MTA Announces Breakneck Ridge Metro-North Station to Close for Two Years as First Phase of Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail Begins Construction 15 Apr 2025, 4:55 pm

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail Inc. (HHFT) today announced the Breakneck Ridge station on Metro-North’s Hudson Line, along with Breakneck Ridge and other area trails, will close on April 21, 2025, as part of the first phase of construction of the Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail, a 7.5-mile linear park connecting Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve trailheads between Cold Spring and Beacon.

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CSX Makes Strong Progress on Blue Ridge Subdivision Restoration 13 Apr 2025, 2:37 pm

CSX continues to advance the restoration of the Blue Ridge Subdivision, a critical rail corridor along the Nolichucky River in western North Carolina. A key component of this project is the reconstruction of the Poplar Bridge, a vital structure supporting rail operations through this historic region.

Reese Benson, CSX Construction Engineer, shared insights on the extensive work underway. “Since we’ve started on rebuilding the bridge, we’ve recovered all five spans. Four of them were salvaged for rebuilding and repair, and they will now form part of a ballast deck conversion bridge,” Benson explained. This modern design replaces the previous open deck structure, ensuring enhanced durability and stability for the years ahead.

The restoration efforts go beyond structural improvements. Environmental stewardship plays a critical role in guiding the work. “Every time we operate in the river to recover railroad materials, we work closely with Clinchfield, our environmental firm, and comply with regulatory requirements,” noted Benson. The project emphasizes both progress and care for the surrounding environment, aligning with CSX’s commitment to responsible operations.

Safety comes first at CSX. The company has implemented comprehensive measures to protect workers, contractors, and the local community. From assigning internal and public road flaggers to conducting daily safety stand-downs and briefings, every step of the project is carried out with the utmost regard for safety. Benson added, “We’ve also installed signage to alert both the public and drivers about trucking activity, ensuring all operations run as smoothly and safely as possible.”

The scale of this project underscores the importance of collaboration and teamwork. “With a project of this magnitude, it takes a massive team effort to stay on track, be efficient, and implement effective construction processes. The ONE CSX spirit has played a big role in bringing together internal and external teams to rebuild 30 miles of railroad,” Benson said.

This restoration effort holds historic significance for both the railroad and the surrounding community. “The community takes a lot of pride in this railroad. I’m proud to be a part of rebuilding it and making this community proud,” Benson shared.

CSX remains committed to completing the Blue Ridge Subdivision restoration safely and responsibly, ensuring the seamless connection of its customers and communities. Stay up to date on the project’s progress at csx.com/BlueRidgeRecovery.

-via Press Release

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CPKC and Lanco Group/Mi-Jack sell Panama Canal Railway Company to APM Terminals 13 Apr 2025, 1:37 pm

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (CPKC)said CPKC and the Lanco Group/Mi-Jack have sold the Panama Canal Railway Company (PCRC) to APM Terminals, a global terminal operator and an independent division of A.P. Moller – Maersk.

PCRC provides ocean-to-ocean freight and passenger services along the Panama Canal and has been a 50/50 joint venture between CPKC subsidiary Kansas City Southern and Lanco Group/Mi-Jack since its formation in 1998. In 2024, the PCRC generated revenue of US$77 million and EBITDA of US$36 million.

PCRC was formed when it was awarded a concession from the Republic of Panama to reconstruct and operate the Panama Canal Railway, a 47-mile railway located adjacent to the Panama Canal. It is a north-south railway traversing the isthmus of Panama between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and part of Panama’s logistics network.

APM Terminals has developed and operated advanced container terminals around the world for more than half a century. The company operates in 60 key locations in 33 countries, employing approximately 33,000 people. In the Americas Region, APM Terminals operates 14 terminals in eight countries.

-via Press Release

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Mountain Top Rotary Excursion to Feature Steam Locomotive #2102 13 Apr 2025, 1:31 pm

The Reading & Northern Railroad Passenger Department will operate a special steam excursion to Jim Thorpe from its Penobscot (Mountain Top) station on Saturday, September 13, 2025. The trip will be sponsored by the Rotary Club of Mountain Top. Tickets are priced
at $70.00 each and may be purchased through the club or online at www.RBMNRR-passenger.com. All seats are Standard Coach and all are welcome. Tickets will go on sale Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at 9:00am.

