Commuter Rail
Railfanning.org News Wire
Commuter Rail
Human Error May be to Blame for Fatal Crash
LOS ANGELES – Metrolink officials believe a fatal crash may have been caused by human error. At least 17 people were killed, and as many as 135 people were injured when a crowded commuter train collided with a freight train outside Los Angeles Friday. The NTSB is investigating the crash. “At this time, Metrolink’s preliminary investigation has revealed that yesterday’s incident may have been the result of human factors and/or the railroad signal system on Metrolink’s part,” Metrolink said in a statement. “We will be working with the NTSB to complete a thorough investigation as to the exact cause of
Miscellaneous
Weather Impacts Rail Freight Traffic to Start September
WASHINGTON — At least partly because of weather-related issues (Hurricane Gustav at the beginning of the week and Tropical Storm Hanna later in the week), freight traffic on U.S. railroads was off during the first week of September in comparison with the corresponding week last year, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported today. Both this year’s week and the comparison week from last year included the Labor Day holiday. Total volume was estimated 32.0 billion ton-miles, down 3.3 percent from the comparable week last year. Carload freight in the week totaled 306,340 cars, off 3.5 percent from last year.
Amtrak
Pacific Surfliner Service & Coast Starlight Railroad closure due to collision
An incident involving a Metrolink commuter train and a freight train near Chatsworth, California, has resulted in a temporary closure of the railroad route used by Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains and the Amtrak Coast Starlight, north of Los Angeles. Amtrak extends condolences to those involved in the commuter train incident and has offered any available assistance. Pacific Surfliner Service and related Thruway Motorcoaches There will no service by Amtrak Pacific Surfliners and their connecting Thruway Motorcoach buses on September 13, between San Luis Obispo and Goleta, California, and Los Angeles, pending restoration of the route. No alternate transportation is available.
Amtrak
Service Alert: Hurricane Ike — Sunset Limited, Crescent, Texas Eagle, Heartland Flyer & City of New Orleans Affected
Amtrak has begun to restore some service temporarily suspended due to the landfall of Hurricane Ike. Nevertheless, all passengers who have travel plans through September 15 in the affected areas on the Los Angeles-San Antonio-New Orleans route of the Amtrak Sunset Limited, Chicago-Fort Worth-San Antonio route of the Amtrak Texas Eagle or Chicago-Memphis-New Orleans route of the Amtrak City of New Orleans are urged to call Amtrak at 800-USA-RAIL. Those passengers with telephone contact information in their reservations are being called by Amtrak and offered options including future travel dates. Ticketed passengers affected by this service suspension will be eligible
Commuter Rail
Commuter Rail
Deaths Reported Following Metrolink Crash
LOS ANGELES – At least a half-dozen people died following an accident involving a Metrolink passenger train and freight train. The National Transportation Safety Board is sending a team of investigators to Chatsworth, California to investigate the fatal crash.
Norfolk Southern
Norfolk Southern is One of the Best Places to Launch a Career
NORFOLK, Va. — Norfolk Southern is one of the 50 “Best Places to Launch a Career,” according to the Sept. 15, 2008, issue of BusinessWeek magazine. BusinessWeek’s annual list is based on a survey of U.S. employers, college career services directors, and some 40,000 college undergraduates. Norfolk Southern’s place on the list improved from last year, and the magazine noted, “High oil prices wreaked havoc on everything from air carriers to freight delivery companies. The one beneficiary: rail.” “Railroading today is a growth industry,” said Cindy Earhart, NS vice president human resources. “With our focus on safety and service, our
CSX
CSX Corporation Names Michele Mastrean Vice President-Compensation and Benefits
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — CSX Corporation announced the appointment of Michele Mastrean as vice president-compensation and benefits, effective immediately. The position reports to Bob Haulter, CSX Corporation’s senior vice president-human resources and labor relations. Mastrean will direct the delivery of broad-based compensation programs as well as health, retirement and savings benefits for CSX. She will also develop compensation policies to continue to provide employees with competitive pay and maintain compatibility with business goals. Most recently, Mastrean was vice president-HR Total Compensation, for Halliburton Company. “Michele brings diverse human resources experience to CSX, including significant accomplishments in the design and delivery of
FRA
FRA to Accept Applications for Rail Relocation and Improvement Grant Program
WASHINGTON — On Sept. 15, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) will begin accepting applications for the $14.9 million available in capital grants under the new Rail Line Relocation and Improvement program. In order to be eligible for grant funding, a project must mitigate the adverse effects of rail traffic on safety, motor vehicle traffic flow, community quality of life or involve a lateral or vertical relocation of any portion of the rail line. A state or other eligible entity will be required to pay at least 10 percent of the shared costs of the project. Applications can be submitted until