Railfanning.org News Wire

NYC Subway Strike Looms

December 15, 2005 Railfanning.org News Wire

NEW YORK – A strike on the city’s subway system was looming late Dec. 15. “The City is prepared for the worst case scenario with a robust contingency plan,” Mayor Michael Bloomberg said. “A strike would be more than just illegal and inconvenient; it will threaten public safety and severely disrupt our City and its economy,” Bloomberg said. “Our contingency plan is designed to move as many people as possible using alternative means of transportation and to make sure that our streets remain passable for emergency vehicles.” In the event of a labor action by New York City Transit unions TWU

Metro proposes no fare increase, new buses and rail cars in FY ’07

December 14, 2005 Railfanning.org News Wire

WASHINGTON – Metro is proposing no fare increase as part of next fiscal year’s budget for the second year in a row. Metro General Manager-CEO Richard A. White in early December outlined the authority’s $1.8 billion fiscal 2007 operating and capital budget proposal today before the Metro Board Budget Committee, which includes new buses, rail cars for eight-car trains and other expanded services. The more than $1 billion operating budget would provide for a traditional 1 percent increase in bus service to relieve overcrowding and improve on time performance. Managers also would like to fund another 2 percent increase in

TSA Teams With Railroads to Test Security Preparedness

December 13, 2005 Railfanning.org News Wire

WASHINGTON – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is partnering with Amtrak and three commuter railroads for a three-day pilot project to test the agency’s ability to assist State and local authorities by quickly deploying federal assets in response to a specific threat. The pilot will run from Dec. 14 through Dec. 16 and will involve Federal Air Marshals, surface transportation inspectors and TSA canine teams. Commuter railroads participating in the project are the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), SEPTA and Metrolink "In the event of an actual threat, relationships with partners like WMATA and Amtrak will be crucial for

Norfolk Southern’s ‘Best Friend’ Visits Stock Exchange for Opening Bell Ceremony

December 12, 2005 Railfanning.org News Wire

A replica of the first American-built steam locomotive was on display outside the New York Stock Exchange Dec. 12 as part of the opening bell festivities commemorating the 175th anniversary of Norfolk Southern Corp.

Teamsters Support Rail Emergency Training Bill Introduced by Rep. Lynch

December 9, 2005 Railfanning.org News Wire

WASHINGTON – In response to a Teamsters’ report warning that the nation’s railways are still vulnerable to terrorist attacks and other emergencies, U.S. Rep. Stephen F. Lynch, D-Mass., on Dec. 6 introduced legislation that would establish a comprehensive emergency training program for all rail workers. The Teamster Rail Conference report, "High Alert," detailed an appalling lack of emergency training for workers in this post 9-11 era. Workers overwhelmingly reported that they had not received terrorism response and prevention training in the past year. "Rep. Lynch’s bill makes significant strides to correct a bad situation," said John F. Murphy, director of

Norfolk Southern Announces Planned 2006 Capital Spending

December 9, 2005 Railfanning.org News Wire

NORFOLK, Va. – Norfolk Southern Corporation plans to spend $1.146 billion in 2006 for capital improvements to its railroad operations and subsidiaries. "Continuing strong demand for rail transportation is driving the need for additional investment in Norfolk Southern’s rail network," said CEO Wick Moorman. "Our 2006 capital program ensures that our network and assets continue to be well maintained and also provides for increased capacity in terms of infrastructure, locomotives and cars, and new technology. These investments will enable Norfolk Southern to maintain its safe and reliable operations while providing for further improvements in customer service and capacity for continuing

Highlighting 175 Years of Railroading, Norfolk Southern Museum Will Open December 5

December 2, 2005 Railfanning.org News Wire

Early rail, clothing, tools, locomotive parts, signage, photographs and advertisements are a few of the artifacts that will be on display when the Norfolk Southern Museum opens Dec. 5.

The Saga Continues: A Looming Strike, No Leader, Mounting Loses for Amtrak

December 1, 2005 Railfanning.org News Wire

WASHINGTON — Amtrak’s Board of Directors in early November voted to fire David Gunn, the railroad’s president. The action drew the criticism from the chairman of the House of Representatives’ Subcommittee on Railroads. “One of the board’s responsibilities is to hire Amtrak’s officers, including the President and CEO,” said Rep. Steven LaTourette, R-Ohio. “I happen to believe that Mr. Gunn was doing a reasonable job with the hand he was dealt. As matter of law, Mr. Gunn or any CEO ‘serves at the pleasure of the board.’ But there are deeper issues here, whether one is a supporter or opponent

Teamsters: Graniteville Report Highlights Vulnerability of Nation’s Railways

November 29, 2005 Railfanning.org News Wire

WASHINGTON – The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on Nov. 29 recommended that rail companies make important operational changes, including reducing speeds in populated areas, to avoid another catastrophic accident like the crash in Graniteville, South Carolina, in January that killed nine people. The deadly accident occurred when a Norfolk Southern train crashed into a parked freight train that was carrying tank cars of chlorine gas. One of the tank cars exploded, causing a cloud of toxic gas to blanket the area. Eight residents of Graniteville and the locomotive engineer operating the train died after inhaling the gas. "Rail companies

NTSB: NS Train Crew Failed to Reline Switch

November 29, 2005 Railfanning.org News Wire

WASHINGTON — The crew of a Norfolk Southern train failed to return a main line switch to the normal position after the crew completed work at an industry track in Graniteville, S.C., the National Transportation Safety Board has found. On Jan. 6, 2005, a northbound Norfolk Southern Railway freight train (No. 192) encountered an improperly lined switch that diverted the train from the main line onto an industry track where it struck an unoccupied, parked train (P22). The collision derailed both locomotives and 16 of the 42 freight cars of train 192 as well as the locomotive and one of