Railfanning.org News Wire

Amtrak to Operate Test Trains at 165 mph

September 25, 2012 Railfanning.org News Wire

WASHINGTON — Amtrak is testing high-speed test trains at 165 mph in four areas covering more than 100 miles of the Northeast Corridor. The tests in Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Massachusetts are locations that may at some future time experience regular 160 mph service, the railroad said. The tests will use high-speed Acela Express equipment and will measure the interaction between the train and the track, rider quality and other safety factors. The test runs must be performed at 5 mph above the expected maximum operating speed of 160 mph. The test areas between approximately Perryville, Md.

Boardman: Amtrak ‘provided a high return on the limited Federal investment’

September 23, 2012 Railfanning.org News Wire

WASHINGTON — Amtrak “has provided a high return on the limited Federal investment we’ve received,” Amtrak President and CEO Joe Boardman told Congress. “[P]assenger rail has received only a tiny portion of the annual Federal transportation budget,” Boardman said in his written testimony. “To give just one example, in the past four years the Federal government has appropriated $53.3 billion from the General Fund of the Treasury to bail out the Highway Trust Fund. That’s almost 30% more than the total Federal expenditure on Amtrak since 1971 [$39.3 billion]. “Federal expenditures on Amtrak during the past 41 years pale next

Feds: $26.5 Million to Improve Reliability and Reduce Delays on North Carolina Passenger Trains

September 23, 2012 Railfanning.org News Wire

WASHINGTON – The feds have awarded $26.5 million to the North Carolina Department of Transportation to improve reliability and reduce delays on Amtrak service in eastern North Carolina. The resulting improvements are centered in the area between Rocky Mount, N.C. and Petersburg, Va., and will improve service for both the Amtrak Carolinian line, which runs between New York City and Charlotte, N.C., and the Amtrak long distance trains that run between New York City and Florida, federal officials said. “This project will not only bring jobs to the region, but will also reduce delays between New York, Washington, Raleigh, and

Amtrak Virginia to Norfolk to Start Dec. 12

September 22, 2012 Railfanning.org News Wire

RICHMOND, Va. – Amtrak Virginia’s Northeast Regional service extension to and from Norfolk will start Dec. 12, providing a same-seat trip from Norfolk to Washington, D.C., Baltimore, New York City and as far north as Boston. Tickets are now available for purchase. “The partnership between the Commonwealth and Amtrak to bring an Amtrak Virginia station to the city of Norfolk reflects my administration’s commitment to continue to make progress in improving our transportation networks for the state,” Gov. Bob McDonnell said. “By providing the citizens of Virginia an alternative way to get to and from Southside Hampton Roads, it takes

Michael Redeker Appointed CIO at Canadian Pacific

September 22, 2012 Railfanning.org News Wire

CALGARY — Michael Redeker has been appointed Canadian Pacific’s Vice President and Chief Information Officer (CIO) for the railway. The appointment is effective October 15, 2012. Redeker was most recently Chief Information Officer at ATB Financial. As CIO, Redeker will be responsible for re-defining CP’s future strategic information technology (IT) roadmap, improving asset utilization, market growth, shipment management, and employee productivity. He will report directly to President and CEO E. Hunter Harrison. “I welcome Mike to our leadership team and look forward to working with him on delivering strategic IT activities that will translate into operational efficiencies,” said Harrison. “Our

Feds Award More than $74 Million to Further Development of the Southeast High-Speed Rail Corridor in Virginia

September 20, 2012 Railfanning.org News Wire

WASHINGTON – The federal government has awarded more than $74.8 million to the Commonwealth of Virginia to continue development of the Southeast High-Speed Rail Corridor. The funding will help improve passenger and freight rail service between Virginia and Washington, D.C. and reduce delays on the Virginia Rail Express (VRE) commuter service, according to the feds. “The Southeast High-Speed Rail Corridor between Charlotte and Washington D.C. serves one of the fastest growing regions in the country, which is why it is critical to eliminate congestion points so that intercity passenger, freight and commuter rail can all run smoothly without delays,” U.S.

CSX Named to Dow Jones Sustainability Index for Second Consecutive Year

September 20, 2012 Railfanning.org News Wire

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — CSX Corp. was named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) for North America for the second consecutive year and was the only U.S. railroad listed in 2012. “Sustainable practices improve today’s operations and position CSX for a strong future,” said Michael J. Ward, chairman, president and chief executive officer. “CSX remains committed to transparency and accountability and will continue to implement new sustainability strategies as our business grows.” CSX received high marks for its work in climate change strategies and environmental management, as well as in corporate governance and human capital development. CSX recently committed to

Norfolk Southern Expects Third Quarter Results to be Below Third Quarter 2011

September 19, 2012 Railfanning.org News Wire

NORFOLK, Va. — Norfolk Southern Corp. said third quarter 2012 earnings are expected to be in the range of $1.18 to $1.25 per diluted share, primarily due to volume declines in certain markets and lower revenues from fuel surcharges. Decreased coal and merchandise shipments, offset in part by growth in intermodal volumes, are together expected to reduce revenues by approximately $120 million compared with third quarter 2011. Fuel surcharge revenues are anticipated to be approximately $80 million below the same period last year, the company said. Third quarter 2011 fuel surcharge revenues included a favorable lag-effect of $52 million, whereas

Amtrak Ridership Sets 11 Consecutive Monthly Records

September 13, 2012 Railfanning.org News Wire

WASHINGTON –Amtrak ridership is surging this year with 11 consecutive monthly ridership records. In each month of the current fiscal year, Amtrak has posted the highest ridership total ever for that particular month (i.e., the best October ever, the best November ever, etc.) with the final month of September also expected to be a new record. In addition, July was the single best ridership month in the history of Amtrak. “All across America the demand to travel by Amtrak is strong, growing and undeniable,” said President and CEO Joe Boardman. “Amtrak continues to deliver on its mission to fulfill a

CN Acquiring New Freight Cars, Containers to Support Traffic Growth, Improve Service

September 5, 2012 Railfanning.org News Wire

MONTREAL — CN said it is acquiring more than 2,200 new freight cars in 2012, as well as 1,300 new containers, to support traffic growth and improve customer service. “CN is acquiring new freight cars and containers for a range of markets, including forest products, metals, minerals, coal, iron ore, steel, consumer goods, finished vehicles, and grain,” Jean-Jacques Ruest, executive vice-president and chief marketing officer, said. “These fleet additions will help us grow in line with our customers’ demands and ensure CN has the right mix of modern, productive assets.” CN’s largest rolling stock addition in 2012 is the acquisition