Articles by Railfanning.org News Wire

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Commuter Rail

Metro-North Train Speeding at Time of Crash, NTSB Says

December 2, 2013 Railfanning.org News Wire
The Metro-North train that crashed Sunday in the Bronx and left four people dead was traveling 82 m.p.h. as it took a curve with a speed limit of 30 m.p.h., various media reported today. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating whether human error or brake failure is to blame, The Associated Press reported. But, the NTSB said on Twitter there “were 9 station stops prior to the derailment. We are not aware of any prior issues with the brakes.” “The zone leading up to that curve is 70 miles per hour and yes, there was an excess of speed,”
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Railfanning.org News Wire

Norfolk Southern to Use Proceeds from Sale of Painting to Fund Steam Locomotive Rehab

November 28, 2013 Railfanning.org News Wire
Norfolk Southern recently sold a well-known abstract expressionist painting and will use a portion of the proceeds to fund the restoration of a Class J steam locomotive. The railroad sold the untitled 1959 Mark Rothko painting through an auction in New York City. Norfolk Southern is directing $1.5 million of the proceeds to “Fire Up 611!,” the capital campaign. Once refurbished, No. 611, a Norfolk & Western Railway streamliner, will be used for passenger excursion service. “No. 611 is an American classic, a reflection of a time and a people who put the country on their backs and carried it
Miscellaneous

AXION Sells ECOTRAX Rail Ties to Major Australian Rail Line

November 28, 2013 Railfanning.org News Wire
NEW PROVIDENCE, N.J. — AXION International Holdings has received a $170,000 purchase order from a major rail line in Australia for its ECOTRAX 100 percent recycled plastic rail ties. The rail line plans to install ECOTRAX in turnout applications in New South Wales for the spot replacement of wood. ECOTRAX ties will be inserted to replace wood ties, on an as needed basis, as the wood reaches the end of its useful life due to factors including rot and insect damage. This sale follows a favorable initial trail order and in-track testing. “We are pleased to announce yet another major
CSX

CSX And GE Transportation Partner To Pilot Liquefied Natural Gas Locomotives

November 28, 2013 Railfanning.org News Wire
JACKSONVILLE, Fla.– CSX Corp. and GE Transportation have agreed to explore emissions-cutting and efficiency breakthroughs in Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) technology for locomotives beginning with a pilot program in 2014. “LNG technology has the potential to offer one of the most significant developments in railroading since the transition from steam to diesel in the 1950s,” said Oscar Munoz, executive vice president and chief operating officer, CSX Corporation. “That change took many years to complete and began with a lot of unknowns, and this one is no different. But aggressively exploring this technology is consistent with CSX’s focus on tomorrow, its
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Transit

Report: Airport Rail Link Increases Hotel Room Revenue

November 27, 2013 Railfanning.org News Wire
Cities with direct rail access from the airport to and from downtown receive nearly 11 percent more revenue per room than hotels in cities without such a connection, according to a report from the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) and the U.S. Travel Association. The study, A New Partnership: Rail Transit and Convention Growth, shows higher revenue per room translates to a potential $313 million in revenue per year for so-called “rail cities.” In the post-recession period, rail cities commanded 16 percent higher revenue per room than hotels in non-rail cities, the organizations said. “Clearly investment in local rail systems
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Amtrak

Amtrak investing $35 million in Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station

August 26, 2013 Railfanning.org News Wire
PHILADELPHIA — Amtrak is making a $35 million investment to upgrade the historic 30th Street Station in Philadelphia. The upgrades, according to Amtrak, will improve the passenger experience and improve pedestrian mobility in and around the facility. The upgrades also meet long-term infrastructure needs of the 80-year-old station. “30th Street Station is an iconic fixture in Philadelphia,” Stephen Gardner, Amtrak vice president of Northeast Corridor infrastructure and investment development, said in a statement. “As stewards of this national historic landmark we are committed to maintaining its status as a first-class facility for passengers and further integrating the station into the