In past years, Reading & Northern featured 4-6-2 steam locomotive #425 on the trip. For 2025, which the railroad has dubbed “The Year of Steam”, recently restored 4-8-4 T-1 steam locomotive #2102 will be doing the honors. This will also afford steam fans yet another opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of this massive machine thundering through Lehigh Gorge State Park. Lehigh Division Director of Passenger Service Tim Wright says, “We are pleased to offer this trip with an even bigger steam locomotive, for the same reasonable price as it has been before.”

The train will depart Mountain Top at 9:30am sharp and wind its way down the south slope of Penobscot Mountain, through the entire length of Lehigh Gorge State Park, arriving at Jim Thorpe at 11:15am. Passengers will have over four hours to shop, dine, and explore the historic town known as the “Switzerland of America” before reboarding the train for a 4:00pm departure. The train is expected to arrive back at Mountain Top at approximately 5:30pm.

The return trip from Jim Thorpe is the part that steam fans will be waiting for, as #2102 battles an uphill grade all the way back to Mountain Top. Reading & Northern’s steam crew has been known to put on some of its most memorable shows along this route, and the Rotary Club trip will likely be the last appearance of #2102 in Luzerne County for 2025. The railroad has two other excursions with #2102 – referred to as Iron Horse Rambles – scheduled for earlier in summer of 2025. The traditional schedule of
Fall Foliage passenger excursions, some of which are to also feature #2102, will be announced later.

-via Press Release

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SEPTA Budget: 45% Service Cut, 21.5% Fare Increase & Workforce Reductions to Fill Deficit 13 Apr 2025, 1:26 pm

SEPTA released a budget proposal that would require 45% in service cuts – coupled with major fare increases, workforce reductions and a 9 p.m. curfew for all rail services – to address a massive structural budget deficit during the new fiscal year that starts July 1. The release of the budget comes amid critical negotiations in Harrisburg on a statewide transit funding plan introduced in February by Governor Shapiro that would prevent these dire measures from taking effect.

Customers would see service cuts, including the elimination of dozens of bus routes and significant reductions in trips on all rail services, beginning with the launch of fall schedules on Aug. 24. A fare increase averaging 21.5% for all riders would go into effect on Sept. 1, followed on Jan. 1 by the elimination of five Regional Rail lines and the 9 p.m. rail curfew. A total of 50 bus routes would be shut down between Aug. 24 and Jan. 1.

“These cuts to SEPTA’s service – which would hurt our economy and make it harder for hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians to get to work, school, and wherever else they need to go – are completely avoidable,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “For two years in a row, I have proposed a commonsense plan to support mass transit all across the Commonwealth and last December, I flexed funding to give the legislature more time to come to the table. The state House has passed my proposal three times and plans to do so again next month – it is now squarely on the state Senate to come to the table and pass more funding for mass transit that their own constituents rely on.”

The impact of the proposed service cuts would be felt throughout the city and region as reliable options for everyday travel to school and work are greatly diminished. It would not stop there.

Beyond regular riders, those traveling to games at the Sports Complex and other special events would have to navigate the 9 p.m. curfew for rail services, along with other restrictions. SEPTA would be forced to cease providing additional service to special events, including plans to support the World Cup, the nation’s 250^th anniversary celebrations and other 2026 events.

The effects on businesses – including the region’s healthcare systems that rely on SEPTA to transport employees and patients – would be immediate and far reaching. In addition, congestion on local roadways would worsen as SEPTA riders switch to driving, and overall, residents’ ability to safely travel across the region would be limited.

“SEPTA would go from being the economic driver of this city and region to its limiter,” said SEPTA Board Chair Kenneth E. Lawrence Jr. “We are grateful for Governor Shapiro’s proposal and for the continued efforts of legislators from our city and region. Now, we all need to hear from the public. Even if you don’t ride, deep service cuts would impact you – whether it is from increased congestion on area roadways, declining property values or less revenue for local businesses as SEPTA purchases significantly fewer supplies and materials.”

