Railfanning.org News Wire

Norfolk Southern Reports Record Third-Quarter 2008 Results

October 21, 2008 Railfanning.org News Wire

NORFOLK, Va. — Norfolk Southern Corporation reported third-quarter 2008 net income of $520 million, or $1.37 per diluted share, compared with $386 million, or $0.97 per diluted share, for the same period of 2007. Third-quarter income from railway operations increased 31 percent to a record $894 million. “Our third quarter performance again demonstrates the strength of our diversified traffic base. We are also continuing to provide the high-quality service our customers require in this difficult economic environment,” said Norfolk Southern CEO Wick Moorman. Third-quarter railway operating revenues were $2.9 billion, up 23 percent compared with the same period a year

Decommissioned Maintenance Shop Will be Demolished

October 16, 2008 Railfanning.org News Wire

NELSON, British Columbia — A decommissioned locomotive maintenance building near the Nelson waterfront will be demolished, Canadian Pacific Real Estate Vice-President John Walsh and Nelson Mayor John Dooley said. CP anticipates the demolition will be complete next year. “I am very pleased that Canadian Pacific has agreed to demolish the diesel shop,” said Mayor Dooley. “We have been working with CP on a number of issues over the past three years and have been really impressed with the cooperation we have received from all their staff, and in particular, John Walsh.” CP used the Diesel Shop Building for heavy locomotive

NTSB: Rail Fatalities Increased in 2007

October 16, 2008 Railfanning.org News Wire

WASHINGTON –Rail fatalities increased slightly in 2007 from 2006, according to preliminary figures released by the National Transportation Safety Board. Overall, transportation fatalities in all modes totaled 43,193 in 2007, compared to 45,085 in 2006. “While statistics show that transportation fatalities have declined this past year,” said Acting Chairman Mark Rosenker, “there is still much work to do to prevent the loss of life on our roads, rails, waterways, and skies.” Rail fatalities increased slightly from 774 to 808. The vast majority of these fatalities were people struck by a rail vehicle, the NTSB said. — Railfanning.org News Wire

President Signs Railroad Safety Improvement Act Into Law

October 16, 2008 Railfanning.org News Wire

The President has signed into law the Railroad Safety Improvement Act of 2008. National Transportation Safety Board Acting Chairman Mark V. Rosenker praised Congress and the President for passage of the bill, saying that it will help bring about safety improvements long sought by the Safety Board.

CSX Reports Record Third Quarter Earnings from Continuing Operations

October 14, 2008 Railfanning.org News Wire

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — CSX Corp. reported third quarter 2008 earnings from continuing operations of $382 million, or 94 cents per share. This represents a 40 percent increase from the same period last year. In 2007, CSX reported third quarter earnings of $297 million from continuing operations, or 67 cents per share. “CSX delivered impressive financial results in a challenging economy,” said Michael J. Ward, chairman, president and CEO. “Our resilient business portfolio and disciplined operations continue to generate substantial earnings growth for shareholders.” Revenue increased 18 percent to nearly $3 billion, with nine of the company’s 10 market segments producing

CSX and City Year to Help Southwest Detroit Community Renovate Youth Baseball Facilities

October 10, 2008 Railfanning.org News Wire

DETROIT — More than 30 CSX employees and 10 City Year Corps members will join 60 local community members and officials tomorrow to restore and revitalize the baseball facilities at the St. Hedwig Playfield. Together, the volunteers, including members of the Southwest Detroit Business Association (SDBA) will invest about 800 hours of service in rebuilding the field use by the Detroit Bees, a baseball program serving children in Southwest Detroit. Plans for the day include rebuilding the infield, repairing the fence surrounding the field and covering the association’s building with athletic murals. Kathleen H. Wendler, President of the Southwest Detroit

Lowcountry Open Land Trust, Norfolk Southern, and Neighbors Protect Rural Lands

October 10, 2008 Railfanning.org News Wire

CHARLESTON, S.C. — More of South Carolina’s coastal plain near Charleston, containing some of the most important ecosystems in the U.S., will be protected permanently from development. The Lowcountry Open Land Trust (LOLT) said Thursday that it is protecting an additional 10 properties, totaling more than 2,500 acres, in the upper Edisto River Basin and Four Holes Swamp watershed. The properties include the donation to LOLT of a conservation easement on 154 acres from the Grooms- Hoover family of Berkeley County and the protection of 428 acres of mostly wetlands by restrictive covenants with the Army Corps of Engineers. These

CP Spirit Train Challenges Ontarians to Help Canadian Athletes Get to Podium in 2010

October 10, 2008 Railfanning.org News Wire

TORONTO — The Canadian Pacific (CP) Spirit Train is challenging Ontarians to show their enthusiasm and passion for Canadian athletes, helping them boost their current second place standing internationally to first by the time the 2010 Games arrive. “Truth is, our Canadian Olympic and Paralympic athletes are well on their way to success in 2010 and more Canadians need to recognize this,” says Paul Rosen, Sledge Hockey gold medalist and ambassador for the Canadian Pacific Spirit Train. Rosen is touring with the CP Spirit Train, sharing his inspiring story and 2010 gold medal hopes with thousands of Canadians. The Spirit

DM&E Railroad Sees Management Change

October 7, 2008 Railfanning.org News Wire

CALGARY — Richard Hamlin, Trustee for CP’s acquisition of the DM&E announced some changes to DM&E’s senior management team, which come shortly after CP said it is buying the regional railroad. Effective immediately, Kevin Schieffer, President and CEO, has left the company to pursue other opportunities. Ed Terbell, Chief Operating Officer, and Kurt Feaster, Chief Financial Officer, will manage the day to day operations of the railway while the DM&E remains in trust. “Messrs. Feaster and Terbell and the management team have been strong performers in managing the DM&E, and its subsidiaries: Iowa, Chicago & Eastern Railroad and Cedar American

Rosenker: Take Advantage of New Safety Technologies

October 7, 2008 Railfanning.org News Wire

WASHINGTON — National Transportation Safety Board Acting Chairman Mark V. Rosenker has told the rail transportation industry to take advantage of newly emerging technologies that can provide the biggest safety improvements in coming years. Speaking to the International Railroad Safety Conference in Denver, Colo., Rosenker acknowledged the improving safety trends in the railroad industry over recent decades; since 1980, employee fatalities are down 82 percent and grade crossing fatalities down 59 percent. But accidents continue to occur, and the nation is still shocked by the collision in Chatsworth, Calif., last month that killed 25 and injured more than 100. Although