Archive for December, 2007


India Suspends Rail Service to Pakistan

Posted Friday, December 28, 2007 in World


India suspended its rail service with Pakistan following the assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.
Officials would not say when rail service would be restored.
The rail service was suspended because officials feared Bhutto supporters upset about her death might cross the border into India.
In February 2007, terrorists firebombed an Indian train heading for Pakistan, [...]


FreightCar America Closing Johnstown Facility

Posted Thursday, December 20, 2007 in Miscellaneous


CHICAGO – FreightCar America Inc. is closing its Johnstown, Pa., manufacturing facility that employs about 390 employees.
The closure does not involve a closure of the company’s Johnstown administrative offices. Officials said the closure is in line with FreightCar’s strategy of optimizing production at its low-cost manufacturing facilities and continuing its focus on cost control.
“It is critical for [...]


Amtrak Introduces New Menus for Overnight Trains

Posted Thursday, December 20, 2007 in Amtrak


WASHINGTON – Nearly all of the national network of Amtrak overnight trains offer a new and improved menu in the Dining Cars, effective this month. This includes the return of such items as prepared-to-order steaks, wine by the glass and premium ice cream, as well as improved variety and quality of menu options at each meal.
The new [...]


Dozens Killed in Pakistan Derailment

Posted Wednesday, December 19, 2007 in World


MEHRABPUR, Paistan — More than 50 people were killed in a train derailment Wednesday (Dec. 19) in southern Pakistan.
The train was traveling from Karachi to Lahore when it derailed near Mehrabpur. Twelve of the train’s 16 cars derailed.
In addition to the 50 deaths, more than 100 people were injured.
Following the derailment, local villagers headed to [...]


Amtrak Partners with Carbonfund.org to Offer Passengers Carbon Offsets for Rail Travel

Posted Tuesday, December 18, 2007 in Amtrak


WASHINGTON – Amtrak passengers can now travel even greener.
Through a new partnership between the railroad and Carbonfund.org, passengers can offset the carbon emissions footprint generated by their individual rail travel by making a contribution to Carbonfund.org.
Selections start at only $3.00, a contribution which offsets 2,500 miles of Amtrak travel, or almost three round trips between Washington [...]


Governor Rendell Announces $20 Million Investment in Rail Freight

Posted Tuesday, December 18, 2007 in Miscellaneous


HARRISBURG, Pa. — The state of Pennsylvania is investing $20 million in taxpayer money to help seven railroads and five businesses undergo rail-freight improvement projects, stimulate economic development and reduce traffic congestion.
“Dependable rail service helps businesses expand their markets, and this investment will help create and maintain jobs in communities throughout the commonwealth,” Gov. Edward [...]


New York, Amtrak Resolve Empire Coridor High-Speed Rail Project Dispute

Posted Thursday, December 13, 2007 in Amtrak


NEW YORK — Amtrak and the state of New York have agreed to settle a federal lawsuit over their plan to run high-speed trains between New York City and Albany, the state’s capitol.
Under the terms of the settlement, Amtrak will pay New York state $20 million. In addition, New York and Amtrak will jointly invest [...]


Federal Board’s Decision Shortchanges Michigan Rail Shippers and Passengers

Posted Wednesday, December 12, 2007 in Norfolk Southern, STB, Short Line/Regional


NORFOLK, Va. — The Surface Transportation Board’s denial of regulatory approval for an innovative joint venture involving freight and passenger rail service over 384 route miles in Michigan and Indiana represents a lost opportunity for the region’s shippers, passengers and communities, according to Norfolk Southern Railway Co.
Norfolk Southern and Watco Companies had planned jointly to [...]


Ridership Rises Significantly on Caltrans/Amtrak San Joaquins Trains

Posted Tuesday, December 11, 2007 in Amtrak


SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Ridership on the tax-payer funded Amtrak San Joaquins Corridor service exceeded all expectations during the month of November with a dramatic jump of 13.1 percent, according to the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) announced.
In all, 78,577 passengers rode the line last month, compared to 69,450 in November 2006.
Under Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, rail [...]


GATX Corporation Announces New Railcar Order

Posted Tuesday, December 11, 2007 in Miscellaneous


CHICAGO — GATX Corp. has agreed to buy 2,000 newly-manufactured tank cars from Trinity Industries Inc. over a two-year period beginning in early 2008, with an option for an additional 1,000 tank cars thereafter.
GATX expects the Trinity order, together with other existing orders, to provide significant opportunity to enhance market share, meet customer demand and [...]

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