included the aforementioned railway line sales. Adjusting for merger-related expenses, restructuring and other charges, and the effects of the Eastern Ohio incident, NS said the operating ratio for the quarter was 63.3%. This represents 10 basis points of improvement from adjusted third-quarter 2024 which was 63.4%

• Diluted earnings per share were $3.16, down from $4.85 in third-quarter 2024, which included the aforementioned railway line sales. According to NS, adjusting for merger-related expenses, restructuring and other charges, and the effects of the Eastern Ohio incident, diluted earnings per share were $3.30, up $0.05, or 2%, compared with adjusted third-quarter 2024.

UP presented its financial report earlier on Oct. 23. “Our third-quarter results serve as a proof point that we are successfully executing on our strategy,” said CEO Jim Vena. “We have a historic opportunity with the Norfolk Southern to create [the United States’] first transcontinental railroad. As we work toward regulatory approval, our team is focused and driving continued improvements in our pursuit of what’s possible.”

Concurrent with 3Q25 earnings, Vena sent a letter to all UP employees outlining the benefits of merging with NS, stating that it “will allow us to move [products] in a faster manner, which will make American goods more competitive, open more markets and provide more jobs.” He reiterated his pledge that company is “guaranteeing a job for every unionized employee that’s working for the two companies on the day the deal closes.” And while he “personally thinks that [the STB] taking the prescribed length of time to review the application is excessive,” he believes the STB “will listen to its constituents and thoroughly examine our application, which will show the combination enhances competition and is in the public interest.”

In a post-earnings call conversation with Railway Age Editor-in-Chief William C. Vantuono, Vena outlined some of the joint initiatives UP and NS have embarked upon to ensure that, operationally, integrating the two railroads will go smoothly. Glitches are bound to occur, he acknowledged, but pointed to his own involvement with mergers during his time with CN, where he spent most of his career, working on the acquisitions of Illinois Central and Wisconsin Central, among other railroads. Read Vantuono’s report here.

• ‘Network Improvements Power a Better Future for Passenger Rail’ – John Orr, NS
• Preserving the Past, Powering the Future: NS Helps Reunite Georgia’s Railroad History
• Norfolk Southern Powers Past 1,000th Locomotive Modernization
• NS, UP Leveraging Louisville
• For NS, Four ‘Strategic Moves’
• Mechanical Marvel
• UP, NS Notify STB of Intent to File Merger Application
• UP + NS: What Comes Next?
• Union Pacific + Norfolk Southern: It’s Official

The post For NS 3Q25, ‘Strong Results’ appeared first on Railway Age.

The first new Amtrak Cascades trainset wrapped up testing in Pueblo, Colo., and is officially headed to the Northeast Corridor for additional testing—marking a major milestone on the path to launching new trains on the Amtrak Cascades corridor in 2026.

“This trainset is part of our bold transformation in passenger rail, Amtrak said in a release.” Known within the industry as part of Amtrak’s Airo fleet, a total of 83 new trainsets will roll out across the country, starting with Amtrak Cascades, followed by the Northeast Regional, and other key routes.

“With Pacific Northwest-inspired design, modern amenities, and regional food and beverage offerings, we’re redefining the journey—one route at a time,” Amtrak said.

A video of the Airo is available here.

The MBTA is paying tribute to the 1970s by putting a refurbished retro locomotive back on the tracks, according to a WBZ NewsRadio report.

The MBTA Commuter Rail train sports a classic yellow stripe on the front with a purple wraparound, “a paint job that was discontinued more than 20 years ago,” according to the report.

“We replaced all the components, and we want to keep it running for a few more years, make sure the service is reliable,” said MBTA spokesperson Joe Pesaturo. “Then after the overall work was done, we decided that we would revisit what we call the retro paint scheme.”

The refurbished locomotive left North Station on Oct. 21 at 10:30 a.m. and went to the train yard to be hooked up to coaches and prep for extra service to be done, WBZ NewsRadio reported.

According to the MBTA, “This tribute is part of a series honoring the legacy railroads that shaped the MBTA’s current operations, including the “Boston and Maine” heritage locomotive put into passenger service in September, as well as the upcoming locomotives highlighting the New Haven Railroad, which formed the bulk of the Southside lines, and the New York Central (Boston and Albany) Railroad, which historically operated what is now the Worcester Commuter Rail Line,” WBZ NewsRadio reported.

A SkyTrain car from TransLink’s retiring Mark I fleet has been given a new home in a BC film studio—by Lumostage Virtual Production in Langley Township, the agency recently reported. Lumostage has repurposed an original Mark I car and integrated it into a 180-degree LED stage for film and television productions.

As the very first SkyTrain vehicles near the end of their service lives and make way for new Mark V cars in the coming years, TransLink says it is “inviting creative ideas to ensure these historic trains continue serving the region in fresh and innovative ways.”

“We’re thrilled to see one of our iconic SkyTrain cars enjoy a future which will preserve its legacy while supporting one of our strongest local industries,” said TransLink CEO Kevin Quinn. “Since first rolling out nearly 40 years ago, the Mark I SkyTrain cars have carried millions of customers and become a defining symbol of Metro Vancouver’s transit system.”

“Filming subway scenes in BC has always been a challenge—until now,” said Lumostage Chief Operating Officer Angus Luk-Ramsay. “By working with TransLink and top motion picture engineers and artists, Lumostage has turned a retired SkyTrain car into a film-friendly, interactive subway train set that makes our province an even more attractive destination for motion picture and commercial productions.”

TransLink is once again looking for other creative ideas to relocate and repurpose the rest of the roughly 130 retiring Mark I SkyTrain cars. Interested individuals, businesses, developers, community organizations, and municipalities are encouraged to submit proposals through a new Request for Information (RFI). This follows an initial call for idea submissions in November 2024.

Accepted applicants are responsible for funding the transport of the SkyTrain cars from the BC Rapid Transit Company (BCRTC) storage facility, as well as covering all the future costs of repurposing the cars.

