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Hot News! Edited by Carl G. Perelman |
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RAIL FREIGHT TRAFFIC DOWN IN JUNE: The Association of American Railroads today reported that U.S. railroads originated 1,039,889 carloads of freight in June 2009, down 19.7 percent with 255,668 fewer carloads, compared with June 2008. U.S. intermodal rail traffic – comprising trailers and containers on flat cars that are not included in carload figures – totaled 755,000 units in June 2009, down 18.2 percent compared with the same period last year with 168,031 fewer trailers and containers. For the first six months of 2009, total U.S. rail carloadings were down 19.5 percent (1,594,411 carloads) to 6,579,294 carloads, while intermodal traffic was down 17.0 percent (950,147 units) to 4,647,068 trailers and containers. Of the 19 major commodity categories tracked by the AAR, 18 saw carload declines in June. The catch-all “all other” category was up slightly in June. In June, the biggest carload declines were coal (down 7.9 percent, or 42,762 carloads); motor vehicles and equipment (down 50.5 percent, or 36,598 carloads); metals and metal products (down 59.8 percent, or 32,253 carloads); and crushed stone and gravel (down 25.2 percent, or 21,840 carloads). “Whenever Americans grow something, eat something, mine something, make something, turn on a light, or get dressed, freight railroads are probably involved somewhere along the line,” said AAR Senior Vice President John T. Gray. “Unfortunately, right now there’s not enough mining , manufacturing and buying going on. So railroads, like most other business sectors, are suffering because of it.” For the second quarter of 2009, total U.S. rail carloadings were down 22.4 percent (958,324 carloads). Carloads of coal in the second quarter were down 12.5 percent (228,334 carloads) to 1,599,307 carloads. In percentage terms, other commodities fared much worse in the second quarter, including motor vehicles and equipment (down 49.4 percent, or 112,609 carloads), metals and metal products (down 62.4 percent, or 111,653 carloads), and grain (down 25.7 percent, or 77,773 carloads). Canadian rail carload traffic in June 2009 was down 25.7 percent (80,502 carloads) to 232,156 carloads. Canadian intermodal traffic in June 2009 was down 19.2 percent (37,105 units) from June 2008 to 156,441 trailers and containers. For the second quarter of 2009, Canadian rail carloadings were down 27.9 percent (286,089 carloads) to 740,635 carloads; Canadian intermodal traffic for the quarter was down 18.5 percent (116,795 units) to 515,305 trailers and containers. For the first six months of 2009, Canadian rail carloadings were down 24.1 percent (469,236 carloads) to 1,479,016 carloads; Canadian intermodal traffic for the first half of 2009 was down 15.5 percent (184,600 units) to 1,005,715 trailers and containers. For just the week ended June 27, 2009 the AAR reported the following totals for U.S. railroads:
NEW STREETCARS FOR TORONTO: The Toronto Transit Commission and Bombardier Transportation Canada Inc. on June 30 officially signed a contract for the manufacture and purchase of 204 new low-floor streetcars. On June 26, TTC Chief General Manager Gary Webster presented a notice of award letter to Bombardier to ensure the bid price deadline of June 27 was met. In April, following an RFP process, a staff report recommended Bombardier be awarded a contract to build new streetcars for Toronto, subject to funding. On June 26, Toronto City Council approved full-funding, allowing the TTC to place a streetcar order with Bombardier worth $1.2 billion. The delivery plan for the 204 new streetcars calls for a prototype vehicle to be delivered to the TTC in 2011. Passenger service will begin in 2012. All 204 cars will be delivered by 2018. The new streetcars will replace the current fleet of 248 streetcars that were purchased in the 1970s and 1980s. These vehicles now need to be replaced, as the aging fleets are nearing the end of their useful lives. They are not accessible, their reliability is steadily declining, and maintenance costs continue to rise. The new streetcars will be low-floor, quieter, have features such as air conditioning for greater customer comfort, and be able to carry almost twice as many people as the TTC’s current streetcars do. The new vehicles will help address crowding on the TTC’s streetcar routes, and accommodate ridership growth. The new vehicles will also have leading-edge technology for better reliability and performance. The Toronto Transit Commission moves 470 million people every year – about 1.5 million riders every weekday. The TTC is the third largest public transit system in North America servicing some 4.5 million people in the Greater Toronto Area, with a network of subways, streetcars, buses, and a specialized service, Wheel-Trans, for people who require accessible transportation. The TTC is committed to meeting the growing needs of the region with subway and light rail expansion, carrying an additional 175 million riders by 2021. (TTC, Alex Mayes - posted 7/01) SEPTA ON-TRACK WITH NEW WEB-BASED TOOLS: SEPTA has kicked off an exciting new era of customer service, including the launch of schedule information on Google Transit. Through the popular Google Maps Web site at maps.google.com, riders can find schedules for Regional Rail lines, the Broad Street Subway, the Market-Frankford El, Trolley routes and the Norristown High-Speed Line. “Google Transit will help us introduce SEPTA and the convenience of using public transit when visiting all of the great historical, cultural and recreational destinations in the city and our region,” said SEPTA General Manager Joseph Casey. Google Maps provides written directions and maps to stations, schedule information and trip directions and the ability to search by landmarks, businesses and other locations. Google Maps will now automatically show SEPTA itineraries as an alternative to driving directions when available. It also provides a link to SEPTA’s Web site, www.septa.org, where riders can find real-time schedules, customized planning tools and fare information. “The launch of the Google Trip Planner for the SEPTA system is another important step in SEPTA’s efforts to use technology to improve the customer experience,” said Rina Cutler, SEPTA Board Member and Philadelphia’s Deputy Mayor of Transportation and Utilities. “This is a great tool to help get information out about public transportation in the City of Philadelphia for residents, visitors and tourists,” said City Councilman Curtis Jones Jr., chairmain of the Transportation and Public Utilities Committee. “SEPTA’s partnership with Google Transit helps put Philadelphia on the ‘virtual’ map.” SEPTA, which serves nearly one million riders per day in the Philadelphia area, is the third largest regional public transportation agency in the nation to partner with Google Transit, behind only New York and Chicago. When the massive undertaking to geo-map SEPTA’s 15,000-plus bus stops is completed later this year, SEPTA will become the first transit agency in the U.S. operating all five major modes of transportation to have all of its data available on Google Transit. SEPTA is also making this data available for individuals who want to create their own Web-based applications. It can be accessed at www.septa.org/developer. “SEPTA is leading the way… in an effort to make government data available to people to develop applications or use in any way they want,” said City Councilman Bill Green, vice-chairman of the Technology and Information Services Committee. Green (pictured below) demonstrated some of the features of SEPTA scheduling on Google Transit during a press conference on Tuesday, June 30, 2009. In conjunction with the Google Transit launch, SEPTA is launching several of it’s own initiatives to improve online trip-planning, scheduling and access to transit alerts. Starting soon, a new tool on SEPTA’s Web site called “Next To Arrive” will provide riders with up-to-the-minute Regional Rail information. By simply selecting a starting location and destination, passengers will be shown the next four available trips and real-time arrival status. This adds to features already available at SEPTA’s Web site, including “Bus Detours,” which provides real-time information on any disruptions or delays on all of SEPTA’s bus routes. SEPTA is also taking a major step to better communicate service disruptions to customers with its debut on Twitter later this week. SEPTA’s followers on Twitter will receive real-time transit alerts for all modes of transportation. These updates are also posted on SEPTA’s Web site. Along with the “One Day Independence Pass” and the “Family Independence Pass,” which offer economical and unlimited one-day travel, these initiatives represent major steps forward in SEPTA’s efforts to provide riders with added convenience in navigating the system. They also allow new riders, tourists and others who may be unfamiliar with SEPTA an easy and accessible way to get all the information they need to travel throughout the Philadelphia region. (SEPTA - posted 7/01) U.S. RAILCAR TO RESUME PRODUCTION OF FORMER COLORADO RAILCAR