Like transit agencies across Pennsylvania and the nation, SEPTA is facing this budget gap due to a combination of the end of federal COVID relief funding and increases in the day-to-day costs of providing service to customers. The federal COVID funds helped SEPTA maintain service for essential workers through the pandemic. While ridership has recovered over the last few years, SEPTA has had to take on additional costs to address emerging challenges – particularly crime, disorder and the vulnerable population. The Authority has also had to grapple with the impact of inflation on everyday necessities such as fuel, power and supplies.

SEPTA has been responding to this funding crisis by cutting costs and generating new revenue. Aggressive austerity measures, including a freeze on management pay and cuts to third-party consultants, have resulted in savings of $30 million. Other measures, including a 7.5% fare increase and the resumption of paid parking at Regional Rail lots, are generating new revenue. Together, these efforts have helped reduce SEPTA’s budget deficit to a forecasted $213 million for FY2026.

“We know how critical service is to our customers and the region, and we have done everything possible to avoid the drastic measures that are proposed in this budget,” said Interim General Manager Scott A. Sauer. “We have made significant progress in cutting costs, growing ridership, improving reliability and delivering on safety and security enhancements. All of that is at risk if we are forced to start dismantling the system.”

Governor Shapiro provided SEPTA riders with a lifeline last fall when he flexed federal highway funds to fill the current year’s budget gap. That, however, was a one-time measure. SEPTA is required by law to pass a balanced Operating Budget prior to the start of the new fiscal year on July 1, and the Authority’s only options to close such a massive structural deficit are to raise fares and cut costs by eliminating services and reducing the size of its workforce.

SEPTA today also released its Capital Budget Proposal for the coming year. Funding constraints and inflation are impacting SEPTA’s ability to move forward on some improvement efforts. Under the proposal, SEPTA would close the funding gap by deferring dozens of projects and other capital-funded initiatives, which will delaying achievement of previous commitments for key priorities like station accessibility.

SEPTA will hold four public hearings about the Proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Operating Budget at SEPTA Headquarters on May 19 (11 a.m. and 5 p.m.) and May 20 (10 a.m. and 4 p.m.). The Capital Budget hearings will be held on May 21 at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

In addition to commenting in-person, the public can submit comments by email at operatingbudget@septa.org and capbudget@septa.org, voicemail by calling (215) 580-7772 for Operating Budget and (215) 580-7771 for Capital Budget, or U.S. mail (SEPTA Budgets, 1234 Market Street, 9^th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19107. Comments must be submitted by May 28.

SEPTA will thoroughly review all public feedback before the Operating and Capital Budget proposals are sent to the SEPTA Board for a vote on June 26.

For more information on the FY 2026 budget proposal, please visit https://septa.org/fundingcrisis/.

-via Press Release

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Update on Trains Affected By Horizon Car Removal 7 Apr 2025, 5:07 pm

In less than two weeks, all Amtrak trains on the Borealis, Hiawatha, and Amtrak Cascades routes have been restored and operating on schedule. Each replacement train is operating with a limited number of cars. For a guaranteed seat, Amtrak encourages customers to book early.

-via Press Release

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New York Governor Hochul Announces Ground Breaking on New Long Island Rail Road Yaphank Station in Suffolk County 4 Apr 2025, 4:35 pm

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MTA Unveils First Fully Redesigned Subway Map in Half a Century 3 Apr 2025, 3:05 pm

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) unveiled a reimagined subway map, its first new design since 1979. The new map, which draws from previous versions, simplifies riders’ primary wayfinding asset while providing the most essential travel information in an easily readable, bright, bold, and orderly manner.

As the MTA continues to modernize its 120-year-old transit system by building new stations, updating signals, making accessibility improvements, introducing a new fare payment system, and improving customer-facing technology, the new map reflects these enhancements.

Customers are also seeing a software redesign of digital subway station screens that increase the frequency of real-time data, updating every five seconds, to better match countdown clocks to real-time train arrivals. These improvements, based on customer feedback, surveys, and analysis of all 472 stations, prioritize arrival information, streamline the presentation of customer information, and consistently feature white text on a black background for improved clarity and visibility.

Crews increased the number of screens that flash to alert customers when a train is approaching and feature an arrow on overhead digital screens that point to the side of the platform where the train is arriving. New vinyl stickers will also indicate which side of the screen contains information and which side displays advertisements. Screens at all stations are monitored remotely via cloud technology and can instantly alert crews to a malfunction, eliminating the time-consuming step of manually reporting issues.

