Railfanning.org News Wire – Page 268

CSX Transportation Congratulates New York City on High Line Opening

June 9, 2009 Railfanning.org News Wire

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — CSX Transportation congratulated the City of New York and Friends of the High Line on the opening of the High Line, an urban park that the City has created on an elevated Manhattan rail line donated by CSX Transportation in 2005. When all sections are complete, the High Line would be a 1.5-mile park 30 feet above the city surface and running through the trendy West Side neighborhoods of the Meat Packing District and surrounding areas. The High Line opened in 1934 to New York Central trains, and later became part of CSX Transportation when the company

Teen Killed by Train in Ga. Town

June 4, 2009 Railfanning.org News Wire

STATHAM, Ga. — A 17-year-old was struck and killed by a CSX freight train, authorities said. Officials said the teen was walking along the train tracks when he was hit by the train. The boy may have been listening to music and was unable to hear the train.

Biden, LaHood Meet with Governors on Future of U.S. High-Speed Rail

June 3, 2009 Railfanning.org News Wire

WASHINGTON — Vice President Joe Biden and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood challenged governors to think boldly when designing high-speed rail plans during a roundtable discussion at the White House. The session was a unique opportunity for state leaders to share their ideas with the Obama Administration about the future of high-speed trains in America.In April, President Obama released a strategic plan outlining his vision for high-speed rail. The plan identifies $13 billion in federal funds — $8 billion in the Recovery Act and $5 billion requested in the President’s budget — to jump-start a potential world-class passenger rail system and

Amtrak Signs Agreement with Virginia to Provide New Passenger Rail Service

June 3, 2009 Railfanning.org News Wire

WASHINGTON – With a new agreement signed with Virginia, Amtrak is now the choice of 15 states to operate their state-funded passenger rail service and is uniquely positioned to develop partnerships with other states, said Amtrak President and CEO Joseph Boardman. “Amtrak is excited to establish new passenger rail service for Virginia and is seeking opportunities to partner with other states to provide additional rail transportation options,” Boardman stated, highlighting the national reach of the railroad’s extensive network of stations and mechanical and operational facilities as well as its equipment fleet and reservations system. Boardman stressed that a primary objective

Russ, Chunko to Lead Operating Regions at Genesee & Wyoming Inc.

June 1, 2009 Railfanning.org News Wire

GREENWICH, Conn. — Genesee & Wyoming Inc. announced the promotion of Ronald G. Russ and Andrew T. Chunko to senior vice president. Russ will lead GWI’s Oregon Region, which includes the Portland & Western and Willamette & Pacific railroads. He joined GWI in March 2009 as deputy general manager of the Oregon Region and has more than 30 years of railroad and financial management experience. He was previously executive vice president and chief financial officer with Kansas City Southern. Prior to that, he was a founder, treasurer, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Wisconsin Central Transportation Corp. Chunko

Disaster Assistance Grants Awarded to States to Cover Costs of Railroad Emergency Repairs Following Natural Disasters

May 27, 2009 Railfanning.org News Wire

WASHINGTON — Federal Railroad Administrator Joseph C. Szabo announced the award of $15 million to nine states for emergency repairs to damaged railroad infrastructure resulting from natural disasters.Funding from the Federal Railroad Administrations (FRA) Railroad Rehabilitation and Repair Program (RRRP) will go to state Departments of Transportation to reimburse short line and regional railroads for the cost of repairs. “Freight railroads are critical to local economies and we are committed to helping them restore rail service after a major disruption,” said Szabo. “This funding will help the carriers defray repair costs and keep the trains running.” Funds awarded under the

UP: Special Train Focuses on Rail Safety Enforcement

May 22, 2009 Railfanning.org News Wire

PHOENIX — There is no such thing as luck when it comes to trying to beat a train. Federal Railroad Administration statistics attribute 2,373 crashes every year to driver behavior, which often involves trying to beat a train. That is why Union Pacific is partnering with Arizona Operation Lifesaver to host an “Officer on the Train” event May 22.A special passenger train will allow community leaders, law enforcement officers and education officials to learn about highway-railroad grade crossing safety and the consequences of trespassing on railroad property. “We want to offer community leaders the opportunity to see first-hand the risks

STB to Hold Hearing on ‘Rail Banking’

May 21, 2009 Railfanning.org News Wire

WASHINGTON — The Surface Transportation Board announced it will hold a public hearing July 8 to examine the impact, effectiveness, and future of rail banking under the National Trails System Act (Trails Act). Rail banking is the preservation of railroad corridors for possible future rail use. In 1983, Congress amended the Trails Act to create a program to allow rail banking to permit rail corridors that otherwise would be abandoned to be used as recreational trails on an interim basis. Such trails are subject to restoration as rail corridors at any point in time. The Trails Act and the Board’s

Union Pacific and Progress Rail Services to Launch Initial Operation of Ultra Clean Diesel Locomotive for Intermediate Line Haul Service

May 21, 2009 Railfanning.org News Wire

OMAHA, Neb. — Union Pacific Railroad and Progress Rail Services announced their plan to launch the initial operation of an ultra clean diesel SD40-2 locomotive equipped for intermediate line haul service. Equipped with state-of-the-art after-treatment, this customer evaluation unit will begin Union Pacific operations this month with an initial revenue-service run between the railroad’s San Antonio and Fort Worth service units, respectively. “We are excited about the prospects of bringing more environmentally friendly locomotives into service while still meeting our operational needs,” said Bob Grimaila, Union Pacific senior assistant vice president, Safety and Environment. “We know there are challenges ahead

Union Pacific Names Two Marketing Executives

May 21, 2009 Railfanning.org News Wire

OMAHA, Neb. — Union Pacific Railroad has named Bernardo Ayala vice president, Mexico markets, and John Newman assistant vice president of the company’s newly formed network and industrial development group, respectively.Union Pacific is the only railroad serving all six major gateways to Mexico. The railroad delivers value to its customers by working to ensure seamless international border service and efficient operations between Union Pacific and connecting railroads in Mexico. Union Pacific’s International Customer Service Center processes and monitors customer shipments and trains, and assists customers through a bilingual call center. Ayala is responsible for the strategic and tactical management of the company’s