DMU: Private investors affiliated with Value Recovery Group, Inc. (VRG) of Columbus, OH, have acquired the Colorado Railcar DMU and will resume manufacturing this modern domestically produced passenger train in a new manufacturing facility to be established later this year pending state/local incentives and final round investments. Assets acquired by US Railcar include the former Colorado Railcar DMU proprietary rights and information, manufacturing documentation, inventory, and other equipment necessary for production. According to VRG Chairman & CEO Barry H. Fromm, "US Railcar intends to reestablish passenger train production in the United States." Currently, passenger trains purchased in the U.S. today are produced by European and Asian suppliers typically importing 40 of content from overseas. "We want to keep American jobs and U.S. public investment at home," said Fromm. "There is a major commitment by the Obama Administration and the Congress to make investments in intercity and high-speed rail to promote economic growth and mobility, create jobs, conserve energy and address climate change. This opens a new era for passenger trains and railcar manufacturing in the United States." US Railcar, LLC will be led by Michael P. Pracht, its President & CEO, a rail industry veteran with extensive past experience at two of the world's leading rail transportation companies, Siemens and Ansaldo. US Railcar will manufacture both single- and bi-level Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs) which are self-propelled railcars eliminating the need for more costly locomotive-hauled push/pull trains in lower density corridors. Both platforms are fully compliant with existing Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) safety standards for crashworthiness as established by Department of Transportation and approved for immediate use on the national rail system. Unlike European & Asian DMUs, the US Railcar DMU can operate in all mixed-mode freight corridors throughout the country without waivers and/or temporal separation agreements currently required for non-compliant foreign platforms. "There are extraordinary growth opportunities for passenger rail development," said US Railcar CEO Mike Pracht. "The US Railcar DMU will enable new cost-effective passenger rail service across a range of corridors and routes, all with a proven, existing equipment platform already in service." The US Railcar DMU was prototyped through a demonstration project in 2002 and is currently the only FRA-compliant DMU operating in revenue service in North America. Available in both regional and intercity configurations, the US Railcar DMU is uniquely suited for incremental corridor development at speeds from 79-to-90 mph. Platform enhancements currently anticipated include a diesel-electric upgrade, increasing speeds to 125 mph, making this American-made DMU the ideal solution for both mature and emerging passenger rail agencies around the country. VRG is an asset recovery and management firm that specializes in asset management, advisory and asset recovery services for state and local governments, commercial banks, private investors and several federal agencies, including the FDIC. VRG also manages a brownfield remediation and redevelopment partnership and serves as consultant to advanced energy programs for state and federal agencies. More information about Value Recovery Group can be found at www.valuerecovery.com. US Railcar's website www.usrailcar.com is currently under development. (US Railcar - posted 7/01) LANCASTER TRAIN STATION RENOVATION BEGINS: Keystone Corridor passengers who use the Lancaster train station will find it much improved and more accessible and comfortable as a result of a major $12 million renovation project now getting underway. Representatives from the City of Lancaster, Lancaster County, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Amtrak today celebrated the start of the 18-month state and county-led project which has been in development for the past 10 years. The Lancaster station is served by Amtrak’s state-supported Keystone (Harrisburg - Philadelphia - New York) and Pennsylvanian (Pittsburgh - Harrisburg - Philadelphia - New York) routes. The project includes a complete rehabilitation of the station's interior and exterior; a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system; new restrooms; improved landscaping; and increased parking capacity (from 175 parking spaces to 237). A new taxi loading and unloading area will be provided as will a new waiting and ticketing area for the Trailways Bus Company. The station also will have retail space and meeting rooms. "We've been working the past several years to improve the gateways into the City of Lancaster — with the Fruitville Pike bridge and in a few years with the Lititz Pike bridge. This renovated train station will be the gem of our efforts to improve the transportation gateways and augment the redevelopment happening both within and surrounding the city," said Toby Fauver, deputy secretary of local and area transportation for PennDOT. Chairman of the Lancaster County Board of Commissioners Dennis P. Stuckey said, "The renovation and improvement of this important building and its grounds will provide a modern, intermodal transportation facility to serve the needs of travelers as well as restoring a Lancaster landmark to its original beauty and glory." "Pennsylvania continues to be a leader in recognizing the benefits of rail and in providing its citizens with the stations and services that allow rail to be a viable transportation option," said Joe McHugh, Amtrak's vice president of government affairs and corporate communications, noting that last fiscal year over 484,000 passengers arrived or departed from the Lancaster station ranking it 22nd busiest out of the 525 stations served by Amtrak. Funding for the renovation of the station, built by the Pennsylvania Railroad in 1929, was secured from county, state and federal sources — $9.6 million in federal funds, $2 million in state funds, and $400,000 in county funds. During the 18-month construction period, the station will remain open and the impact on Amtrak and Trailways bus passengers who use the station daily should be minimal. The number of available parking spaces during construction will not change; however, part of the renovation calls for the creation of a taxi lane in front of the station which will eliminate parking there. To ensure they are not delayed as a result of the construction, passengers should allow extra time to reach the station. For more information on the Lancaster Station Improvement Project, log onto www.lancasteramtrakstation.com. (Amtrak - posted 6/30) CSX ANNOUNCES COMMITMENT TO CUT CO2 EMISSIONS BY 8%: CSX today announced a plan to reduce the CO2 emissions associated with its vast and economically vital train operations by 8% per revenue ton mile by 2011. The company made its commitment as part of its participation in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Climate Leaders Program, a voluntary program for businesses to inventory and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. CSX's commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the Climate Leaders Program is the first ever from a major U.S. transportation provider. CSX's commitment will reduce C02 emissions by 2.4 million tons - the equivalent of taking 441,000 cars off the road each year, or burning 5,598,000 fewer barrels of oil. "Freight rail is the most fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly surface transportation option. We are pleased to enhance these benefits with our firm commitment to reduce CSX's carbon footprint," said Michael J. Ward, Chairman, President and CEO of CSX. "The Climate Leaders Partnership shows that by working together, business and government can serve our nation's economic needs while improving our environment." In CSX's non-railroad operations, the company plans to use building space more efficiently, improve HVAC systems, and install energy-efficient lighting and automatic computer-shutdown software. "As we work to strengthen our nation's infrastructure, stimulate the economy and compete in a global marketplace, investment in freight railroads will be critical," said Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell. "CSX's commitment to improving the environmental efficiency of its operations will further drive improvement in what is already one of the most environmentally friendly forms of surface transportation and strengthen our country's position as a global leader of a sustainable economy." Since 1980, the railroad industry has invested more than $1 billion to upgrade its fleet with more efficient, Tier II clean air locomotives and has improved locomotive fuel efficiency by over 80%. By the end of 2009, an additional 1,200 CSX locomotives will be upgraded to further reduce emissions and lower fuel consumption by nearly 10 million gallons. CSX has a long standing commitment to air quality and clean operations. CSX Transportation Inc. is a principal operating company of CSX Corporation. CSX Corporation, based in Jacksonville, Fla., is one of the leading transportation companies, providing rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services. The company's transportation network spans 21,000 miles with service to 23 eastern states and the District of Columbia, and connects to more than 70 ocean, river, and lake ports. More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at the company's web site, www.csx.com. (CSX Transportation - posted 6/29) FRA AWARDS A CONTRACT FOR PORTLAND, MAINE AREA RAIL INFRASTUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS: The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has awarded a grant totaling $500,000 to the city of Portland, Maine for the rehabilitation and improvement of track infrastructure including the replacement of crossties and rail, surfacing of track, replacement of bridge ties, ballast replacement, and renewal of turnouts. This work is intended to add capacity and eliminate slow orders that are currently in place, resulting in improved ride quality and an increase in the speed of passenger rail operations through the area from 10 to 25 mph. It is anticipated that this increase in speed will reduce trip times by an average of 3-5 minutes per trip. In addition, the project will once again permit the use of wye tracks to turn passenger cars and switch locomotives among train sets in the event of mechanical difficulties thus minimizing operational disruptions. The period of performance for the above work extends to March 31, 2010 (FRA - posted 6/26) GO TRAINS SET TO ROLL INTO NIAGARA FALLS THIS SUMMER: Visitors to Niagara Falls will have another way to get there this summer - by GO Train. For the first time, GO Transit will run seasonal weekend and holiday train service to Niagara Region starting Saturday, June 27. Ontario Minister of Transportation Jim Bradley announced this special service at a news conference in Niagara Falls in May. The excursion service will offer four train trips daily in each direction on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from June 27 through to Thanksgiving weekend, October 12. The two-hour trip will run between Union Station in downtown Toronto, Port Credit GO Station, Oakville GO Station, Burlington GO Station, St. Catharines VIA Rail station, and Niagara Falls VIA Rail station. An adult single ride fare from Union Station to Niagara Falls will be $15.90. "This new GO rail service will bring tourists to Niagara's wineries, restaurants, and attractions such as the incomparable Niagara Falls. Our government is expanding public transit across the province, making investments that build our economic infrastructure and put people to work," said Minister Bradley. GO's new service offers visitors another alternative to driving to this popular destination area. To make it convenient for weekend and holiday outings, families and groups traveling to or from Niagara Falls will have the option of staying overnight on a Group Pass. "Expanding to this new service area presents a unique opportunity for us and for visitors to both Niagara and Toronto," said GO Transit Managing Director Gary McNeil. "GO is a comfortable, convenient way to travel and we're excited to be launching this service in time for the busy summer season." Visit the Niagara Falls page at gotransit.com for more information, including fare and schedule information and details about connections to local transit and attractions. GO also recently announced weekday and weekend bus service to Niagara Falls starting this September. Bus fares will be the same as the train fares and a full schedule will be available soon. Schedule and fare information for the weekend and holiday rail service to Niagara Falls is detailed below. For more information on GO services, the public can call 416.869.3200, 1.888.GET ON GO (438.6646), 1.800.387.3652 TTY, or check the Niagara Falls page at gotransit.com. (GO Transit - posted 6/26) PORT AUTHORITY BOARD APPROVES ADDITIONAL INCENTIVES TO ENCOURAGE SHIPPERS TO USE PORT'S EXPRESSRAIL FACILITIES: Building on an initiative announced earlier this year to encourage shippers to use the Port Authority's ExpressRail system, the agency's Board of Commissioners today approved a new incentive program to encourage shippers to transport their cargo via new rail routes. The program will provide an incentive of $25 per container shipped by rail to any company booking a container on a railroad to or from a new ExpressRail origin or destination that was started since the beginning of the year. For example, Norfolk Southern recently began to offer rail service from the Port of New York and New Jersey to Harrisburg, PA. This location has traditionally been served by truck because of its proximity to the port. In January, the Port Authority initially offered shippers a $25 per box incentive for each container they transport by rail above the number they transported the previous year. Under the initial program, if an ocean carrier increases its rail cargo business in 2009 over 2008 levels, it would receive a $25 incentive for each additional container it ships by rail over that amount. Port Authority Chairman Anthony R. Coscia said, "This incentive program leverages our $600 million investment in on-dock rail, and will help further reduce congestion on our local roads and improve local air quality. At the same time, expanding the reach of ExpressRail will help ensure our port remains one of the region's leading source of jobs and economic activity and the East Coast's premier shipping destination." Port Authority Executive Director Chris Ward said, "The competition for port business is intense, and we must find creative ways to maintain our competitive edge during difficult economic times. With ports up and down the East Coast competing for a greater share of the international cargo business, we believe incentives such as this one will help level the playing field and allow us to maintain our standing as the East Coast's No. 1 port." During 2008, the Port of New York and New Jersey set a new record for its on-dock rail system, transporting 377,827 containers for the year, a nearly 6 percent increase over 2007. This year, due to the national economic downturn, cargo business is down approximately 17 percent in the first quarter, resulting in a corresponding decline in rail business. But the Port Authority is looking to the future, and is currently working to upgrade its ExpressRail facilities in Newark, Elizabeth and Staten Island. This summer, two major projects are scheduled for completion - the opening of a second lead track into ExpressRail Elizabeth, and the completion of a rail support facility along Corbin Street. These projects will nearly double the port's rail capacity and improve overall rail service. (The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey - posted 6/26) NTSB ISSUES UPDATE ON INVESTIGATION INTO COLLISION OF TWO METRORAIL TRAINS IN WASHINGTON, D.C.: The National Transportation Safety Board continues to make progress in its investigation of the June 22, 2009, accident involving the collision of two Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) trains on the Red Line in Washington, D.C. The Board has developed the following factual information: Investigators found metal to metal compression streak marks on both rails of the track for about 125 feet ending near the approximate point of impact, consistent with heavy braking. Investigators conducted tests at the accident site last night with a similar train and found that when the train was stopped at the same location as the stopped struck train, the train control system lost detection of the test train. The train control system is complex and will require a thorough investigation of all components. Investigators are continuing to examine trackside circuits and train control system data to understand how the train control system functioned on the day of the accident. Investigators have collected recorder data from the struck train. Data was recovered from eight of the nine recorders on the struck train. Data could not be downloaded from one recorder. Two of the eight recorders did not contain data related to the accident; data collection ended before the accident for undetermined reasons. The accident data is now being examined by investigators in the Safety Board's laboratory. The striking train did not have any onboard accident data recorders. The operator of the struck train was interviewed earlier today. He said that he operated his train in manual mode during his entire shift that afternoon. He said that he saw a train in front of him and stopped to wait for the train to clear. While stopped, he said that he felt a hard push from behind. Investigators are continuing to document evidence at the accident site and intend to conduct sight distance tests, using similar trains to those involved in the accident. Parties to the NTSB investigation include WMATA, the Federal Transit Administration, the Amalgamated Transit Union, and the Tri-State Oversight Committee. (NTSB - posted 6/25) RAIL FREIGHT TRAFFIC TRENDS DOWN AGAIN: Freight traffic on U.S. railroads remained down for the week ended June 20 compared with the same period last year, the Association of American Railroads reported today. U.S railroads reported originating 261,717 cars, down 17.7 