Creative proposals for the next set of cars will be accepted until Nov. 28, 2025. Additional applications will open at a later date, as more vehicles are phased out of service.

The post Transit Briefs: Amtrak, MBTA, TransLink appeared first on Railway Age.

With an STB merger filing for acquiring Norfolk Southern targeted for no later than Dec. 1, Union Pacific posted a solid third-quarter 2025, showing “strong operating income growth driven by increased revenue and operating efficiency” and “a best-ever quarter record for freight revenue, excluding fuel surcharge.”

“Our third-quarter results serve as a proof point that we are successfully executing on our strategy,” said CEO Jim Vena. “We have a historic opportunity with the Norfolk Southern to create [the United States’] first transcontinental railroad. As we work toward regulatory approval, our team is focused and driving continued improvements in our pursuit of what’s possible.”

UP reported 3Q25 net income of $1.8 billion, or $3.01 per diluted share. Those results include merger costs of $41 million, or $0.07 per diluted share. Adjusted 3Q25 (non-GAAP) net income of $1.8 billion, or $3.08 per diluted share, compares to 3Q24 net income of $1.7 billion, or $2.75 per diluted share.

Compared to the prior-year period, UP’s operating revenue of $6.2 billion grew 3%, “driven by solid core pricing gains, partially offset by lower fuel surcharge. Freight revenue excluding fuel surcharge grew 4%. The reported operating ratio was 59.2%, an improvement of 110 basis points. The adjusted operating ratio was 58.5%, an improvement of 180 basis points.

UP said its operating results reflect “continued momentum in safety, service, and operational excellence,” with third-quarter records for freight car velocity and locomotive productivity, and “best ever” quarter records for terminal dwell, train length, workforce productivity and fuel consumption rate. The FRA reportable personal injury rate and reportable derailment rate both improved. Freight car velocity was 226 daily miles per car, an 8% improvement. Locomotive productivity was 140 gross ton-miles (GTMs) per horsepower day, a 4% improvement. Average terminal dwell was 20.4 hours, a 9% improvement. Average train length was 9,801 feet (1.86 miles), a 2% increase. Workforce productivity improved 6% to 1,165 car-miles per employee.

UP noted the company is “on track with Investor Day targets.” The 2025 outlook is based on “meeting customer demand with strong service” and a “challenging international intermodal comparison.” Pricing dollars are expected to be accretive to the operating ratio. EPS growth should be consistent with attaining a three-year CAGR target of high-single to low-double digits. UP predicts an “industry-leading operating ratio and return on invested capital, continued strong cash generation.” Capital allocation is based on a capital plan of $3.4 billion. The 3Q25 dividend will increase 3%. Share repurchases have been paused for the Norfolk Southern merger. (Download full financial statement below.)

Concurrent with 3Q25 earnings, Jim Vena sent a letter (download below) to all UP employees outlining the benefits of merging with NS, stating that it “will allow us to move [products] in a faster manner, which will make American goods more competitive, open more markets and provide more jobs.” He reiterated his pledge that company is “guaranteeing a job for every unionized employee that’s working for the two companies on the day the deal closes.” And while he “personally thinks that [the STB] taking the prescribed length of time to review the application is excessive,” he believes the STB “will listen to its constituents and thoroughly examine our application, which will show the combination enhances competition and is in the public interest.”

In a post-earnings call conversation with Railway Age Editor-in-Chief William C. Vantuono, Vena outlined some of the joint initiatives Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern have embarked upon to ensure that, operationally, integrating the two railroads will go smoothly. Glitches are bound to occur, he acknowledged, but pointed to his own involvement with mergers during his time with CN, where he spent most of his career, working on the acquisitions of Illinois Central and Wisconsin Central, among other railroads.

In the STB application, “we will explain how UP and NS will look” as one railroad. “Working as a team, we’re developing an overall plan, and I’m not worried about taking costs out right away.” The service plan will cover operating independently, transitioning to a single carrier, a process expected to take a while. “We won’t do anything until we’re confident that the numerous integrational aspects will work as expected,” he said. UP’s NetControl IT system, rolled out in January 2024, will extend to the entire combined railroad. Currently, UP and NS are identifying “tether points” that will connect both railroads’ IT systems beginning “on Day 1” of the merger. As far as blending corporate cultures, “we know it’s going to take a few years,” Vena said.

Yet, Vena left little doubt that, clearly, the combined transcontinental railroad will be named “Union Pacific.”

The post UP 3Q25: ‘Continued Improvements in Pursuit of What’s Possible’ appeared first on Railway Age.

Since 2022, BNSF Sustainability Awards have been presented annually “to companies that stand out as industry leaders in sustainable freight,” according to the Class I railroad.

And the 2025 winners are:

1. ADM
2. ABF Freight®, an ArcBest® company
3. AG Processing Inc
4.  Albina Asphalt
5. American Alloy Steel
6. Amrize
7. Big River Steel
8. C.H. Robinson
9. CF Industries
10. COSCO SHIPPING Lines
11. Darling Ingredients
12. Eco Material Technologies
13. Eco-Energy
14. Estes Express Lines
15. Harvestone
16. Helm U.S. Corporation
17. Hybar LLC
18. INEOS US CHEMICALS CO
19. James Hardie Building Products Inc.
20. Kimberly-Clark
21. Kiva United Energy
22. Occidental Chemical Corporation
23. OOCL (USA) INC
24. Phillips 66
25. POET
26. Ravago
27. Rust-Oleum
28. The Greenbrier Companies
29. Tractor Supply Company
30. United Sugar Producers and Refiners
31. Veolia North America
32. Yang Ming Marine Transport Corp.

“This year, we congratulate 32 winners that prioritize sustainable solutions to support innovation and growth,” said BNSF Vice President of Environment & Sustainability John Lovenburg. “We appreciate the powerful commitment of these innovative businesses that have chosen to partner with us and utilize the lowest carbon mode of surface transportation that provide long-term environmental, social and economic benefits.”

The post 32 Companies Earn BNSF Sustainability Awards appeared first on Railway Age.

