January 2021 – Railfanning.org

NJ Transit leads nation in mechanical railway failures, but does much better on per-mile basis

January 26, 2021 The Center Square

NJ Transit commuter rail trains had more total mechanical failures than other agencies nationwide, but the system ranks in the middle of the pack when evaluating the number of breakdowns based on passenger car miles.

Ohio Industries Getting Boosts from State Railroad Grant Efforts

January 23, 2021 The Center Square

More than $600,000 in state grants are expected to help create nearly 120 new Ohio jobs while improving rail access for industries in three communities, the Ohio Rail Development Commission announced.

BNSF Plans $2.99 Billion Capital Investment in 2021

January 23, 2021 Railfanning.org News Wire

BNSF Railway Co. plans to make a $2.99 billion capital investment in 2021, the company said.

KiwiRail Making Big Push on Auckland Rail Replacement

January 23, 2021 Railfanning.org News Wire

Trains will not run on the Eastern line between Britomart and Ōtāhuhu for two weeks as KiwiRail finishes work to replace worn rail on the passenger and freight line.

Passenger Trains Return to Auckland’s Britomart Station Following Three-Week Closure

January 22, 2021 Railfanning.org News Wire

Workers installed a new scissor track crossing at the eastern end of the Britomart tunnel and replaced worn-out rail between Newmarket and the city.

Fourth-Quarter CSX Revenue Declines 2 Percent

January 22, 2021 Railfanning.org News Wire

CSX Corp. revenue for the fourth quarter decreased 2 percent from the prior year to $2.83 billion. Officials noted its intermodal growth was more than offset by lower fuel surcharge revenue and coal declines.

Federal Transit Officials Finalize $766.5 Million Grant for Portal North Bridge Replacement

January 15, 2021 The Center Square

The federal government is giving a $766.5 million grant to help fund a new bridge across the Hackensack River in Hudson County.

MARTA Undertaking Project to Replace Crossover at Canterbury Junction on the Red and Gold Lines

January 15, 2021 Railfanning.org News Wire

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) is investing about $225 million to improve safety, reduce train delays, and improve the customer experience.

Metra Agrees to Buy up to 500 Multilevel Railcars from Alstom

January 15, 2021 Railfanning.org News Wire

About 40 percent of Metra’s current fleet of 840 cars are rated in marginal or poor condition, officials say, adding that the new cars will offer increased reliability and reducing operating costs.

Feds award $174.1 million for extension of Kansas City streetcar Feds award $174.1 million for extension of Kansas City streetcar

January 12, 2021 The Center Square

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has awarded a $174.1 million grant to extend a streetcar line in Kansas City.