percent from the same week in 2008. Regionally, carloadings were down 11.9 percent in the West and 25.2 percent in the East. Intermodal volume of 187,759 trailers or containers was down 17.8 percent from the same week last year. Container volume fell 12 percent and trailer volume dropped 39.0 percent. Total volume on U.S. railroads for the week ending June 20 was estimated at 27.7 billion ton-miles, off 16.6 percent from the same week last year. Eighteen of 19 carload freight commodity groups were down from last year, with declines ranging from 1.8 percent for farm products other than grain to 65.4 percent for metallic ores. The lone group showing an increase was the catch-all category labeled "all other carloads" which was up 11.9 percent. For the first 24 weeks of 2009, U.S. railroads reported cumulative volume of 6,323,360 carloads, down 19.4 percent from 2008; 4,458,136 trailers or containers, down 16.9 percent; and total volume of an estimated 671.0 billion ton-miles, down 18.3 percent. Canadian railroads reported volume of 59,912 cars for the week, down 23.7 percent from last year, and 39,574 trailers or containers, down 18.2 percent. For the first 24 weeks of 2009, Canadian railroads reported cumulative volume of 1,419,664 carloads, down 24.1 percent from last year; and 967,286 trailers or containers, down 15.3 percent. Mexican railroads reported originated volume of 13,291 cars, down 8.1 percent from the same week last year, and 4,816 trailers or containers, off 19.6 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for the first 24 weeks of 2009 was reported as 269,451 carloads, down 14.2 percent from last year; and 114,461 trailers or containers, down 20.9 percent. Combined North American rail volume for the first 24 weeks of 2009 on 14 reporting U.S., Canadian and Mexican railroads totaled 8,012,475 carloads, down 20.1 percent from last year, and 5,539,883 trailers and containers, down 16.8 percent from last year. (AAR - posted 6/25) RAILROAD PUBLISHER HAL CARSTENS OBIT: Harold H. Carstens, president of Carstens Publications, Inc. and publisher of Railfan & Railroad and Railroad Model Craftsman magazines, died at his home in Newton, New Jersey on June 23, 2009. Hal made significant contributions to the hobby and was greatly admired by many. His column "Publisher's Desk" which appeared at the beginning of each issue of Railfan & Railroad was always interesting, as well as the vintage photos he included in the column. Hal was a popular guest speaker at banquets and other gatherings, and his presentation of photos he took in the 1930s and during World War II were outstanding. Hal will be missed by many railfans and modelers alike (Alex Mayes - posted 6/24) NEW TRAIN SCHEDULES TAKE EFFECT JULY 13 ON METRO-NORTH'S HUDSON AND NEW HAVEN LINES: Construction and track work on the Hudson Line and the Danbury and Waterbury branches of the New Haven Line will require a new schedule, effective July 13. There are no schedule changes on the Harlem Line. On the Upper Hudson Line, completion of track work between Beacon and Poughkeepsie results in the end of temporary schedule changes that have been in effect since April 5th. Also to accommodate future track maintenance outages, the schedule pattern for off-peak and weekend trains from Poughkeepsie to Grand Central is being changed from 33 minutes past each hour to 40 minutes past each hour. In some cases, weekend travel times are shortened by one minute to reflect actual running times. Progress on the station rehabilitation project at Philipse Manor, Scarborough and Ossining will require substitute bus service for about a year at Philipse Manor and Scarborough for AM Reverse Peak and PM Reverse Peak customers. About two dozen customers will have travel time increases up to 20 minutes. Tie replacement and bridge maintenance on the Waterbury Branch requires the suspension of train service between Bridgeport and Waterbury from July 13 through August 14. Substitute buses will replace 15 weekday trains and 10 weekend trains, resulting in longer travel times for all customers on the Waterbury Branch. Another tie replacement project on the Danbury Branch requires mid-day substitute busing for six weekday trains between South Norwalk and Danbury from September 7 through mid-October. Station signs on these service changes will be posted for customers at specific stations. The next East of Hudson schedule change will be effective Sunday, October 18, 2009. New timetables are available at Grand Central Terminal's Information Booth, at all outlying ticket office and on line at the website: www.mta.info (Metro North - posted 6/23) B&O RAILROAD MUSEUM TRAIN RIDE NOW STOPS AT THE MOUNT CLARE MUSEUM HOUSE: On Saturdays beginning July 11, 2009, the Mile One Express train ride at the B&O Railroad Museum (Baltimore, Md) will depart at 11:30 a.m. and will stop at the newly constructed Whistle Stop Gateway at Mount Clare Museum House where up to 30 passengers will be able to tour the historic Georgian home of Charles Carroll, Barrister. The preserved museum house, Mount Clare, situated in Carroll Park on Baltimore’s West Side, was constructed in 1760 in the center of a 1,000 acre estate owned by Charles Carroll, Barrister and his wife Margaret Tilghman Carroll. In 1828 James Maccubbin Carroll, heir and nephew of Charles Carroll, Barrister, offered the newly formed Baltimore and Ohio Railroad a parcel of his property to establish a right-of-way and depot that formed the first railroad right of way in the Western Hemisphere. Mount Clare Museum House has been operated as a museum by the Maryland Society of The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America since 1917. A National Historic Landmark, one of Maryland’s finest examples of a Georgian country estate, and Baltimore’s oldest house, the museum contains a world-renowned collection of original family furnishings, providing an accurate and intimate interpretation of the grand style of 18th century colonial living. “It is with much pride that we will be able to offer visitors to the B&O Railroad Museum a train ride to a significant destination showcasing one of Baltimore’s great historical treasures that played an integral role in Baltimore’s history and the establishment of America’s first railroad.” said Courtney Wilson, executive director of the B&O Railroad Museum. The Whistle Stop Gateway was funded by grants from The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, The Baltimore City Heritage Area Association with operating support from the William G. Baker Fund of the Baltimore Community Foundation. (B&O Museum - posted 6/23) TWO WASHINGTON METRO TRAINS COLLIDE: Two six-car Red Line trains collided at 5 p.m. today, Monday, June 22, resulting in six fatalities, including a female train operator. There were also several injuries, many serious, according reports from the scene. This is the deadliest accident in Metrorail’s 33-year history. Metro officials recommend that people avoid the Red Line the remainder of Monday and Tuesday, or expect significant delays as the area of track involved in the accident will remain closed to train traffic. Trains are operating between Glenmont and Silver Spring Metrorail stations and between Shady Grove and Rhode Island Avenue Metrorail stations for the remainder of the day. Free shuttle buses are operating between Silver Spring and Rhode Island Avenue Metrorail stations to help customers get around the incident. Metro officials are working hand-in-hand with the National Transportation Safety Board. People who believe that their relatives may have been on board the train can contact Metropolitan Police at 311 to find out which hospital they have been taken to for medical assistance. A family reunification center has been established at 501 Riggs Road, NE, in Washington. “This is an incredibly tragic day and our hearts go out to the families of those who suffered fatalities and to those whose loved ones are injured,” said Metro General Manager John Catoe. “We are committed to investigate this accident until we determine why this happened and what must be done to ensure it never happens again,” Metro officials do not yet know the cause of the collision and are not likely to know the cause for several days as the investigation unfolds. Both trains were on the same track headed toward Shady Grove Metrorail station, according to preliminary reports. The female operator was on the trailing train. The only other time in Metrorail’s history that there were customer fatalities was in January 1982, when three people died as a result of a derailment between the Federal Triangle and Smithsonian Metrorail stations. The only other time that Metrorail had a collision was in 2004 when two trains collided at the Woodley Park/Zoo-Adams Morgan Metrorail station, in which there were some minor injuries. (Washington Metro - posted 6/22) THE END FOR KODACHROME FILM:: Sales of KODACHROME Film, which became the world’s first commercially successful color film in 1935, have declined dramatically in recent years as photographers turned to newer KODAK Films or to the digital imaging technologies that Kodak pioneered. Today, KODACHROME Film represents just a fraction of one percent of Kodak’s total