NFI Group and GILLIG on Oct. 22 reported forming a 50/50 joint venture, GR Seating, LLC, to acquire the assets of Michigan-based American Seating Inc., a producer of seats for rail and bus applications.

The joint acquisition by the two heavy-duty transit bus manufacturers is said to secure “a critical component of the transit industry’s supply chain and positions American Seating for operational performance recovery and long-term stability to the benefit of all customers.”

GR Seating, LLC, will assume ownership of American Seating’s key assets including its equipment, inventory, brand, and intellectual property, according to Manitoba, Canada-based NFI Group and California-based GILLIG. Operations, they said, will continue at the existing facilities in Grand Rapids, under the American Seating name, and the partnership with The United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America, and UAW Local No. 135 will be maintained. The company will also support buses in the field through its aftermarket business and will maintain customer and supplier relationships.

NFI Group and GILLIG reported that they both will have representation on GR Seating, LLC’s Board of Directors, which “will provide governance and oversight to an independent third-party management team.” Neither NFI Group nor GILLIG will be involved in day-to-day operations.

“The joint venture will be working closely with the previous ownership team, including former Chairman, Ed Clark, and former President and CEO, Tom Bush, to ensure a smooth transition while also driving forward a strategy to increase throughput and improve delivery timelines to customers,” NFI Group and GILLIG said. “The joint venture has committed to making dedicated investments in equipment and facilities to enable employees’ success and support the management team’s recovery plan.”

“Today’s [Oct. 22] acquisition displays NFI’s commitment to strengthening the industry’s supply chain and delivering for our customers,” said Paul Soubry, President and CEO of NFI Group, which offers a wide range of propulsion agnostic bus and coach platforms, including electric models. “American Seating has been a long-time supplier to the North American heavy-duty transit industry, recognized for the quality of its products and the breadth of its offering. While American Seating has faced recent challenges, we are confident that through this joint venture we will stabilize and enhance performance, ensuring more consistent supply for their customers and the millions of riders who use their seats every day.”

“This strategic acquisition shores up a critical piece of the industry’s supply chain while reinforcing GILLIG’s commitment to our customers’ success,” noted Derek Maunus, President and CEO of GILLIG, which offers a portfolio of low and zero-emission propulsion options. “In this partnership with NFI, we aim to put the health and stability of the transit industry above all else. We are committed to the success of American heavy-duty transit, and this investment is another way we will continue to drive America forward.”

The post GR Seating Acquiring American Seating Assets appeared first on Railway Age.

The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) is accepting nominations for its annual Safety Person of the Year and Safety Professional of the Year awards. The deadline has been extended to Oct. 31.

The awards will shine a spotlight on employees of ASLRRA Class II or Class III member railroads for their contributions and achievements. Winners will be recognized at the ASLRRA Annual Conference, to be held April 12-14, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minn., and receive complimentary registration, travel, and lodging for themselves and a guest, according to the association.

The Safety Person of the Year Award recognizes an employee “who works with management on effective safety programs, exhibits a high degree of safety awareness and contributes off-duty time to activities promoting safety awareness in the community.” The ASLRRA reports that a safety person candidate would be any railroad employee at any level—except those considered to be professional safety management employees—whose actions consistently show a dedication to safe performance on the railroad. In other words, it notes, a safety person is someone who has multiple jobs or responsibilities, with safety being part of what they do; this could include a DSLE or general manager. Find the Safety Person of the Year nomination form here: https://form.jotform.com/242555315516152

The Safety Professional of the Year is open to any professional safety management employee who is responsible for safety programs, training, and the overall management of safe behavior and actions on their railroad(s). A safety professional “is a safety management employee whose job is safety on a full-time basis,” according to the association, which notes that a manager of training, safety manager, director of safety, manager of safety and training, head of safety and training, director of safety and compliance, etc. would be considered a safety professional. Find the Safety Professional of the Year nomination form here: https://aslrra.jotform.com/form/242554424523150

“Operating safely, being your brother’s keeper, is a cornerstone of the short line railroad ethos,” ASLRRA President Chuck Baker said earlier this year when the association announced its 2025 selections. “Making sure everyone gets home safely every night takes a concerted effort by railroad professionals to build a work culture that puts safe practices at the forefront of operations. Safety Person of the Year Matt Lane and Safety Professional of the Year Herman Crosson have consistently demonstrated this commitment. They are collaborative leaders who work with their teams to improve safety, emphasizing feedback, transparency and trust.”

In related news, ASLRRA earlier this year presented members with Jake safety awards.

The post Call for Nominations: ASLRRA’s Safety Person, Safety Professional of the Year Awards appeared first on Railway Age.

I began in Buffalo, NY, at Ebenezer Railcar, a freight car manufacturer housed in a building once part of the Pennsylvania Railroad. Walking through their roundhouse, I was struck by the craftsmanship and pride that permeated every corner. It was the perfect place to start due to the deep historic root within the American rail story.

From there, I headed east to Hornell, NY, where Alstom is building the Next-Gen Acela trains. I saw everything from bare shells to nearly finished cars, just weeks before their launch. Stepping into the locomotive cab, I was amazed by its simplicity. It was intuitive, efficient and a testament to how far rail technology has come.

Later that day, I visited Knorr-Bremse Signaling in Rochester, part of New York Air Brake. This facility was a revelation with its labs, testing stations and rows of servers. It is a nerve center for rail signaling, routing systems across the U.S. and globally. It was a side of the industry I hadn’t seen up close before, and it underscored how interconnected and technical our member’s work truly is.

In Menands, NY, I toured NSH USA Corporation with our Board Chairman Greg Dalpe. They manufacture machinery that builds wheel sets, which are some of the most critical components in rail. Their precision and safety culture stood out, especially their milestone of 1,000 days without a reportable OSHA incident! That’s a reflection of the values that run deep in our industry: safety first, always.