-via Press Release

 

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AAR Reports Weekly Rail Traffic for the Week Ending March 29, 2025 3 Apr 2025, 2:56 pm

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending March 29, 2025. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 513,553 carloads and intermodal units, up 8.6 percent compared with the same week last year.

Total carloads for the week ending March 29 were 235,865 carloads, up 7.8 percent compared with the same week in 2024, while U.S. weekly intermodal volume was 277,688 containers and trailers, up 9.4 percent compared to 2024.

Seven of the 10 carload commodity groups posted an increase compared with the same week in 2024. They included coal, up 11,426 carloads, to 63,028; grain, up 2,189 carloads, to 23,167; and motor vehicles and parts, up 1,479 carloads, to 17,745. Commodity groups that posted decreases compared with the same week in 2024 were metallic ores and metals, down 504 carloads, to 20,620; forest products, down 342 carloads, to 8,375; and petroleum and petroleum products, down 232 carloads, to 10,111.

For the first 13 weeks of 2025, U.S. railroads reported cumulative volume of 2,775,535 carloads, up 0.1 percent from the same point last year; and 3,540,729 intermodal units, up 8.3 percent from last year. Total combined U.S. traffic for the first 13 weeks of 2025 was 6,316,264 carloads and intermodal units, an increase of 4.5 percent compared to last year.

North American rail volume for the week ending March 29, 2025, on 9 reporting U.S., Canadian and Mexican railroads totaled 349,262 carloads, up 5.3 percent compared with the same week last year, and 367,820 intermodal units, up 8.8 percent compared with last year. Total combined weekly rail traffic in North America was 717,082 carloads and intermodal units, up 7.1 percent. North American rail volume for the first 13 weeks of 2025 was 8,679,986 carloads and intermodal units, up 3.0 percent compared with 2024.

Canadian railroads reported 96,435 carloads for the week, up 4.0 percent, and 77,833 intermodal units, up 9.7 percent compared with the same week in 2024. For the first 13 weeks of 2025, Canadian railroads reported cumulative rail traffic volume of 2,056,954 carloads, containers and trailers, up 0.3 percent.

Mexican railroads reported 16,962 carloads for the week, down 15.7 percent compared with the same week last year, and 12,299 intermodal units, down 7.3 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for the first 13 weeks of 2025 was 306,768 carloads and intermodal containers and trailers, down 8.8 percent from the same point last year.

-via Press Release

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CSX 2024 Annual Report Showcases Resilience, Innovation, and Strategic Growth 2 Apr 2025, 3:06 pm

CSX has released its 2024 Annual Report, highlighting a year of resilience, strategic investment, and progress in safety, service, and sustainability.

The company overcame significant disruptions, including the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, hurricanes, and an East Coast port strike, while maintaining strong operational performance and service improvements.

“Our team rose to every challenge with professionalism, ingenuity, and compassion,” said Joe Hinrichs, CSX president and chief executive officer. “Their commitment allowed us to deliver for customers and position CSX for long-term success.”

Hinrichs cited CSX employees’ efforts to maintain coal exports, reroute traffic, and swiftly repair infrastructure as examples of their tireless work and ingenuity. As a result, CSX increased volume by 2% year-over-year and was recognized by Trains magazine as the only Class I railroad to return to pre-pandemic levels.

The company also invested $2.5 billion to strengthen infrastructure and maintain momentum across its network. These strategic investments include acquiring the Meridian & Bigbee Railroad and ongoing efforts to modernize the Howard Street Tunnel in Baltimore.

CSX also unveiled its first hydrogen-powered locomotive, demonstrating its commitment to sustainability innovation. In addition, the company improved fuel efficiency by 4%, earning recognition as the most fuel-efficient U.S.-based Class I railroad. These efforts and others have helped customers avoid over 10 million tons of CO₂ emissions in 2024.

Through SAFE CSX and new workforce programs like ONE CSX Academy, the company improved safety and deepened employee engagement. CSX also contributed more than 24,000 volunteer hours and over $1 million in disaster relief and charitable giving.

Click here to view the full report or visit at csx.com/investors.

-via Press Release

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