sales of still-picture films. “KODACHROME Film is an iconic product and a testament to Kodak’s long and continuing leadership in imaging technology,” said Mary Jane Hellyar, President of Kodak’s Film, Photofinishing and Entertainment Group. "It was certainly a difficult decision to retire it, given its rich history. However, the majority of today's photographers have voiced their preference to capture images with newer technology – both film and digital. Kodak remains committed to providing the highest-performing products – both film and digital – to meet those needs." While Kodak now derives about 70% of its revenues from commercial and consumer digital businesses, it is the global leader in the film business. Kodak has continued to bring innovative new film products to market, including seven new professional still films and several new VISION2 and VISION3 motion picture films in the past three years.These new still film products are among those that have become the dominant choice for those professional and advanced amateur photographers who use KODAK Films. Among the well-known professional photographers who used KODACHROME Film is Steve McCurry, whose picture of a young Afghan girl captured the hearts of millions of people around the world as she peered hauntingly from the cover of National Geographic Magazine in 1985. As part of a tribute to KODACHROME Film, Kodak will donate the last rolls of the film to George Eastman House International Museum of Photography and Film in Rochester, which houses the world’s largest collection of cameras and related artifacts. McCurry will shoot one of those last rolls and the images will be donated to Eastman House. “The early part of my career was dominated by KODACHROME Film, and I reached for that film to shoot some of my most memorable images,” said McCurry. “While KODACHROME Film was very good to me, I have since moved on to other films and digital to create my images. In fact, when I returned to shoot the ‘Afghan Girl’ 17 years later, I used KODAK PROFESSIONAL EKTACHROME Film E100VS to create that image, rather than KODACHROME Film as with the original.” For all of its magic, KODACHROME is a complex film to manufacture and an even more complex film to process. There is only one remaining photofinishing lab in the world – Dwayne’s Photo in Parsons, Kansas – that processes KODACHROME Film, precisely because of the difficulty of processing. This lack of widespread processing availability, as well as the features of newer films introduced by Kodak over the years, has accelerated the decline of demand for KODACHROME Film. During its run, KODACHROME Film filled a special niche in the annals of the imaging world. It was used to capture some of the best-known photographs in history, while also being the film of choice for family slide shows of the Baby Boom generation. To celebrate the film’s storied history, Kodak has created a gallery of iconic images, including the Afghan girl and other McCurry photos, as well as others from professional photographers Eric Meola and Peter Guttman on its website: www.kodak.com/go/kodachrometribute. Special podcasts featuring McCurry and Guttman will also be featured on the website. Kodak estimates that current supplies of KODACHROME Film will last until early this fall at the current sales pace. Dwayne’s Photo has indicated it will continue to offer processing for the film through 2010. Current KODACHROME Film users are encouraged to try other KODAK Films, such as KODAK PROFESSIONAL EKTACHROME E100G and EKTAR 100 Film. These films both feature extremely fine grain. For more information, please visit www.kodak.com/go/professional. (KodAK - posted 6/22) NJ TRANSIT SET TO FULLY RESTORE HISTORIC RUTHERFORD STATION: U.S. Representative Steven R. Rothman and NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Richard Sarles joined Rutherford Mayor John F. Hipp today at the historic Rutherford Station on the Bergen County Line to mark the completion of exterior renovations and announce the start of interior restoration work that will preserve the building as both a transit facility and community landmark. "I am pleased to have delivered federal funding to the people of Rutherford to make this project possible and maintain the integrity and history of the train station,” Congressman Rothman said. “We have not only restored the building's century-old elegance, but we have also made it useful again, preventing even costlier repairs down the road." NJ TRANSIT kicked off the first phase of the two-phase project in May 2008, with the Board of Directors awarding a $1.4 million contract to DMR Construction Services Inc., of Waldwick, NJ, to restore the original exterior of the historic station. In May 2009, the Board authorized a $988,000 contract with Collette Contracting, Inc., of Rutherford, for construction work on the second phase of the project—expected to be completed in spring 2010—to refurbish the interior of the station. “The exterior improvements to Rutherford Station have helped to restore and preserve one of New Jersey’s historic assets, while ensuring the useful life of the station for residents and riders,” said Transportation Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Board Chairman Stephen Dilts. “With the federal funds secured by Congressman Rothman, we are now starting on the interior work that will result in a fully restored Rutherford Station.” “The restoration of Rutherford Station demonstrates our commitment to maintaining safe and comfortable transit facilities for our customers,” said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Richard Sarles. “We greatly appreciate Congressman Rothman’s ongoing support of NJ TRANSIT, and we are gratified that he was able to secure the funding that has allowed us to begin the second phase of this restoration project,” said Sarles. “The Rutherford Train Station is a significant piece of the Borough’s history and a beloved focal point of our community,” said Mayor Hipp. “We are pleased that the work to preserve the station’s exterior has been completed, and we thank Congressman Rothman for securing the funding that is allowing for the interior restoration as well.” The recently completed exterior work included design and restoration of masonry; thorough cleaning of brick, sandstone, limestone and bluestone; restoration of the copper-clad window enclosure; and repair and replacement of window sills, doors, exterior columns and soffits. Interior work is being funded entirely with $1.9 million in federal funding secured by Congressman Rothman, and will include restoration of the main station building’s ceiling and floors, windows, doors, wood benches, plaster surfaces, and wood frames and moldings, as well as the replacement of exterior windows and doors in the taxi stand building. Listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places, Rutherford Station was constructed in 1898 and serves approximately 1,030 customers on a typical weekday (NJ Transit - posted 6/22) CSXT TRACK REHAB BLITZ: Beginning on Monday, June 29, and running through Monday, July 6, CSXT Engineering forces will begin the rehabilitation of the main line on the Big Sandy, Kingsport, and Blue Ridge subdivisions. The line between Beaver Junction, Ky., on the Big Sandy subdivision and Spartanburg, S.C., on the Blue Ridge subdivision will be largely shut down for the eight-day duration of the project. Work will begin at 7 a.m. on Monday, June 29, and finish at 7 p.m. on Monday, July 6. Service will resume beginning on Tuesday, July 7. During this shutdown, 1,000 maintenance-of-way employees, including the tie, rail, curve patch teams, along with division track and bridge forces, will install 191,058 linear feet of rail and 101,355 ties. They will surface 51 track miles. If performed under the normal curfew process, this work would involve approximately 40 weeks of significant service disruption to install the rail and 20 weeks to install the ties. (CSXT - posted 6/19) RAIL FREIGHT TRAFFIC CONTINUES TO SHOW SLIGHT IMPROVEMENT: Freight traffic on U.S. railroads during the week ended June 13 continued to show signs of gradual improvement, the Association of American Railroads reported today. Rail carloadings and intermodal were up from the previous week with carloads at their highest level in 10 weeks. While traffic showed signs of improvement from the previous week, compared year over year traffic remains down. U.S railroads reported originating 261,956 cars, up 0.6 percent from the previous week this year, but down 19 percent from the same week in 2008. Regionally, carloadings were down 14.7 percent in the West and 24.8 percent in the East. Intermodal volume of 189,508 trailers or containers was up 0.4 percent from the previous week, but was down 17 percent from the same week last year. Container volume fell 11.5 percent and trailer volume dropped 37.0 percent. Total volume on U.S. railroads for the week ending June 13 was estimated at 27.7 billion ton-miles, off 17.8 percent from the same week last year. Eighteen of 19 carload freight commodity groups were down from last year, with declines ranging from 5.5 percent for coal to 61.4 percent for metals and products. The lone group showing an increase