Railfanning.org News Wire – Page 265

California State Assembly Approves California High-Speed Rail Legislation

May 30, 2008 Railfanning.org News Wire

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California State Assembly has approved legislation that improves the existing California High Speed Train Bond Act by strengthening provisions for financial controls, environmental findings and construction implementation, officials said. The legislation was approved by a 60-3 margin. The technical amendments in the bill clarify construction and financing requirements for the $9.95 billion dollar bond measure, which will be on the November 2008 statewide ballot. The bill also prioritizes construction segments based on financial readiness and ability to leverage local, federal, and private funds. Prior to passage on the Assembly floor, two Assembly committees, Assembly Transportation and

Amtrak Cancels Trains to Replace Bridge Span

May 30, 2008 Railfanning.org News Wire

NEW LONDON, Conn. — For four days next month, Amtrak will cancel some of its trains in order to replace the movable span of the 90-year-old Thames River Bridge, located between Groton and New London, Conn. Rail service will be affected between New Haven and Boston on June 14-17 when Amtrak will install a new vertical lift span to replace the movable bascule portion of the bridge. That will mark the final stage of a multi-year, $83 million project designed to improve the reliability of the bridge, reduce the chance of operational failures and minimize train delays. “The aged drawbridge

DOT: Action Plan Contributes to Nearly 25 Percent Decrease in Train Accidents

May 30, 2008 Railfanning.org News Wire

WASHINGTON — The number of train accidents has decreased by 23.3 percent in the past three years in part because the Department of Transportation has completed an ambitious plan designed to improve safety on the Nation’s railroads, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters says. “We’ve seen how much can be done when you combine good data analysis, sound strategies, and focused decisions to tackle persistent safety problems,” Peters said, stressing the achievements resulted from the Department’s National Rail Safety Action Plan, the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) comprehensive freight and passenger rail safety programs and the work of railroads, rail

Rail Network Could Face Major Congestion in Coming Decades

May 30, 2008 Railfanning.org News Wire

WASHINGTON — Congestion on the nation’s rail network is expected to increase over the next two decades and could eventually pose a major problem, members of Congress warned. Since deregulation of the freight railroad industry in 1980, Class 1 freight ton-miles have increased 93 percent, while miles of track have decreased 40 percent, U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown, D-Fla., said. The U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that the demand for rail freight transportation will increase 88 percent by 2035, and their studies estimate that an investment of $148 billion in infrastructure expansion will be needed over the ext 28 years to

MBTA Commuter Trains Collide, One Dead

May 29, 2008 Railfanning.org News Wire

NEWTON, Mass. — One person died and a dozen were injured after two Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority trains collided. The only fatality was the engineer of one of the trains. The employee had worked for MBTA for less than a year, according to media reports. According to reports, one train rammed into the rear of the other train, which was waiting at a red light. The National Transportation Safety Board dispatched a Go Team to investigate the collision. NTSB Rail Investigator Wayne Workman will serve as Investigator-in-Charge and lead the 7-member team.

MBTA Commuter Trains Collide

May 28, 2008 Railfanning.org News Wire

BOSTON — Two Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority trains collided near Newton, Mass. The National Transportation Safety Board is dispatching a Go Team to investigate the collision. NTSB Rail Investigator Wayne Workman will serve as Investigator-in-Charge and lead the 7-member team. Board Member Kitty Higgins will accompany the team and serve as spokesman for the on-scene investigation.

43 Rail Customers Earn Norfolk Southern’s Thoroughbred Chemical Safety Award

May 27, 2008 Railfanning.org News Wire

NORFOLK, Va. — Norfolk Southern Corp. has recognized the safety performance of 43 of its rail transportation customers with the Thoroughbred Chemical Safety Award for 2007. The awards, given annually for 12 years, are presented to companies that ship more than 1,000 carloads of hazardous chemicals without incident. “These valued customers have set the example for safe handling of chemicals transported by rail,” said Norfolk Southern Chief Executive Officer Wick Moorman. “Their record of zero incidents demonstrates their commitment to safety in the workplace and in the community. Norfolk Southern is pleased to recognize their accomplishments.” Customers earning the award

Royal Canadian Pacific named ‘Tour of a Lifetime’

May 27, 2008 Railfanning.org News Wire

CALGARY — Canadian Pacific’s luxury rail service, the Royal Canadian Rockies Experience has been named a “Tour of a Lifetime,” by National Geographic Traveler. “The Royal Canadian Pacific is the most spectacular way to see the Canadian Rockies,” said CP Vice-President, Strategy and External Affairs, Jane O’Hagan. “It’s wonderful to be acknowledged for our consistent effort to deliver the most spectacular experiences.” The Royal Canadian Rockies Experience is a five night/six day luxury rail excursion operated by Royal Canadian Pacific. Nominated in the “Classic Tours” category, the Royal Canadian Rockies Experience was chosen for it’s ability to restore and reinvent

Public Private Partnership Brings New GenSet Ultra-Low Emission Locomotives to CSX Transportation

May 27, 2008 Railfanning.org News Wire

DEARBORN, Mich. — CSX Transportation, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), and the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) have announced the introduction of two ultra-low emission GenSet locomotives at CSXT’s Rougemere Yard in Dearborn, Mich. GenSet locomotives reduce nitrous oxide and particulate matter emissions by 80 percent and can create carbon dioxide emissions savings of approximately 50 percent by monitoring engine idling and switching to a “sleep” mode after a period of inactivity. The technology for these locomotives was purchased through a public-private partnership with the state of Michigan. The locomotives are the first low-emission locomotives to be deployed

Rep.: High Gas Prices Help Rail Travel

May 23, 2008 Railfanning.org News Wire

WASHINGTON — Higher gas prices and congestion on the nation’s highways are helping to make railroads a more viable travel alternative, a congresswoman says. “Amtrak’s improved physical state and recent focus on customer service, along with increasing highway and airport congestion and rising gas prices, have made intercity passenger rail more popular and necessary than ever,” said Rep. Corrine Brown, D-Fla., chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials. Congress’ Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure approved a bill to reauthorize Amtrak and improve intercity passenger rail. HR 6003, the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008, authorizes