Articles by Railfanning.org News Wire

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Legislation

Some Say Rail Safety Bill Focuses More on Appeasing Labor Than on Most Effective Safety Improvements

October 27, 2007 Railfanning.org News Wire
WASHINGTON — The U.S. House of Representatives has approved legislation to reauthorize the Federal Railroad Administration and fund federal rail safety programs for the next four years. The Federal Railroad Safety Improvement Act of 2007 renames the agency the “Federal Railroad Safety Administration” and seeks to address a number of issues pertaining to employee fatigue, grade crossing safety, employee training and positive train control. The bill passed the House by a 377-38 vote. “I am concerned that this rail safety bill concentrates too much on accommodating a big labor wish list rather than on the most effective means to improve
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CSX

CSXT Employee Wins Rail Industry’s Professional Environmental Award

October 26, 2007 Railfanning.org News Wire
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Association of American Railroads granted its top award for environmental professionals, the 2007 North American Environmental Employee Excellence Award, to Keith A. Brinker, manager of environmental remediation at CSX Transportation. Brinker received the award during an annual railroad environmental conference. A 28-year railroad veteran, Brinker’s accomplishments include: helping to establish CSXT’s first Environmental Operations Department; devising numerous standard operating procedures for the use of chemicals and cleaners; and organizing CSXT’s internal Environmental Crimes Unit (ECU), which ensures compliance with government and company regulations. “Perhaps [the railroad industry’s] most important environmental advantage comes from dedicated employees like
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Norfolk Southern

NS Ends ‘The Joint Section’

October 26, 2007 Railfanning.org News Wire
Norfolk Southern will terminate its 109-year operating agreement in Ontario, Canada, known today as “The Joint Section.” NS will offer interline rail service for these customers at interchange points in the U.S. for business to/from the following locations in Ontario, Canada: Chatham, Ft. Erie, Thamesville, Walkerville, Welland, Windsor, Niagara Falls, and Port Robinson.  NS will continue to participate in joint line business opportunities with our Class I and short line partners located in Ontario. — Special to Railfanning.org News Wire
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Safety

Union Pacific Urges Motorists and Pedestrians to Travel Safely This Halloween

October 25, 2007 Railfanning.org News Wire
OMAHA, Neb. — Millions of miniature witches, princesses and superheroes will canvass neighborhoods Halloween night in search of tricks-or-treats. During this spooky time, Union Pacific urges travelers – motorists and pedestrians alike – to take extra time when crossing railroad tracks and at grade crossings. It is essential always to practice safety at highway-rail grade crossings and to heed the warnings of automated crossing gates, flashing signals, stop signs, yield signs and crossbuck signs. When traveling near the railroad, please remember these important safety guidelines: Never walk along tracks and only cross tracks at designated pedestrian roadway crossings when on
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Amtrak

Amtrak California Corridor Ridership Rising Steadily

October 25, 2007 Railfanning.org News Wire
OAKLAND — Amtrak ridership in Fiscal Year 2007 (FY07) increased to 25,847,531, marking the fifth straight year of gains and setting a record for the most passengers using Amtrak trains since the National Railroad Passenger Corporation started operations in 1971. The three California corridors, operated under the partnership banner, Amtrak California, are the busiest in the nation behind the Washington – Boston Northeast corridor and the Empire corridor serving Albany – New York City. Passenger traffic on the Amtrak California trains continues to expand. Since 2001, ridership increased more than 35 percent while the State’s population rose by 7.1 percent.
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Amtrak

Annual Amtrak Ridership Sets All-Time Record; Fifth Straight Year of Increases

October 24, 2007 Railfanning.org News Wire
WASHINGTON — Amtrak ridership in Fiscal Year 2007 increased to 25,847,531, marking the fifth straight year of gains and setting a record for the most passengers using Amtrak trains since the National Railroad Passenger Corporation started operations in 1971. This total, for the period October 1, 2006-September 30, 2007, topped the 24,306,965 for the previous 12 months and is greater than the passenger count of 25.03 million reached in 2004, before Amtrak transitioned some services to a commuter rail operator. Total ticket revenue for the fiscal year, $1.5 billion was an 11 percent increase over the $1.37 billion in FY06.
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Amtrak

Amtrak Cascades Service Resumes Normal Operations

October 24, 2007 Railfanning.org News Wire
OAKLAND — The last of the Talgo-manufactured railcars used in the operation of Amtrak Cascades service between Eugene, Oregon and Seattle, Washington returned to service on Sunday, Oct. 21, 2007, after undergoing repairs at the maintenance facility in Seattle. All Amtrak Cascades train schedules will be effective with Amtrak’s Fall/Winter Timetable that takes effect on Oct. 29. In early August, small cracks were discovered in welds of the upper portion of the car body structure suspension support system of several cars. WSDOT, Amtrak and Talgo agreed to remove the trains from service as a precaution. “We are glad the Talgo
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Union Pacific

Union Pacific Reports Record Third Quarter Earnings

October 24, 2007 Railfanning.org News Wire
OMAHA, Neb. — Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP) today reported third quarter 2007 net income of $532 million or $2.00 per diluted share, compared to $420 million, or $1.54 per diluted share in the same quarter last year. Operating income during the third quarter 2007 was $1.0 billion, up from $752 million reported in the third quarter of 2006. “Our third quarter performance was driven by strong results on both sides of the earnings equation, setting volume and revenue records while at the same time improving safety and productivity,” said Jim Young, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “I’m particularly pleased
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Norfolk Southern

Norfolk Southern Reports Third-Quarter 2007 Results

October 24, 2007 Railfanning.org News Wire
NORFOLK, Va. – Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) reported third-quarter 2007 net income of $386 million, or $0.97 per diluted share, compared with $416 million, or $1.02 per diluted share, for the same period of 2006. Results included the effects of Illinois tax legislation enacted during the third quarter of 2007 that reduced net income by $19 million, or $0.05 per diluted share. “Norfolk Southern continued to deliver solid results in the third quarter,” said CEO Wick Moorman. “Softness in certain segments of the economy resulted in reduced traffic volumes, which we were substantially able to offset through pricing gains