was farm products other than grain which was up 4.8 percent. For the first 23 weeks of 2009, U.S. railroads reported cumulative volume of 6,061,643 carloads, down 19.5 percent from 2008; 4,270,377 trailers or containers, down 16.9 percent; and total volume of an estimated 643.3 billion ton-miles, down 16.9 percent. Canadian railroads reported volume of 56,978 cars for the week, down 26.6 percent from last year, and 39,081 trailers or containers, down 18.8 percent. For the first twenty-three weeks of 2009, Canadian railroads reported cumulative volume of 1,359,752 carloads, down 24.1 percent from last year; and 927,712 trailers or containers, down 15.2 percent. Mexican railroads reported originated volume of 12,441 cars, down 14.4 percent from last year's twenty-third week, and 4,762 trailers or containers, off 29.0 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for the first twenty-three weeks of 2009 was reported as 256,160 carloads, down 14.5 percent from last year; and 109,645 trailers or containers, down 21.0 percent. Combined North American rail volume for the first twenty-three weeks of 2009 on 14 reporting U.S., Canadian and Mexican railroads totaled 7,677,555 carloads, down 20.2 percent from last year, and 5,307,734 trailers and containers, down 16.7 percent from last year. (AAR - posted 6/18) U.S. TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY LAHOOD ANNOUNCES GUIDELINES FOR RECEIVING ECONOMIC RECOVERY FUNDS FOR HIGH SPEED RAIL: The Department of Transportation moved another step closer to realizing President Obama’s vision for high-speed rail in America today, publishing guidelines for states and regions to apply for federal funds as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. “The time has finally come for the United States to get serious about building a national network of high-speed rail corridors we can all be proud of,” Secretary Ray LaHood said. “High-speed rail can reduce traffic congestion and link up with light rail, subways and buses to make travel more convenient and our communities more livable.” The historic commitment to revitalizing the nation’s rail lines by creating high- speed corridors and improving existing service between cities includes an $8 billion competitive grant program and a continuing $1 billion annual investment proposed in the President’s budget. “Rail travel will encourage economic growth and create new domestic manufacturing jobs, while reducing pressure on our highways and airways,” said Federal Railroad Administrator Joseph Szabo. “In addition to the economic advantages, trains are energy-efficient, capable of reducing billions of pounds of carbons each year from being released into our atmosphere and reducing our country’s reliance on oil.” Officials from the USDOT and Federal Railroad Administration met with more than 1,000 people across the country to receive input in preparation for developing the program’s grant application guidelines. Vice President Biden and Secretary LaHood also heard from governors and state transportation chiefs at the White House on June 3 about how they hoped to boost their economies with improved passenger rail service. The guidelines, which can be found at http://www.fra.dot.gov/us/content/2243 , require rigorous financial and environmental planning to make sure projects are worthy of investment and likely to be successful. The program will offer grants for both planning and construction so that states can apply for funds no matter what stage of development their project is in. (USDOT - posted 6/17) GE'S EVOLUTION SERIES LOCOMOTIVES DELIVERS 6% FUEL ADVANTAGE OVER COMPETITOR: GE Transportation announced today the results of a head-to-head fuel test between GE’s Evolution® ES44AC and EMD’s SD70ACe Tier 2 emissions-compliant locomotives. According to an independent research study GE’s locomotives are over 6% more fuel-efficient compared to their EMD counterparts. “We invested $400 million over eight years to develop the most technologically advanced, fuel-efficient and low-emissions freight locomotive to-date,” said Lorenzo Simonelli, President and CEO of GE Transportation. “Fuel-efficiency delivers a real competitive advantage to our railway customers around the world as they lower their operating costs and minimize their carbon footprint worldwide.” Added Simonelli: “This test result further validates our investment strategy. We designed the Evolution Series Locomotive as a platform for long-term growth. In accordance with our plan, this locomotive already has become a global standard of excellence -- dynamically adapting to serve a diverse range of markets and environments. Furthermore, our leading-edge engine design and computerized controls technology puts us in strong position for future development in areas such as emissions reduction, fuel savings, alternative fuel use as well as hybrid and passenger locomotives.” Based on the 6% fuel savings, the equivalent Green House Gas (GHG) reduction from operating GE’s Evolution Locomotive compared to EMD’s SD70ACe would be more than 200 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year, or more than 4,000 tons over the 20-year life of the locomotive. That means that each Evolution Locomotive has an annual positive GHG impact equivalent to removing 35 cars from the road, or planting 55 acres of trees. GE Transportation has delivered more than 3,200 Evolution Series locomotives to its railway customers operating in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, China, Australia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan and Egypt. Approximately 17,000 GE locomotives, including the Evolution Series Locomotives, are in use in more than 50 countries around the world. (GE - posted 6/17) SAMUEL SPENDER STATUE FINDS HOME IN FRONT OF GOODE BUILDING: A 99-year-old bronze statue of Samuel Spencer, first president of Norfolk Southern predecessor Southern Railway, has been relocated from an Atlanta city park and placed in front of the David R. Goode Building. Some 30,000 employees voluntarily contributed funds for a memorial to Spencer following his tragic death in a rear-end train collision in Virginia in 1906. Daniel Chester French, a notable American sculptor who created the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., was commissioned to create the statue. It was unveiled in May 1910 on the plaza at Atlanta’s Terminal Station and ceremoniously presented to the state of Georgia and the city of Atlanta. It remained there for 60 years, until it was moved to Southern’s Peachtree Station in July 1970. In 1996, as part of preparations for the Summer Olympics, the statue was relocated to Hardy Ivy Park downtown. Movement to its present midtown setting was arranged by agreement with the city of Atlanta and Norfolk Southern. Over his career, Spencer served as president of six railroads. But his first railroad job came in 1869 as a surveying crew rodman for the Savannah & Western, a Central of Georgia predecessor. He became the first president of Southern Railway in 1894. During his 12-year tenure, the railway’s mileage doubled, its annual passengers quadrupled to 12 million, and its earnings increased from $17 million to $54 million. Spencer’s passes (including one signed by Robert Todd Lincoln, son of the president) and pocket carrying case were removed from the train wreckage in which he died and today are displayed in the NS Museum in Norfolk. The statue depicts Spencer in an office chair, perched high atop a marble pedestal in front of the glass facade of the Goode Building. Just on the other side of the glass inside the building lobby is another historic icon of the company, a replica of the 1830 Best Friend of Charleston, first steam locomotive built in America for regular service on a railroad, on loan from the city of Charleston, S.C (NS- posted 6/16) GENESEE & WYOMING, INC ANNOUNCES INTENT TO DISCONTINUE OPERATIONS OF HURSON CENTRAL RAILWAY: Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (GWI) today announced that its subsidiary Huron Central Railway Inc. (HCRY) intends to discontinue operations. The downturn in the economy has caused the Huron Central's traffic to decline substantially over the last 12 months, to the point that the railroad is not economically viable to operate for the long term. GWI expects to record charges in the second quarter of up to approximately $5.3 million after tax, or $0.15 per share, reflecting the non-cash write-down of non-current assets of approximately $7.1 million and cash costs associated with the cessation of HCRY operations ranging from $0.4 million to $1.9 million, which GWI expects to be partially offset by cash tax benefits of approximately $3.7 million. In the year ended December 31, 2008, HCRY handled approximately 16,000 carloads, generated revenues of $7.4 million and incurred a $2.1 million operating loss, thereby reducing GWI's diluted earnings per share by approximately $0.04. HCRY has operated the 173-mile railroad from Sudbury to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, under a lease agreement with Canadian Pacific Railway since 1997. The companies are working closely together and with customers to effect an orderly cessation of operations. HCRY will cease