I wrapped up my New York visits at TransPar in Fort Edward, NY, a family-owned manufacturer and remanufacturer of turbochargers. Their pride in their work was palpable. Whether building new units or reconditioning old ones, they knew RSI and appreciated our outreach. It was a reminder of how RSI is the backbone of the rail supply industry, no matter the size of the member company.

In August, I visited TTX Company in Charlotte, NC. At their yard near the airport, I witnessed a wheel change-out for the first time. Besides this memorable experience, the site was a true multimodal hub that demonstrated the connectedness of rail to transportation in general. Later, I met with their leadership to learn about the challenges they face and how RSI can support them.

In September, I attended the grand opening of Hitachi Rail’s new facility in Hagerstown, MD. They’re building metro cars for Washington DC, Baltimore, and Philadelphia, using robotics and AI to inspect and refine production. Their Boston Dynamics robotic dogs roam the shop floor at night, scanning for defects and comparing builds to CAD models. It’s futuristic, efficient, and a clear sign of how technologically advanced our industry has become.

Earlier this October, I was in Alexandria, LA, for UTLX-Procor’s tank car seminar. Their facility was like something out of Raiders of the Lost Ark — a warehouse stretching over a million square feet, with a walking tour that spanned more than a mile. I learned about tank car design, safety features and the intricacies of leasing and certification. The seminar was eye-opening, and the facility was state-of-the-art despite roots tracing back to the late 1800s.

Across all these visits, one theme stood out: there’s no substitute for being there in person. You can’t fully grasp the scale, precision, or passion of our members from a brochure or a Zoom call. You must walk the floor, meet the teams and see the work in action.

That’s why I’m urging every member to consider hosting RSI and lawmakers at your facility. These visits are opportunities to tell your story on your terms. Lawmakers get to see your impact on the community, understand your challenges and connect your work to the policies they shape.

If you’re planning a visit, here are a few tips:

• Safety first: Provide PPE and let guests know what to wear in advance.
• Make it interactive: Hands-on moments leave lasting impressions.
• Follow up: Send a thank-you note and keep the relationship going.
• Capture the moment: Lawmakers will want photos, and those images help tell your story to the broader community.

RSI has developed a guide to help you plan a successful facility tour. I encourage you to check it out, utilize the sample letter and Tips on Writing to Legislators, and reach out to RSI if you’re interested in hosting. If I’m in your area, I’d love to stop by, meet your team and learn more about your work.

About the Railway Supply Institute (RSI)
The Railway Supply Institute (RSI) is dedicated to advancing safety, innovation, technology, and sustainability within the freight and passenger railway supplier industry, both in North America and global markets. As the voice of the industry, RSI strategically engages in critical and urgent industry matters by leveraging the technical expertise of our members to advocate in the legislative and regulatory arenas, foster education, host impactful events, and facilitate networking opportunities. For more information visit www.rsiweb.org, follow RSI on Twitter and LinkedIn.

The post On the Ground, In the Shop: Why Facility Visits Matter More Than Ever appeared first on Railway Age.

The 2025 Commuter Rail Summit is especially well-timed and placed this year. 

The Commuter Rail Coalition (CRC) annual convention, which gathers agency leaders and policymakers from across the country, is taking place in Washington, D.C. from Nov. 3 to 5. Industry stakeholders will meet for a series of panels and roundtable discussions on Capitol Hill, and many attendees will take advantage of the opportunity to meet with their elected representatives while in Washington. 

There will be plenty to discuss. In early October, Rep. Troy Nehls (R-Tex.) introduced a bipartisan bill that would give passenger railroads 90 days to secure the excess liability insurance coverage that federal law requires, rather than the current and entirely insufficient 30 days, when the federal cap is next scheduled to be inflation-adjusted in 2026. Without the additional time, railroads could be forced to cease operations. 

The CRC supports the bill and is also pushing for the inclusion of a permanent solution to this problem in the upcoming reauthorization of the federal surface transportation programs. We are  advocating for a modification that would provide for the cap to be calculated every four years instead of five, while allowing a full 365 days for implementation. Railroads would acquire coverage in the normal course of business when they complete their annual renewals, sparing them from a second round of time-consuming underwriting

In addition to the liability legislation, many commuter rail agencies—from Chicago to Florida, Philadelphia to San Francisco—are still facing fiscal cliffs that threaten to bring their networks to a halt. The industry is experiencing both unprecedented challenges and opportunities as ridership surges nationwide. Here’s what to expect at the 2025 Commuter Rail Summit:

Michelle Bouchard, Executive Director of Caltrain, was appointed CRC Chair in July. Bouchard, who led Caltrain’s successful $2.4 billion effort to electrify its train fleet, will open the Summit alongside Holly Arnold, Administrator of the Maryland Transit Administration, and Dallas Richards, Ccting CEO of Virginia Railway Express. 

Attendees will then join a session that aims to make sense of what is possible with AI and what to be wary of with the technology. A panel that includes Taylor Sullivan, head of product at Workera AI, will discuss the behavioral science behind AI adoption. Chad Scholes (Metro-North), Praveer Misra (NJ Transit) and Jeremey Feigelson (New York MTA) will chart their paths to decision making around implementation, and real-world applications already in use at commuter railroads. 

Railroad leaders know that measuring the value of commuter rail to the communities it serves provides for powerful messaging and allows agencies to foster important allies. Lizzie (Doherty) Baker, Acting VP of Passenger Experience, Marketing and Revenue at Keolis Commuter Services, will join leaders from Caltrain, Metrolink and Trinity Metro to explore how agencies are telling their stories through data and turning supportive riders into public champions.

The following day, Rep. Dina Titus (D-Nev.) will address the assembled rail leaders during breakfast. Titus is the ranking member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials and a co-sponsor of the excess liability bill. 

Attendees will move on to a discussion on grade crossing incidents, where a panel that includes Tim Rabel, Director of Litigation at Metra, and Dave Dech, Executive Director of SFRTA, will explore the innovative approaches they have taken to address the factors that continue to jeopardize safety at crossings. John Cline, CRC Director of Government Relations, will then work with industry lobbyists and former Congressional staff to help rail leaders sharpen their messaging as they head to meetings on Capitol Hill.

