Railfanning.org News Wire – Page 332

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

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.

A New Experience on the Historic Amtrak City of New Orleans Train

October 25, 2007 Railfanning.org News Wire

One of America’s most storied trains, the Amtrak City of New Orleans, starts a fresh chapter this Sunday, October 28, with a new on-board experience that includes a taste of its namesake city and the region.

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.

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

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

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

CSX Reports Strong Third Quarter Earnings

October 23, 2007 Railfanning.org News Wire

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — CSX Corporation reported third quarter 2007 net earnings of $407 million, or 91 cents per share, including 24 cents per share from discontinued operations. In the same quarter last year, the company reported earnings of $328 million, or 71 cents per share, including 17 cents per share from insurance gains and the resolution of certain tax matters. On a comparable basis, excluding these items, earnings per share from continuing operations increased 24 percent on a year-over-year basis. “Our core earning power continues to improve in a more challenging transportation environment,” said Michael Ward, chairman, president and CEO.

Burlington Northern Santa Fe Reports All-Time Record Quarterly EPS, Revenues and Operating Income

October 23, 2007 Railfanning.org News Wire

FORT WORTH, Texas — Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation has reported all-time record quarterly earnings of $1.48 per diluted share, compared with third-quarter 2006 earnings of $1.33 per diluted share. “BNSF achieved record quarterly revenues, operating income and earnings as a result of our diverse portfolio of businesses, strong cost control and improved yields. We were able to produce record earnings and quarterly operating income that exceeded $1 billion for the first time in our Company’s history despite continued economic softness in our Consumer and Industrial Products business groups,” said Matthew K. Rose, BNSF Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Although

NTSB to Release Two Factual Reports on D.C. Subway Accidents

October 23, 2007 Railfanning.org News Wire

As part of its continuing investigations into two metrorail accidents the National Transportation Safety Board will open public dockets and release a series of factual reports on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2007, at 11:00 am. The two docket items are: About 10:16 a.m. on Sunday, May 14, 2006, a southbound Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Metrorail Red Line subway train struck and fatally injured a Metrorail employee as the train was about to enter the Dupont Circle station in Washington, D.C. The fatally injured employee was an automatic train control system mechanic who had been working with two other mechanics