operations between McKerrow and Sault Ste. Marie on August 15, 2009. It will continue operation of the eastern segment of the railroad from Sudbury to McKerrow and Espanola until October 31, 2009. The closure will ultimately eliminate 45 jobs at HCRY (GWI- posted 6/15) NJ TRANSIT APPROVES EXTERIOR WORK ON CHATHAM STATION: The NJ TRANSIT Board of Directors approved work to renovate the exterior of Chatham Station on the Morris & Essex Lines—a project that will offer improved facilities for customers while extending the useful life of the station and shelter buildings. “It is important to continue investing in New Jersey’s rail stations, as they are assets to the residents and communities they serve,” said Transportation Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Board Chairman Stephen Dilts. The Board authorized a $988,000 contract with Cumberland USA, Inc. of Saddle Brook, NJ, for construction work to repair and replace the roof system, including new roof tiles and soffits; upgrade the electrical system and outside canopy lighting; replace the existing gutters and leaders; install new wiring and exterior speakers, including those located in the pedestrian tunnel; and restore the masonry and concrete surfaces of the eastbound and westbound station buildings. “The renovation of Chatham Station is an example of our commitment to maintaining our customer facilities and infrastructure in a state of good repair,” said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Richard Sarles. Chatham Station was constructed in 1915 and serves approximately 1,500 customers on a typical weekday. Construction is expected to begin this summer, with completion anticipated in spring 2010. (NJ Transit - posted 6/12) GENESEE & WYOMING'S SECOND QUARTER RESULTS: Genesee & Wyoming Inc. today updated its outlook for the second quarter of 2009.
RAIL FREIGHT TRAFFIC SHOWING SLIGHT IMPROVEMENT: Showing slight signs of a slowly improving economy, rail carloadings on major U.S. railroads last week were at their highest level in nine weeks, the Association of American Railroads reported today. U.S. railroads originated 260,282 cars during the week ended June 6, down 19.8 percent from the same week in 2008, with loadings down 16.5 percent in the West and 24.4 percent in the East. Intermodal volume of 188,801 trailers or containers was off 20.1 percent from the same period last year, with container volume falling 15.3 percent and trailer volume dropping 37.7 percent. Eighteen of 19 carload commodity groups were down from last year, with declines ranging from 6.7 percent for grain mill products to 68.2 percent for metallic ores. The lone group showing an increase was the catch-all category labeled “all other carloads” which was up 24.4 percent. Total volume was estimated at 27.7 billion ton-miles, down 18.8 percent from 2008. For the first 22 weeks of 2009, U.S. railroads reported cumulative volume of 5,799,687 carloads, down 19.5 percent from the same period in 2008. In addition, 4,080,869 trailers or containers were down 16.9 percent, and total volume of an estimated 615.6 billion ton-miles, down 18.4 percent. Canadian railroads reported volume of 55,914 cars for the week, down 27.9 percent from the same period last year, and 39,357 trailers or containers, down 19.7 percent. For the first 14 weeks of 2009, Canadian railroads reported cumulative volume of 1,302,774 carloads, down 24 percent from last year; and 888,631 trailers or containers, down 15 percent. Mexican railroads reported originated volume of 11,791 cars, down 19.9 percent from the same period last year, and 4,634 trailers or containers, down 21.9 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for the first 14 weeks of 2009 was reported as 243,719 carloads, down 14.5 percent from the same period last year; and 104,883 trailers or containers, down 20.6 percent. Combined North-American rail volume for the first 22 weeks of 2009 on 14 reporting U.S., Canadian and Mexican railroads totaled 7,346,180 carloads, down 20.2 percent from the same period last year, and 5,074,383 trailers and containers, down 16.7 percent from last year. (AAR - posted 6/11) NJ TRANSIT APPROVES PURCHASE OF NEW ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVES The NJ TRANSIT Board of Directors today approved the purchase of nine additional electric locomotives—for a total order of 36—that will provide better acceleration and reliability while pulling the agency’s growing fleet of multilevel rail cars. “The new electric locomotives are a cost-effective way of enabling NJ TRANSIT to modernize its fleet and meet growing ridership needs,” said Transportation Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Board Chairman Stephen Dilts. In December 2007, the Board authorized a $245 million contract with Bombardier Transit Corporation of Bensalem, PA, for the purchase of 27 ALP-46A electric locomotives, including spare parts, with the option to purchase additional locomotives in the future. Today’s Board action enables the agency to purchase an additional nine ALP-46A electric locomotives and spare parts at a cost of $72 million. “The total order of ALP-46A locomotives will enable NJ TRANSIT to replace all or a portion of its aging ALP-44 fleet, which will improve reliability and performance,” said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Richard Sarles. NJ TRANSIT currently operates a fleet of 32 ALP-44 electric locomotives and 29 ALP-46 electric locomotives. The ALP-46A electric locomotives on order pull longer train lengths with better acceleration than other NJ TRANSIT locomotives. For example, the new ALP-46A electric locomotive is capable of pulling 10 multilevel cars in regular service, while the older ALP-44 electric locomotive currently can pull only six multilevel cars. The first ALP-46A electric locomotives are expected to arrive early next year, with complete delivery anticipated in mid-2011. (NJ Transit - posted 6/10) CSXT AND PSEG POWER BRING ULTRA-LOW EMISSION LOCOMOTIVES TO NEW JERSEY: CSX Transportation (CSXT) and PSEG Power met this afternoon with state and local officials at the Trenton Transit Center to unveil new ultra-low emission GenSet locomotives to be operated in New Jersey. The GenSet locomotives, manufactured by National Railway Equipment Company, reduce nitrous oxide and particulate matter emissions by 80 percent and can create carbon dioxide emissions savings of approximately 50 percent by monitoring engine idling and switching to "sleep" mode after a period of inactivity. "Clean air is good for New Jersey, it's good for our company and employees, and it's good for America," said Skip Elliott, vice president of public safety and environment, CSXT. "We are proud to operate this GenSet switching locomotive, the first of its kind to be based permanently in New Jersey." A total of three GenSet locomotives will be purchased in partnership by PSEG Power and CSXT. Instead of a large, single diesel engine and generator, the units have two smaller, EPA certified, ultra-clean diesel generators which automatically power up to produce only the force needed to pull the required load. "PSEG Power is always seeking opportunities to bring environmentally responsible, cost-effective technologies to New Jersey," said Eric Svenson, Jr., the company's vice president for environment, health and safety. "Through our partnership with CSXT, we will be able to tangibly improve New Jersey's air quality for years to come." The GenSet locomotives will be used to switch cars within CSXT's yards in New Jersey and can also be utilized for road switching service. GenSet locomotives are significantly quieter than existing locomotives; they achieve the most stringent noise level requirements for off-road capital equipment. CSXT has invested more than $1 billion to upgrade its locomotive fleet with technology that reduces fuel consumption and air pollutant emissions. Through these efforts, the company has improved its fuel efficiency by approximately 80 percent since 1980. (CSXT - posted 6/10) BRUSSELS TRAMS TO OPERATE DURING 2010 WINTER OLYMPIC GAMES: Bombardier Transportation and Brussels Public Transport Company STIB (Societe des Transports Intercommunaux de Bruxelles) are teaming up with the City of Vancouver (British Columbia, Canada) to give North America a taste of European light rail technology. The partners continue preparations for a unique streetcar demonstration project that will help the city provide public transit service during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Bombardier and STIB officials shared details of the project during the 58th UITP World Congress and Mobility & City Transport Exhibition in Vienna, Austria this week. Speaking from the UITP event, Alain Flausch, Chief Executive Officer of STIB, commented: "We are very pleased to contribute to this initiative with our beautifully-designed, award-winning BOMBARDIER FLEXITY trams. It allows us to share with both residents of Vancouver and visitors to the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games our enthusiasm about the high level of comfort, style and performance the riders of our Brussels' Public Transport service enjoy every day." STIB and Bombardier are collaborating with