The Summit will also feature sessions on navigating the career ladder to the C-suite, and using creative methods beyond TOD (transit-oriented development) to generate resources for railroads. Post-Summit workshops will prepare attendees for more effective Capitol Hill meetings, and negotiating contract price adjustment mechanisms in an era of higher inflation and tariffs.

Each year, the CRC honors individuals who have impacted the industry through their innovative thinking and inspirational leadership at its Champion of Commuter Rail awards. 

The 2025 Champion of Commuter Rail awardee is Thomas Prendergast, CEO of the Gateway Development Commission. Over a multi-decade career, Prendergast has helmed Long Island Rail Road, New York City Transit, Vancouver’s TransLink, and the whole of the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority. His stints in the private sector included roles at AECOM and STV.

Kay O’Neil, Chief of Network Strategy and Partnering at Keolis Commuter Service, is the winner of the 2025 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. O’Neil has played a pivotal role in advancing public transportation systems, particularly within Boston’s commuter rail network, and her deep expertise in transportation systems analysis and strategic planning contributed to transformative change. In Boston, O’Neil is known as “The Godmother.”

The CRC is presenting the first Legislative Champion Award to Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.), who was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2016 and currently serves on the Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee. One of Senator Young’s priorities in Congress is modernizing and investing in infrastructure, and he proved his support by preserving the Capitol Investment Grants program for construction of new and expanded public transit projects like commuter rail. The Northern Indiana Commuter Transit District owes its significant expansion to the support of Sen.Young.

The 2025 Commuter Rail Summit kicks off in Washington, D.C. on Nov. 3.

The post Commuter Rail Industry, Facing Unprecedented Challenges and Opportunities, Set to Convene in DC appeared first on Railway Age.

At its fall online conference on Friday, Nov. 14, the Rail Users’ Network (RUN) will observe 25 years of advocating for an improved Amtrak, more rail transi, and better connections between the two. The event’s theme will be: An Update: Keeping You Informed in the World of Passenger Rail and Rail Transit. The session will take place from 12:45 until 5:00, Eastern Time, and will feature a panel on the anticipated effects of the proposed Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger on Amtrak and regional rail trains that run on NS and UP as well as a presentation from Amtrak about procurement of much-needed equipment. There will also be several presentations about new starts that are already running or expected soon.

According to RUN, “The conference is designed not only for passenger rail/rail transit advocates, but also for civic and business leaders, environmentalists, planners, real estate developers and members of the general public who are interested in knowing more about passenger rail and rail transit in America.” Railroad and rail transit managers are also encouraged to attend RUN conferences, and participation by managers has been increasing lately. In short, RUN encourages anyone interested in rail to attend.

RUN founder and Chair Richard Rudolph will kick off the conference with some highlights of the organization’s 25-year history, its accomplishments, and what needs to be done to assist advocate efforts to restore or expand new passenger rail and rail transit projects. He told Railway Age: “During the past 25 years, RUN has been working as a national nonprofit organization to encourage development of customer-friendly and reliable passenger rail and rail transit services. This year’s fall conference will highlight new rail and rail transit starts that will promote greater mobility and improve the economic vitality of regions across the nation. While much has happened over the past two decades, we continue to highlight the benefits of rail travel, which reduces highway congestion, lowers carbon emissions and provides a safer, cost-effective and efficient mode of transportation, compared to traveling by car. We also continue to seek out the views of youth, workers, environmental advocates, the elderly and those with disabilities to make passenger travel more accessible, and environmentally friendly.” RUN advocates for trains and rail transit in Canada, as well.

The upcoming conference includes a panel that will present three different views concerning the effects that UP+NS merger could have on Amtrak trains and regional railroads operated by transit agencies. Railroad economist and Railway Age Contributing Editor Jim Blaze will discuss economic issues concerning the merger. Steve Roberts, President of the Rail Passengers’ Association of California and Nevada (RailPAC), will present an advocate’s view from the territory heavily served by UP. Ron Kamilkow, Trustee of Rail Workers United and a retired Amtrak engineer, will present rail labor’s unofficial perspective. (Rail Workers United is not a union, like SMART-TD, BLET, BMWE, BRS, etc.) RUN Vice Chair Andrew Albert, who is also Chair of the Transit Riders’ Council and a rider-representative to the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Board, will moderate the discussion.

In the Passenger Rail Outlook commentary in the January issue of Railway Age, posted on this website in January, I expressed concern about the future of Amtrak’s long-distance network because much of the equipment is nearly 50 years old, and some trains are running with short consists. The recent elimination of the Horizon cars from the late 1980s has exacerbated the car shortage at Amtrak, which needs new equipment as soon as it can be manufactured, delivered and placed into service. Michelle Tortolani, Vice President for Project Delivery Fleet & Facilities at Amtrak, will talk about new equipment and the procurement process for ordering it.

The conference will also feature five presentations about new starts. Project Manager Luis Mota will describe light rail expansion at Phoenix’s Valley Metro Rail, particularly the new South Central Extension, now in service. Because of the new 5.5-mile extension, light rail in the Arizona capital has become a two-line system, rather than a single long line.

From Colorado, Chris Nevitt, Board Chair for the Front Range Passenger Rail District, will talk about the effort to begin running trains between Denver and Fort Collins by 2029. There are also similar efforts to extend service south of Denver to Colorado Springs and Pueblo, and north of Fort Collins to Cheyenne, if Wyoming gets on board.

The Skyline elevated rail line in Honolulu has been controversial and was delayed for years, but a new segment to the airport is coming soon. Lori Kahikina, Executive Director and CEO for the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART), will talk about the opening of the Phase 2 extension to the airport and a third phase, which is slated to reach downtown Honolulu in 2031.

Efforts to bring new train service to eastern North Carolina between Raleigh and Wilmington continue. Steve Ungar, Co-Chair of Eastern Carolina Rail and Vice Chair of a new organization, North Carolinians for Passenger Rail, will talk about current efforts to get trains running between those cities.

