Railfanning.org News Wire

California High-Speed Rail Authority Seeks New Federal Funds

May 26, 2010 Railfanning.org News Wire

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California High-Speed Rail Authority has submitted three planning grant applications that could provide as much as $16.6 million in additional federal funding for the state’s high-speed train project.

CSX Transportation’s Memphis-Nashville Line to Re-Open

May 25, 2010 Railfanning.org News Wire

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Working ahead of schedule, CSX Transportation plans to re-open its Memphis-Nashville line that was heavily damaged by severe flooding earlier this month, company officials said.

Chinese Train Derails Following Landslide, 19 Killed

May 23, 2010 Railfanning.org News Wire

BEIJING — At least 19 people were killed after a Chinese train was hit by landslides and derailed, The Associated Press reported.

AAR: Rail Intermodal Volume Reaches Highest Level Since Fall 2008

May 22, 2010 Railfanning.org News Wire

WASHINGTON — The Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported that intermodal volume on U.S. freight railroads for the week ended May 15, 2010, reached its highest level since the 47th week of 2008. Carloadings last week also saw gains, with 18 of 19 commodity groups showing increases from the comparable week in 2009.

MTA Launches Second Avenue Subway Tunnel Boring Machine

May 22, 2010 Railfanning.org News Wire

NEW YORK — The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) earlier this month launched the tunnel boring machine that will dig the first phase of the Second Avenue Subway. The 485-ton, 450-foot-long machine will dig through approximately 50 feet of Manhattan bedrock per day as it completes two runs from 92nd Street to 63rd Street by November 2011.

Genesee & Wyoming Railroads Earn Rail Industry’s Top Safety Honors

May 22, 2010 Railfanning.org News Wire

GREENWICH, Conn. — Genesee & Wyoming Inc. railroads have earned the industry’s top awards for safety performance in 2009.

MTA Targets Overtime for Cost Savings

May 22, 2010 Railfanning.org News Wire

NEW YORK — The MTA has announced plans to significantly reduce its overtime costs, with savings of more than $20 million in 2010 and $60 million annually starting in 2011.

Pennsylvania Applies for $1.6 Million for High-Speed Rail Planning Study

May 22, 2010 Railfanning.org News Wire

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Pennsylvania has applied for a $1.6 million federal grant from the High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail Program to study possible expansion of rail service between Ohio and New York State through Erie, Gov. Edward G. Rendell said.

Feds Change Union Rules

May 22, 2010 Railfanning.org News Wire

A federal agency on May 10 changed rules regulating union elections, making it easier for airline and railroad employees to unionize.

Hands-On Training Featured at Union Pacific Ethanol Safety Conference

May 22, 2010 Railfanning.org News Wire

OMAHA, Neb. — Hands-on safety training was a key feature at Union Pacific’s recent ethanol rail safety conference. Approximately 85 participants representing more than 30 ethanol shippers traveled from a 500-mile radius to attend.