Railfanning.org News Wire

Union Pacific Urges Hunters to Avoid Railroad Right Of Way

October 9, 2007 Railfanning.org News Wire

OMAHA, Neb. – Union Pacific Railroad is urging hunters to avoid the railroad’s right of way this hunting season. “Last year, 517 people died while trespassing on the property of railroads throughout the United States,” said Dennis Jenson, assistant vice president-chief of police. “As hunters head outdoors this year, we want to remind them that walking on the railroad’s right of way is extremely dangerous because you never know when a train will come along. It is also against the law.” Through August 2007, 26,461 people have been caught trespassing on Union Pacific Railroad property. Trespassers on the railroad’s right

NS Reports State Tax Legislation, Synthetic Fuel Investments Effects On Third-Quarter Earnings

October 9, 2007 Railfanning.org News Wire

NORFOLK, Va. – Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) announced that Illinois tax legislation enacted during the third quarter and rising crude oil prices that impacted synthetic fuel-related investments will have a negative impact on third-quarter net income that will be reported at a quarterly analyst conference call on Oct. 24. Third quarter 2007 diluted earnings per share are expected to be $0.97, or approximately 5 percent below the same quarter 2006. The Illinois legislation modifies the way in which transportation companies apportion their taxable income to the state. This change will result in an adjustment to Norfolk Southern’s deferred income

Canadian Pacific Completes Acquisition of DM&E Railroad

October 4, 2007 Railfanning.org News Wire

CALGARY — Canadian Pacific Railway Limited has completed the transaction to acquire Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railroad Corporation and its subsidiaries (DM&E). The agreement was previously announced on Sep. 4, 2007. The transaction is subject to review and approval by the U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB), pending which the shares of DM&E have been placed into an independent voting trust. The voting trust is required by US law so that CP does not exercise control over DM&E prior to approval of the transaction by the STB. CP announced that Mr. Richard Hamlin has been appointed as the trustee during the

Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern Offer On-Time or Free Service Guarantee on New Coast-To-Coast Westbound Intermodal Service through Shreveport

October 2, 2007 Railfanning.org News Wire

OMAHA, Neb. – Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern Railway have announced new westbound intermodal train service that will shorten by a day the trip for standard intermodal freight from the Southeast to Los Angeles. The eastbound service was launched in May 2007. The new coast-to-coast service is part of the railroads’ commitment to improve capacity, service quality and speed by shifting domestic traffic to a new, shorter route over the Shreveport, La., gateway. This shift began with the completion of the first phase of improvements on the Meridian Speedway – NS and Kansas City Southern’s joint venture corridor between Meridian,

BNSF Enhances Citizens for Rail Security Program With Videos and Expanded Website

October 2, 2007 Railfanning.org News Wire

FORT WORTH, Texas — Railroads transport much of the food, building materials, coal for electricity and consumer products that are utilized each day, and breaches in railroad security can threaten the national, state and local economies. As part of heightened security awareness, Americans are being asked to be the eyes and ears for law enforcement officers. To help improve security, BNSF Railway Company has expanded its Citizens for Rail Security program by launching two videos aimed at community groups and law enforcement agencies. The videos illustrate how effective these groups can be in the fight against terrorism and vandalism to

DOT Grants $12.8 Million to First Responders and Emergency Workers to Improve Hazardous Materials Planning and Training

October 1, 2007 Railfanning.org News Wire

WASHINGTON — U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters has announced grants to states, territories and Native American tribes totaling $12.8 million for planning and training to improve the nation’s response to hazardous materials transportation incidents. The grants help train first responders to react to incidents involving hazardous materials and to meet the challenges posed by new chemicals and alternative energy products like ethanol. “This program is a valuable tool that builds upon and enhances the foundation of emergency response capabilities,” Peters said. “The umbrella of hazardous materials safety offered from this DOT-funded specialized training is extensive.” The grants from the

UP: Michael Rock Named Vice President External Relations

October 1, 2007 Railfanning.org News Wire

Union Pacific announced that Michael Rock has been named vice president of External Relations effective Oct. 1. In his new position, Rock is responsible for Union Pacific’s government affairs operation in Washington, D.C. Rock replaces Mary McAuliffe, who has announced her plans to retire early next year. A 16-year veteran of Union Pacific’s Washington office, Rock first joined UP as director of Washington Affairs for Transportation. In 1998 he was named assistant vice president of External Relations. Before joining Union Pacific, Rock held a number of government positions including deputy director of Congressional Affairs under U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary

More Funding for Northstar Project

September 30, 2007 Railfanning.org News Wire

WASHINGTON — Another piece of the federal funding puzzle for the Northstar commuter line has fallen into place, officials said. Congressman Jim Oberstar, D-Minn., announced a $5.6 million grant has been awarded to the Northstar Corridor Rail Project. The funding will help secure an easement from the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad to permit the commuter trains to travel on their tracks between Minneapolis and Big Lake. “We are one step closer to making commuter rail service a reality in Minnesota,” Oberstar said. “This will ease traffic congestion on I-94 and Highway 10. Commuter rail, bus transit, and even bike

Amtrak Expands At-Seat Cart Service on Acela Express Trains

September 29, 2007 Railfanning.org News Wire

WASHINGTON — Responding to requests for additional food cart service onboard the Amtrak high-speed premium Acela Express service, Amtrak has announced expanded food cart service on its premier Northeast Corridor trains. The cart service is featured on four additional Acela Express trains traveling daily between New York and Washington, D.C., bringing the total of Acela Express trains offering at-seat cart service to 10 Monday through Wednesday and 12 on Thursday and Friday. This highly popular service provides passengers the opportunity to enjoy snacks and beverages without ever leaving the comfort of their seats. Regular café service will continue to be

Oklahoma City Woman Honored as 500,000th Amtrak Heartland Flyer Passenger

September 27, 2007 Railfanning.org News Wire

OKLAHOMA CITY – An Oklahoma City woman was surprised by TV cameras, reporters and prizes today at both ends of the Amtrak Heartland Flyer route in Oklahoma and Texas. Marilea Hoffmann was chosen by reservation number to represent the half-millionth passenger when she boarded the train at the Paul Adams Memorial Platform in Oklahoma City. A second surprise greeting occurred at the Intermodal Transportation Center in Fort Worth, where she received another round of gifts and was met by her daughter, Nancee Hoffmann of Keller, Texas. “I’ve been riding the train since the beginning,” Marilea Hoffmann told reporters in Oklahoma