New York City has only one subway line (the little-known G Train) that does not touch Manhattan, running only in Brooklyn and Queens. There is a proposal for a new mode for those two boroughs: a light rail line on a different route, known as the Interborough Express (IBX). Jordan Smith of MTA Construction & Development will talk about the project and where it stands today.

I will deliver the summary at the end of the conference.

The conference will take place on Zoom. For RUN members, there is no charge to attend the online event, but registration is required. The fee is $25.00 for non-members, the same as the introductory rate for a new member’s first-year dues. So, non-members who register will be enrolled as RUN members and receive membership benefits, including the RUN Newsletter and attending next year’s conferences, through the end of 2026 at no extra cost. To register, go to the RUN website and select the “Fall 2025 Annual Conference” link. There is a “Register Now” button. Alternatively, non-members can send a check for $25.00 to Rail Users’ Network, P.O. Box 354, Northampton, MA 01060. Mail registrations must be received by Nov. 8.

The post RUN 2025 Fall Conference Preview appeared first on Railway Age.

The Willamette Shore Trolley became Oregon’s first solar-powered railroad this fall and only the second in the world. With help from the City of Lake Oswego, the Portland-area tourist railroad installed a 29.2 kW solar array on the roof of its carbarn, which now fully charges its battery-powered trolley. The first solar-powered railroad is located in Australia. 

“The solar panels became operational in late July and, so far, have generated 8.66 MWh of lifetime energy, equivalent to CO2 emissions from 5.6 barrels of oil or 6,175 miles driven by an average gas-powered passenger vehicle,” the railroad announced. 

The Willamette Shore Trolley is owned by the City of Lake Oswego and operated by the Oregon Electric Railway Historical Society. The trolley runs on about 5 miles of former Southern Pacific tracks along the Willamette River between Portland and Lake Oswego. It typically operates from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

—Justin Franz 

The post Willamette Shore Trolley Goes Solar-Powered appeared first on Railfan & Railroad Magazine.

The American Chemistry Council (ACC) on Oct. 16 sent a letter to POTUS 47 signed by 40 chief executives of member companies, all of which are railroad customers, expressing “strong concerns regarding the proposed merger between the Union Pacific (UP) and Norfolk Southern (NS) railroads.”

ACC’s letter (download below) is one of those communications my predecessor, Luther S. Miller, would refer to as “making the obvious less obscure.” Two excerpts:

“Today, the U.S. freight rail system is less competitive than ever. Just four railroads control more than 90% of U.S. rail traffic and most U.S. chemical production facilities are served by only one major railroad. Past mergers have led to severe service disruptions, rising rates, weakened supply chains and a less competitive U.S. industrial base. We have no doubt that combining UP and NS into the nation’s largest railroad will make these problems worse, leaving domestic manufacturers, farmers, and energy producers with fewer choices, higher costs, and less reliable service. And, if approved, this deal will likely spur additional mergers culminating in a nationwide railroad duopoly.”

“The STB has the exclusive authority to review rail mergers and will determine whether the UP/NS proposal is “consistent with the public interest.” The Board must be allowed to do its job and hold firm to a broad view of its mandate and set a high bar for merger approvals. The STB should reject any deal that fails to clearly demonstrate how it would effectively improve service, increase safety, and enhance rail-to-rail competition.”

Most of ACC’s letter does little more than rehash things many of us already know. Yes, Virginia, “the Pope is a Catholic,” as Luther Miller liked to point out.

Whether the merger, if approved—it’s not a “done deal,” as some will lead you to believe—will result in all the negative impacts ACC claims, remains to be seen.

“If there is a communication more dreadful than one written by artificial intelligence, it is one written by committee and distilled down to contain no more backbone than possessed by a banana,” comments Railway Age Capitol Hill Contributing Editor Frank N. Wilner. “If ACC’s intent was to tell POTUS 47 to keep his ‘Royal Hands’ off independent regulatory agency decision-making, the final product is an overly lengthy message in obscurity. Most sorrowfully, ACC—as did Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena, who went hat-in-hand to the POTUS seeking merger support—reveals a regrettable disregard for the statutory decisional independence of the STB and its Senate-confirmed members pledged to follow the letter of the law.”

The post ACC POTUS 47 Letter on UP+NS ‘Lengthy Message in Obscurity’ appeared first on Railway Age.

Pinsly Railroad Company on Oct. 22 reported that Ryan Ratledge, President and CEO, has been appointed to the STB’s RSTAC as the Small Railroad Representative. He will serve a three-year term.

RSTAC provides advice and recommendations on regulatory, policy, and legislative matters to STB Board Members; the Secretary of Transportation; the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation; and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The STB opened nominations for the role in July.

Ratledge brings more than 30 years of freight rail experience to RSTAC. Since joining Pinsly in 2022, he has led the company’s expansion from two to nine short lines through strategic acquisitions that also added warehousing, transload, and trucking capabilities.

“I am honored to represent Pinsly Railroad Company and small railroads across the country on the RSTAC committee,” said Ratledge, who was selected by Railway Age readers as one of ten Most Influential Leaders for 2025. “I look forward to the opportunity to positively impact the industry by contributing to RSTAC’s objectives.”

Pinsly’s network includes the Florida Gulf & Atlantic Railroad (FL), Grenada Railroad (MS), Hondo Railway (TX), Camp Chase Rail (OH), Chesapeake and Indiana Railroad (IN), Vermilion Valley Railroad (IN, IL), Pioneer Valley Railroad (MA), North Florida Industrial Railroad (FL), and its newest short line: Georgiana & Andalusia Railroad (AL).

Anna Lynn Smith, AICP, has returned to HDR to lead the firm’s intercity and high-speed rail practice, which encompasses planning, engineering, architecture, systems, signal engineering, zero-emissions mobility, strategic advisory services, and roadway disciplines. Based in Philadelphia, she will oversee strategy, client engagement, and market position for intercity and high-speed rail across rail and transit markets. Her work will primarily be focused on the United States and Canada.

