Railfanning.org News Wire – Page 330

National Railway Equipment Co. Completes Test of Ultra Low Emissions Locomotive at NOVA Chemicals

January 9, 2008 Railfanning.org News Wire

JOFFRE, Alberta — National Railway Equipment Co. announced that NOVA Chemical recently operated an NREC N-ViroMotive GenSet locomotive in an operational test at their facility here. The locomotive, a three-engine 2100 HP (3GS-21B) 4-axle unit, is EPA certified and CARB recognized as an ultra-low emitting GenSet locomotive. “Fuel conservation, protecting the environment and operational efficiency are vital to our operation,” said Fred Owens, rail-maintenance coordinator, Nova Chemicals. “We witnessed surprising performance with this locomotive and its remarkable fuel savings, ultra-low emissions and low noise. Another big plus for us is the N-ViroMotive’s outstanding tractive effort, which can improve operations efficiency

Genesee & Wyoming Completes Acquisition of Maryland Midland Railway

January 7, 2008 Railfanning.org News Wire

GREENWICH, Conn. — Genesee & Wyoming Inc. has completed its acquisition of 87.4 percent of the Maryland Midland Railway for cash consideration of approximately $29.1 million, to be adjusted for final working capital. Maryland Midland, located approximately 40 miles from GWI’s York Railway, operates over 63 miles of track between Glyndon and Highfield, Md., and between Walkersville and Taneytown, Md. The railroad has 30 employees and is an interline carrier with CSX. Lehigh Cement, which is Maryland Midland’s largest customer, retains its 12.6 percent ownership of the railroad. — PRNewswire-FirstCall

Bush Urges Amtrak, Unions ‘To Work in Good Faith’

January 7, 2008 Railfanning.org News Wire

WASHINGTON — President Bush has received the report and recommendations of the Presidential Emergency Board and is urging both Amtrak and several unions “to work in good faith to resolve their dispute, taking into account the Emergency Board’s recommendations.” In November, Bush established a Presidential Emergency Board, hoping to keep the employees of nine Amtrak unions from striking. The unions represent more than 6,000 of Amtrak’s non-operating employees who have been working on contracts that expired in 1999. “The President urges the parties to continue to work in good faith to resolve their dispute, taking into account the Emergency Board’s

Amtrak Releases Feasibility Study of State-Supported Rail Service to Illinois Quad Cities

January 7, 2008 Railfanning.org News Wire

CHICAGO – Amtrak has completed a report requested by the Illinois Department of Transportation (Ill. DOT) that evaluates possible passenger train routes between Illinois Quad Cities (Moline-Rock Island) and Chicago. This “Feasibility Report on Proposed Amtrak Service, Quad Cities-Chicago” is also in response to a January 2007 town meeting in Rock Island, hosted by U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), who was joined by Amtrak and Ill. DOT representatives, labor officials and leaders from Illinois and Iowa. In the report, the approximate cost of upgrading the railroad infrastructure to accommodate passenger train speeds is $14-to-23 million, over the shortest, fastest and

India Suspends Rail Service to Pakistan

December 28, 2007 Railfanning.org News Wire

India suspended its rail service with Pakistan following the assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. Officials would not say when rail service would be restored. The rail service was suspended because officials feared Bhutto supporters upset about her death might cross the border into India. In February 2007, terrorists firebombed an Indian train heading for Pakistan, killing 68 people. — Railfanning.org News Wire

FreightCar America Closing Johnstown Facility

December 20, 2007 Railfanning.org News Wire

CHICAGO – FreightCar America Inc. is closing its Johnstown, Pa., manufacturing facility that employs about 390 employees. The closure does not involve a closure of the company’s Johnstown administrative offices. Officials said the closure is in line with FreightCar’s strategy of optimizing production at its low-cost manufacturing facilities and continuing its focus on cost control. “It is critical for us to take full advantage of our lower-cost manufacturing facilities in order to produce our railcars with a competitive cost structure,” said Chris Ragot, president and chief executive officer. “Our Johnstown, Pennsylvania manufacturing plant is a higher-cost facility than our other locations. “Although

Amtrak Introduces New Menus for Overnight Trains

December 20, 2007 Railfanning.org News Wire

WASHINGTON – Nearly all of the national network of Amtrak overnight trains offer a new and improved menu in the Dining Cars, effective this month. This includes the return of such items as prepared-to-order steaks, wine by the glass and premium ice cream, as well as improved variety and quality of menu options at each meal. The new menu was developed by Amtrak Executive Chefs with input from passengers, employees and others. Amtrak rotates its menu options with three different cycles that vary depending on direction of travel and particular route. “We are confident that these new menus will make the dining

Dozens Killed in Pakistan Derailment

December 19, 2007 Railfanning.org News Wire

MEHRABPUR, Paistan — More than 50 people were killed in a train derailment Wednesday (Dec. 19) in southern Pakistan. The train was traveling from Karachi to Lahore when it derailed near Mehrabpur. Twelve of the train’s 16 cars derailed. In addition to the 50 deaths, more than 100 people were injured. Following the derailment, local villagers headed to the crash scene to help trapped passengers, officials said. After arriving, emergency crews rescued passengers from the mangled rail cars. Many of the train’s passengers were traveling for the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha, also known as the festival of sacrifice. Officials

Amtrak Partners with Carbonfund.org to Offer Passengers Carbon Offsets for Rail Travel

December 18, 2007 Railfanning.org News Wire

WASHINGTON – Amtrak passengers can now travel even greener. Through a new partnership between the railroad and Carbonfund.org, passengers can offset the carbon emissions footprint generated by their individual rail travel by making a contribution to Carbonfund.org. Selections start at only $3.00, a contribution which offsets 2,500 miles of Amtrak travel, or almost three round trips between Washington and Boston. All contributions are tax deductible and may be made online. “By choosing to travel by rail, Amtrak passengers are already a step ahead because the carbon footprint generated by their trip is smaller than that of most other modes of transportation,”

Governor Rendell Announces $20 Million Investment in Rail Freight

December 18, 2007 Railfanning.org News Wire

HARRISBURG, Pa. — The state of Pennsylvania is investing $20 million in taxpayer money to help seven railroads and five businesses undergo rail-freight improvement projects, stimulate economic development and reduce traffic congestion. “Dependable rail service helps businesses expand their markets, and this investment will help create and maintain jobs in communities throughout the commonwealth,” Gov. Edward G. Rendell said. “Moving products by rail also lowers the number of trucks on the roadways, which in turn reduces the wear and tear on our state’s highways, relieves traffic congestion, and improves air quality.” The State Transportation Commission approved the grants. Several of