Miscellaneous
Year: 2006
NTSB
NTSB: Failure to Adhere to Track Warrant Control Led to Fatal Texas Wreck
WASHINGTON – The probable cause of a May 19, 2004, fatal collision between two BNSF trains was caused by one crew’s failure to adhere to an after-arrival track warrant requiring them to stay in one location until the northbound train arrived, the National Transportation Safety Board has determined. Contributing to the accident was BNSF Railway Co.’s use of after-arrival track warrant authority in non-signaled territory, and the Federal Railroad Administration’s failure to prohibit the use of such authority. Also contributing to the accident was the train dispatcher’s informal communications regarding planned train meeting locations. “This accident could have been prevented
Short Line/Regional
Sale of Grand Canyon Railway Possible
WILLIAMS, Ariz. – After nearly 20 years of devotion and resources, Grand Canyon Railway’s owners, Max and Thelma Biegert, are ready to be less involved with the day-to-day operation and have set forth a new goal for the future – to preserve the Railway as their legacy. Grand Canyon Railway has signed an agreement with Peacock, Hislop, Staley and Given, Inc. (PHSG) and are currently pursuing strategic business options, including the possible sale of Grand Canyon Railway. “Max and Thelma are looking forward to enjoying the fruits of their labor during their Golden Years,” said David Chambers, president of Grand
Commuter Rail
Trolleys Return to Downtown Cleveland
CLEVELAND – After a 60-year absence, trolleys will roll once again on downtown streets, offering a way to experience Cleveland’s past and future at the same time. Beginning April 10, office workers and tourists will be able to hop on one of two trolley lines developed by RTA to replace Loop bus service. The E-Line trolley will link entertainment and education venues. The B- Line trolley will connect businesses. Both lines serve Public Square, and will operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. with 10-minute frequency. If the nostalgic green-and-gold vehicles complete with cowcatchers, wooden rails and brass bells, don’t
Commuter Rail
AP: Iran-Pakistan Rail Service Halted
QUETTA, Pakistan – Rail service between Iran and Pakistan has been suspended, The Associated Press reported. Trains had been running between Zahedan, Iran, and Quetta. However, a series of rocket attacks and bombings led to the halt in service, the news agency reported. The bi-weekly passenger service and the weekly freight service was the only rail service between the two counties. There have been five rocket attacks against the rail line over the past 10 days, according to The Associated Press. No word on how long service might be halted.
Commuter Rail
Commuter Rail Safety System Being Tested
WASHINGTON – The federal government is testing new safety devices for commuter trains that are designed to better protect passengers during crashes, Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta announced. Mineta unveiled the new safety measures and released footage of a crash test of a train equipped with them during a March 23 news conference in Glendale, Calif., site of a deadly commuter train crash in January 2005. The test, conducted earlier in the day at the Department’s rail testing facility in Pueblo, Colo., was designed to determine if the safety devices that are part of the Crash-Energy Management system will
Miscellaneous
Rail Blog
Decapod, March 20, 2006
[Video has been removed] Video by Todd DeFeo, (c) 2006 Gainesville Midland No. 208, a decapod, as it appeared on March 20, 2006.
Commuter Rail