Smith has more than 30 years of experience working on a variety of projects with state and federal agencies, metropolitan planning organizations, cities, transit agencies, railroads, and other clients across North America. Most recently, she was Vice President of Planning and Strategy at Amtrak, where she directed strategic planning across long-range, five-year, and annual initiatives, guiding service development, infrastructure planning, and sustainability goals.

Previously, Smith served in regional and national roles at HDR.

“With her background and decades of experience, Anna Lynn is the right person to lead HDR’s intercity and high-speed rail practice group,” said HDR Global Transit Director Matt Tucker, who recently joined the Board of Trustees at the Mineta Transportation Institute. “She has a deep understanding of the challenges our clients face and how to plan for the future to deliver successful passenger rail solutions.”

Four new State Coordinators for Colorado, the District of Columbia, Minnesota and West Virginia have joined OLI:

OLI State Coordinators share rail safety education messages across their states. They also manage local volunteers and provide free customized rail safety education presentations to a variety of audiences, including professional drivers, students of all ages, new drivers, first responders, and others.

“We are excited to welcome these new State Coordinators, whose dedication to safety education and community outreach will undoubtedly make a significant impact in their states,” OLI Executive Director Rachel Maleh said. “They join a dedicated network of professionals committed to our mission of stopping track tragedies. Each new coordinator has a strong commitment to safety, which is essential as we continue our efforts to educate the public about the importance of making safe choices around tracks and trains. Their leadership brings unique perspectives and insights that will help ensure the rail safety education message successfully reaches individuals in their states.”

For a full directory of all OLI State Coordinators, click here.

• OLI 2024 Report: ‘Growth, Outreach, and Lifesaving Education’
• See Tracks? Think Train® Week Set for Sept. 15-21

The post People News: Pinsly/STB, HDR, OLI appeared first on Railway Age.

HNTB will explore the potential of commuter rail from State Highway 130 near Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to Interstate 10 in San Antonio, according to KEYE, a CBS affiliate in Austin. The Travis County commissioners approved the study, under a $124,953.50 contract, that will “examine current rail infrastructure and potential service options, focusing on utilizing the right of way along state highways and interstate regions,” the media outlet reported Oct. 21.

The study, it said, is slated for completion by next summer, “with the possibility of further collaboration with other counties and corporations for additional funding if the project progresses.”

“I’m very excited about this one,” said Travis County Judge Andy Brown, according to KEYE. “This is looking at if we can squeeze a passenger rail route in the right of way that does not involve taking a lot of private land. I think that makes the possibility of getting rail between Austin down to Bexar County that much more realistic.”

According to a report by KVUE, an ABC affiliate in Austin, about 4.5 million people reside in the Interstate 35 corridor between Austin and San Antonio, but that population is expected “to grow 6 to 7 million by 2030.” Brown said “he’s talked to Union Pacific [for years] about adding a passenger rail line along I-35 connecting the two cities.” 

“The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is currently working on a study about adding a passenger line there,” KVUE reported. “But with freight trains already on that line, [Brown] said it may be difficult to make the two of them work on the same line. That’s why county leaders are now looking into this alternate route. It would be around 80-90 miles running from 71, down SH 130 and ending on I-10. Brown said he’s confident this route would be more feasible.”

“That I believe would get us a lot of support at the Capitol, at TxDOT, and other places if we’re not trying to take private land to build this passenger rail line,” Brown said, according to KVUE.

Transit Plan 2035

-Approve CapMetro’s roadmap for the next 5-10 years, and beyond.

-Includes improvements to Bus, Rail & Pickup

-Engagement & outreach took place over 18 months, reaching over 10,000 community members

-The plan will help CapMetro meet its Critical Results to… pic.twitter.com/kQ3r2hWwZm

The CapMetro Board of Directors on Oct. 20 approved Transit Plan 2035, which is described as “a blueprint that will guide how the agency’s system grows, adapts, and serves central Texas over the next decade and beyond.”

Developed through 18 months of analysis and community collaboration, this plan offers a “data-informed, fiscally responsible, and fair roadmap to improve transit access and reliability across the rapidly growing region,” reported CapMetro, Austin’s regional public transportation provider of bus, commuter rail, vanpool, and paratransit services for a population of more than 1.2 million in a 543-square-mile service area. “It uses the available resources to respond to current travel patterns, while preparing us for the future—from new Project Connect services to the expected regional growth.”

More than 10,000 community members participated in the process through surveys, open houses, pop-up events, and digital engagement tools. Feedback from riders, operators, and regional partners also shaped key service decisions, ensuring the final plan “reflects regional priorities and lived experience,” according to CapMetro.

This plan aligns CapMetro service with current and projected travel patterns in the region and plans for the integration of Austin Light Rail, and includes concepts for further regional expansion. It will be implemented through service changes, which happen three times per year, for the next five to ten years, CapMetro said.

Key Highlights of Transit Plan 2035’s Phased Implementation:

• “0–5 years: Targeted bus routes improvements, deliver full implementation on Rapid 800 and 837 to fulfill the Project Connect investment, and rail enhancements, including the new North Burnet/Uptown Station and extended hours of operation.
• “5+ years: Integration with Austin Light Rail, additional bus route improvements, two new Pickup Zones and modifications to five existing zones, and expanded regional connectivity.
• “10+ years: Further integration of Project Connect investments, and strategic partnerships to support a connected regional express network.”

Implementation of the plan is slated to begin in 2026, with near-term improvements rolled out in phases. Because CapMetro updates its Transit Plan every five years, the long-term recommendations (five-plus years and beyond) will be reviewed and refined around 2030, CapMetro said. 

“The approval of Transit Plan 2035 is a major step forward for CapMetro and a significant milestone for our community,” said Sharmila Mukherjee, EVP, Chief Strategic Planning and Development Officer at CapMetro. “It’s more than just a plan; it’s a roadmap for making public transportation a bigger part of everyday life for our community.” 

