Year: 2013

Union Pacific

Union Pacific Railroad Acquires Big Boy Locomotive No. 4014

July 29, 2013 Railfanning.org News Wire

OMAHA, Neb. — Union Pacific Railroad reached an agreement with the Southern California Chapter – Railway & Locomotive Historical Society in Pomona, Calif., to transfer ownership of one of the world’s largest steam locomotives, Big Boy No. 4014, back to Union Pacific. Union Pacific plans to relocate No. 4014 to Cheyenne, Wyo., where Union Pacific’s Heritage Fleet Operations team will work to restore it to operating condition. Details regarding those efforts will be made public at a later date. Union Pacific donated No. 4014 to the historical society December 7, 1961. The locomotive arrived January 8, 1962, at its current

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Miscellaneous

Southern Museum Wraps Up Successful Railroad Rendezvous

July 28, 2013 Railfanning.org News Wire

KENNESAW, Ga. — More than 600 people turned out Saturday for the Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History’s first ever Railroad Rendezvous event. During the event, museum visitors were able to participate in games such as sack races and a bean bag toss, learn about railroads and safety precautions to take around them, and even de-code hobo symbols and learn about living life on the rails. “We want thank each and every person who came out to support us to help make our first ever Railroad Rendezvous a tremendous success,” said Valerie Serra, events coordinator for the Southern

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Amtrak

Central Florida’s SunRail scheduled to open next year

July 26, 2013 Todd DeFeo

ORLANDO, Fla. – Work on Central Florida’s first commuter rail line is progressing, and the line is expected to open by next year. Work to convert the corridor for use by SunRail remains ongoing and the headway is quite apparent. For example, new platforms are nearing completion at the Amtrak stations in Orlando and Winter Park; the stations will continue to serve the national passenger railroad once SunRail starts operations. As part of the 12-stop, 32-mile first phase, trains will operate between DeBary, north of Orlando’s city center, and Sand Lake Road in Orlando. When the second phase opens in

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Norfolk Southern

Norfolk Southern Reports Second Quarter 2013 Earnings

July 24, 2013 Railfanning.org News Wire

NORFOLK, Va. — For the second quarter of 2013, Norfolk Southern reported net income of $465 million, 11 percent lower than $524 million for second-quarter 2012. Diluted earnings per share were $1.46, down 9 percent compared with $1.60 per diluted share in the same period last year. “In the second quarter, Norfolk Southern delivered solid results, supported by growth in our chemicals, intermodal, and automotive businesses, despite continuing weakness in the coal markets,” said CEO Wick Moorman. “We continue to focus on service efficiency and velocity, which is enabling us to control operating expenses and deliver superior performance to our

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Transit

Tracks are in the Ground for New Atlanta Streetcar Line

July 3, 2013 Todd DeFeo

ATLANTA — Crews continue to install tracks for a new streetcar line that is set to start operating next spring. When it opens, the 2.7-mile streetcar line will connect with MARTA, the city’s transit system. Future plans call for the new streetcar to tie into the Atlanta BeltLine, a public-private partnership that is building walking paths along a ring of mostly abandoned railroad right-of-ways that circle the city. Workers are expected to install a block of track every three to four weeks. The new line is funded with nearly $100 million – or roughly $37 million per mile – in

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CSX

CSX Reminds Communities: Enjoy the Summer, But Use Caution Around Railroad Tracks

July 3, 2013 Railfanning.org News Wire

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — With summer activities in full swing and the Fourth of July holiday approaching, CSX Corporation (NYSE: CSX) reminds everyone to stay away from railroad tracks and motorists to use caution at grade crossings. “We hope our community neighbors enjoy their picnics, fireworks and time with family and friends, but never underestimate the dangers of trespassing or playing on railroad property,” said Terry Ludban, director – community affairs and safety. “Always be alert and remember to play it safe near railroad tracks.” Tracks are private property. Walking or riding on tracks or other railroad property without the permission

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CSX

CSX Celebrates July Maintenance Marathon

July 1, 2013 Railfanning.org News Wire

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — CSX employees on July 1 kicked off an eight-day maintenance marathon, designed to complete work that would normally take 18 weeks. This accelerated timeline will be accomplished by temporarily re-routing traffic on the CSX main line in portions of three southeastern states to give workers uninterrupted time for upgrades and repairs. “Thanks to our dedicated employees, we’re able to complete an incredible amount of work, while minimizing disruptions to our customers, to keep rail traffic moving safely and reliably,” said Oscar Munoz, executive vice president and chief operating officer. “We call it a jamboree because of the

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Transit

MARTA won’t raise fare in 2014

June 11, 2013 Railfanning.org News Wire

ATLANTA — MARTA will not raise its fare under a Fiscal Year 2014 budget the MARTA Board of Directors approved on Monday. The budget, which takes effect July 1, includes $426.9 million for operations and $430.5 million for capital programs, including $141.1 million for debt service. The regional transit provider originally planned to increase its base fare from $2.50 to $2.75 during the upcoming fiscal year and would have included increases in 2015, 2016 and 2018 fiscal years. MARTA officials say the approved budget includes a five-year strategy to stabilize the agency’s finances, improve employee morale and the overall customer