February 2020 – Railfanning.org

The First Western & Atlantic Train to Chattanooga

February 28, 2020 Todd DeFeo

It was 7 a.m. on Dec. 1, 1849, and the western portion of the Western & Atlantic Railroad was open for business, even if the tunnel at Tunnel Hill was more than five months away from completion.

Repairs to Historic Tunnel Hill Depot in Progress

February 24, 2020 Railfanning.org News Wire

Officials here are in the process of repairing the roof of the historic depot in the center of town, one of the oldest train depots in the state.

Watching Trains Come and Go in Wellington

February 21, 2020 Todd DeFeo

Most people who visit New Zealand’s capital city like to enjoy its many cultural offerings. However, it’s safe to say most people don’t make it a point to visit the train station unless they are taking The Northern Explorer to or from Auckland.

BNSF Building New Logistics Center Near Houston

February 17, 2020 Railfanning.org News Wire

BNSF Railway Company is building a logistics center to help businesses increase their reach and speed to the densely-populated Houston market and surrounding area.

MARTA Jurisdictions Pass Amendment Extending Full-Penny Sales Tax

February 15, 2020 Railfanning.org News Wire

The four jurisdictions in which MARTA provides service have passed the 15th amendment to the Rapid Transit Contract and Assistance Agreement.

Amtrak Launches Project to Rehab Baltimore & Potomac Tunnel

February 15, 2020 Railfanning.org News Wire

Amtrak continues to advance efforts to improve infrastructure along the Northeast Corridor (NEC) by launching a pilot project focused on rehabilitating the 147-year-old Baltimore & Potomac (B&P) Tunnel.

New Acela Trainsets Heading to Colorado for Testing

February 15, 2020 Railfanning.org News Wire

The first of Amtrak’s 28 new Acela trainsets will be leaving from Alstom’s facility in Hornell, N.Y., for high-speed testing at the Transportation Technology Center near Pueblo, Colo.

Federal Court: Negotiations Over Train Crew Staffing Required

February 15, 2020 Railfanning.org News Wire

A federal court in Texas issued an order allowing freight railroads to immediately initiate negotiations over train crew staffing with the union that represents conductors, according to the National Railway Labor Conference (NRLC).

CN Stops Operations in Eastern Canada Following Blockades

February 15, 2020 Railfanning.org News Wire

CN has initiated what it is calling “a disciplined and progressive shutdown” of its operations in Eastern Canada.

How the Staten Island Railway Went from Three Lines to One

February 14, 2020 Todd DeFeo

The Staten Island Rapid Transit (SIRT) — today the Staten Island Railway — once provided service on three lines. Today, the railroad has one: a line from St. George to Tottenville.