“Transit Plan 2035 is truly a community-built plan as nearly 40% of it changed based on the thoughtful feedback from Central Texans during the second round of engagement alone,” said Dottie Watkins, CapMetro President and CEO. “Our regional community is the reason we exist, and through Transit Plan 2035, we are committed to using the resources we have to expand a service that’s more connected, consistent, and efficient for everyone.”

The post Transit Briefs: Austin-San Antonio Commuter Rail, CapMetro appeared first on Railway Age.

NS recently announced that its Bellevue Yard in Ohio achieved a major milestone of processing nearly 2,600 railcars in a single day, including more than 1,100 in one shift, and all without a single safety incident.

“None of this matters if you don’t do it safely,” said Assistant Superintendent J.R. Elliott.

The goal, NS says, is to fully align capability and resources with volume, maximizing operations to serve its customers faster and more reliably. The strategy requires that leaders and crews collaborate closely to safely fine-tune processes, ensure clear communication, and provide the right support at the right time.

“When you think about a hump operation, it’s like an assembly line,” Elliott explained. “Cars arrive; you feed the hump, and the hump feeds the bowl. Then you pull back to react and respond safely so you can keep producing high over the hill.”

The team, NS says, executed flawlessly because everyone was aligned on the mission. Everyone pulled in the same direction.

“There was so much pride that day,” said Mike McGowan, Manager Terminal Operations. “The expectation was clear from the start, and the team delivered safely and efficiently.”

“I’m proud of this team for showing what committed leadership and collaboration can achieve,” Superintendent Rob Sarver added. “Everyone stayed focused, worked together, and never compromised on the core value of safety. That’s how you hit milestones like this.”

Separately, Atlanta’s business, civic, and community leaders recently gathered for Atlanta Police Foundation’s 21st Annual Crime is Toast Awards Breakfast to celebrate the people and partnerships shaping the city’s future of public safety.

At the event, NS announced a $2 million donation to the Foundation’s Safest City Campaign to support the operations of the @Promise Youth Centers, which strives to make Atlanta the safest large city in America.

NS President and CEO Mark George, who also serves as Crime is Toast chairman, delivered opening remarks at the breakfast, highlighting the evolution of public safety in Atlanta and the shared responsibility of building a stronger city.

This investment, NS says, advances prevention, innovation, and training programs that protect the people who keep Atlanta moving, from first responders to families and businesses across the community.

NS’ partnership with the Atlanta Police Foundation reflects a long-term investment in programs, facilities, and initiatives that strengthen safety and community connection across the city. Since 2023, the Class I has contributed a total of $3.8 million to support this shared mission:

• “Training and readiness: Advancing the development of the Public Safety Training Center, where first responders will gain hands-on experience in state-of-the-art facilities.
• “Safety initiatives: Helping build a new fire station and donating a Safety Train for first responder education.
• “Youth engagement: Providing $50,000 annually to support the Foundation’s @Promise programming, which mentors and empowers young Atlantans.”

“The Safest City Campaign is a transformative vision for Atlanta’s future—one that demands bold leadership and deep investment,” said George. “That’s why I’m proud to announce that Norfolk Southern is contributing $2 million to the campaign specifically to support the ongoing operations of the four @Promise centers that serve Atlanta’s youth. This gift builds on our longstanding partnership with the Atlanta Police Foundation and reflects our commitment to helping make Atlanta the safest large city in America.”

UP recently announced via a LinkedIn post that it has earned Gold in Shell Chemicals’ MVP Awards, celebrating the Class I’s “commitment to safety, innovation and impact.”

“Big thanks to Shell Chemicals and a shoutout to our team of MVPs who keep America’s freight safely rolling every day,” UP wrote in the post.

CSX’s REDI Center in Atlanta recently celebrated 20 years of workforce development, the Class I announced via an X post.

Since 2005, the center has trained more than 100,000 employees, customers and partners, “driving safety, reliability and success.”

“Kudos to the REDI team for continuing to shape the future of rail,” said CSX.

The CSX REDI Center in #Atlanta just celebrated 20 years of workforce development! Since 2005, it’s trained 100,000+ employees, customers & partners—driving #safety, reliability & success. Kudos to the REDI team for continuing to shape the future of rail. #ONECSX pic.twitter.com/1gPAkfYW41

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

More than half of the funds, CTC says, will provide 600 local governments and regional transportation agencies with their annual funding to fix roads, bridges, and other transportation needs statewide.

Of the nearly $5 billion, $2.7 million has been allocated to upgrade bridge rails in Marin County; $78 million will go to the City and County of San Francisco to rehabilitate bridges by overlaying deck, replacing joint seals, and repairing bridge rails; and $30 million will go to the Train Control Upgrade Project (TCUP) Phase 0 and 1, which will replace San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency’s (SFMTA) aging Automatic Train Control System with a modern Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) system. Phase 0 delivers the systemwide CBTC design of the TCUP project, while Phase 1 develops detailed designs for installation along the T Third corridor.

In Santa Clara County, $6.9 million is being allocated for the construction of 2,600 feet of railroad siding near the Santa Clara-Great American Station, adjacent to Levi’s Stadium and the Great America theme park, between railroad mileposts 40.9 and 41.5, to reduce vehicle miles traveled, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and increase ridership through enhanced service reliability and increased train operations, including during entertainment and sporting events at Levi’s Stadium and various stadiums between Oakland and San Jose.

In Solano County, $1.2 million is being allocated to rehabilitate Putah Creek Bridge No. 23-0099 near Winters by upgrading bridge rails and overlaying bridge deck.

Of the total allocation this month, $470 million has come via Senate Bill (SB) 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017, and $4.2 billion from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The “larger than normal” expenditure of federal money, CTC says, “relates almost exclusively to the annual allocation provided to local governments and regional transportation agencies.”

California is expected to receive nearly $42 billion in federal infrastructure funding over a span of five years. These investments will upgrade the state’s roads, bridges, rail, public transit, airports, ports and the electric vehicle charging network.

The post Calif. Invests Nearly $5B in Local Transportation Projects appeared first on Railway Age.