April 2004 – Railfanning.org

Jackson’s Railroad Past Offers Trip for Train Buffs

April 30, 2004 Todd DeFeo

Standing at the railroad crossing on South Royal Street, a faint, almost distant whistle from a freight train breaks the day’s silence.

Rutter Steps Down From FRA Post

April 30, 2004 Railfanning.org News Wire

Allan Rutter, Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration, says he is leaving his current post in mid-June for a position with a Texas transportation organization.

‘You’re Hired’: Railroads Expect to Hire 80,000 Workers Over Next Six Years

April 30, 2004 Railfanning.org News Wire

As the nation is coming out of its job slump, freight railroads are expected to hire more than 80,000 new workers over the next six years, the American Association of Railroads predicts.

Alameda Corridor Project Loan Paid Off Early

April 30, 2004 Railfanning.org News Wire

U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta on April 29 accepted $573 million as payment with interest for a $400 million federal loan that helped launch the Alameda Corridor transportation project but wasn’t due until 2032.

CSXT and NSR File Registration Statements with SEC to Exchange Debt Securities for Conrail’s Debt Securities

April 23, 2004 Railfanning.org News Wire

CSX Transportation, Inc. (CSXT) and Norfolk Southern Railway Company (NSR) on April 23 said they have taken a key step in establishing direct ownership and control of the two Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail) subsidiaries that contain the Conrail assets they currently separately operate.

Amtrak: State-of-Good-Repair is Aim of FY ’05 Proposal

April 15, 2004 Railfanning.org News Wire

Amtrak President and Chief Executive Officer David L. Gunn has sent the railroad’s FY ’05 federal grant request of $1.798 billion to Congress.

N.O. Reopens Historic Streetcar Line After 40 Years

April 14, 2004 Railfanning.org News Wire

For the first time in 40 years, the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority will resume revenue service of the Canal Streetcar line.

No Fare Hike for N.J. Transit

April 14, 2004 Railfanning.org News Wire

For the second straight year, Governor James E. McGreevey’s budget calls for N.J. Transit fares remain at their current level.

Metra Launches Aggressive Safety Campaign

April 14, 2004 Railfanning.org News Wire

Responding to recent deaths of three local youths, Metra is launching its most aggressive public safety effort in its nearly 20-year history, aimed specifically at keeping children safe around railroad property.

Transit Leader Testifies on Importance of Security

April 14, 2004 Railfanning.org News Wire

In testimony before the full Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, on the safety and security of passenger rail and public transportation systems, the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) highlighted an identified $6 billion in critical security needs to keep America’s public transportation systems safe.