Vancouver to ship two of STIB's 100% low-floor FLEXITY trams to the city by sea in late 2009. The FLEXITY product platform represents the leading edge in light rail technology and moves thousands of people each day in Brussels and other cities across Europe. In Vancouver, the vehicles will operate seven days a week on the demonstration line between January 21 and March 21, 2010 near Vancouver's Olympic and Paralympic Village. The streetcars will run on an existing track the city is now upgrading to accommodate both the project and a possible future streetcar line. The line will be operated and maintained by Bombardier as a unique service for the city. "European cities have enjoyed the benefits of modern streetcars for decades," said Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson. "Green transportation options - including streetcars - need to be part of our urban transportation solutions in Vancouver. We're delighted to be working with Bombardier and Brussels on this exciting streetcar demonstration project." (Bombardier - posted 6/10) CSX CONGRATULATES NEW YORK CITY ON HIGH LINE OPENING: CSX Transportation today congratulated the City of New York and Friends of the High Line on the opening of the High Line, an urban park that the City has created on an elevated Manhattan rail line donated by CSX Transportation in 2005. When all sections are complete, the High Line would be a 1.5-mile park 30 feet above the city surface and running through the trendy West Side neighborhoods of the Meat Packing District and surrounding areas. The High Line opened in 1934 to New York Central trains, and later became part of CSX Transportation when the company obtained control of some of Conrail's assets. "This is a wonderful example of how former railroad lines can be preserved to benefit communities," said Tony Ingram, executive vice president and chief operating officer. "We are pleased to see that this line has been converted into a great resource for residents, tourists and the city overall." (CSX - posted 6/09) GO TRANSIT SERVICE TO NIAGARA FALLS: Visitors to Niagara Falls will have another way to get there this summer - by GO Train. For the first time, GO Transit will run seasonal weekend and holiday train service to Niagara Region starting Saturday, June 27. Ontario Minister of Transportation Jim Bradley announced this special service at a news conference in Niagara Falls in May. The excursion service will offer four train trips daily in each direction on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from June 27 through to Thanksgiving weekend, October 12. The two-hour trip will run between Union Station in downtown Toronto, Port Credit GO Station, Oakville GO Station, Burlington GO Station, St. Catharines VIA Rail station, and Niagara Falls VIA Rail station. An adult single ride fare from Union Station to Niagara Falls will be $15.90. "This new GO rail service will bring tourists to Niagara's wineries, restaurants, and attractions such as the incomparable Niagara Falls. Our government is expanding public transit across the province, making investments that build our economic infrastructure and put people to work," said Minister Bradley. GO's new service offers visitors another alternative to driving to this popular destination area. To make it convenient for weekend and holiday outings, families and groups traveling to or from Niagara Falls will have the option of staying overnight on a Group Pass. "Expanding to this new service area presents a unique opportunity for us and for visitors to both Niagara and Toronto," said GO Transit Managing Director Gary McNeil. "GO is a comfortable, convenient way to travel and we're excited to be launching this service in time for the busy summer season." Visit the Niagara Falls page at gotransit.com for more information, including fare and schedule information and details about connections to local transit and attractions. GO also recently announced weekday and weekend bus service to Niagara Falls starting this September. Bus fares will be the same as the train fares and a full schedule will be available soon. Schedule and fare information for the weekend and holiday rail service to Niagara Falls is detailed below. For more information on GO services, the public can call 416.869.3200, 1.888.GET ON GO (438.6646), 1.800.387.3652 TTY, or check the Niagara Falls page at gotransit.com. (GO Transit - posted 6/09) NEW JERSEY BREAKS GROUND ON NATION'S LARGEST TRANSIT PROJECT: Building upon the region’s rich legacy of major public transportation assets, Governor Jon S. Corzine, Senators Frank R. Lautenberg and Robert Menendez, FTA Administrator Peter Rogoff and a group of other federal, state and local officials today broke ground on the Mass Transit Tunnel project, the largest transit public works project in America. “Today’s groundbreaking represents an historic $8.7 billion dollar transit infrastructure project, the largest in the nation,” Governor Corzine said “It will create thousands of jobs for hardworking families across the region, promote better mobility and provide enormous environmental benefits. Thanks to Senators Frank Lautenberg and Bob Menendez, New Jersey’s champions of mass-transit and infrastructure, for securing this funding that is a transportation imperative for the state, the region and the nation.” The $8.7 billion Mass Transit Tunnel (MTT) project, being built in partnership with the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, is expected to generate and sustain 6,000 jobs through the construction phase of two new rail tunnels under the Hudson River, an expanded New York Penn Station and other key elements, reinvigorating the link between New Jersey and New York and benefiting the regional economy with improved mobility. It is expected to create 44,000 permanent jobs. U.S. Senators Lautenberg, Menendez and Governor Corzine also announced a major funding agreement with the Obama Administration that enables the initial phases of the project to advance with federal funding support. The Early Systems Work Agreement (ESWA) provides $1.35 billion in funding for the early phases of the project, about half of which is from federal sources including the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). “The Obama Administration is thrilled to partner with New Jersey to build this truly transformational investment,” said Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff. “It will improve the lives of thousands by shortening their commute. And best of all, it will create jobs now! The Obama Administration is committed to seeing this project through to its completion.” “With today’s ground breaking, it’s not just show time – it's go time,” Senator Frank R. Lautenberg said. “People are fed up with traffic and congestion and this new tunnel will bring relief. President Obama has agreed to be our partner in this critical effort because he understands that this tunnel is not just important to our region, but to the whole nation. I’m proud we secured the federal funding to make this project a reality and I will keep fighting for the resources we need to get the job done.” Today’s $1.35 billion agreement includes a down payment of $400 million of funding from the Federal Transit Administration (towards a $3 billion FTA commitment), $130 million in federal stimulus funds, and $125 million in Federal Highway congestion mitigation funds. Senator Robert Menendez said, “As we start digging this tunnel, we’re helping to dig out of our economic crisis. As we’re getting underway, we’re seeing the Recovery Act pay dividends right now—and we’re literally laying the groundwork for recovery. The tunnel is a prime example of a mass transit project that we can get going immediately, bringing money back to our state, making our commutes faster and our air cleaner—and most importantly, creating tens of thousands of jobs.” “The awarding of $130 million in stimulus dollars highlights how important the ARC Mass Transit Tunnel project is not just to New Jersey, but to our nation’s leaders in Washington,” said Congressman Albio Sires, District 13. “Construction of the project could not come at a better time; the project will put thousands of people back to work and will jump start the region’s economy.” The Mass Transit Tunnel project will double trans-Hudson River rail capacity by adding two new single-track tunnels – supplementing the existing two tracks that opened for service in 1910 and now are pushed to their functional limits each commuting day – as well as expand New York Penn Station with a new facility specifically designed to meet the high-ridership needs of a modern commuter rail system. New York Governor David Paterson said, “This tunnel is great news for New York commuters and equally good news for the state's and the region's economy. At a time when we're struggling through an economic slowdown, this project will provide a timely boost by creating thousands of good-paying construction jobs, while ensuring that workers will have convenient access to our substantial job and entertainment markets for years to come.” Doubling the number of tracks for trains operating between New Jersey and New York will increase service capacity to 48 trains per hour during peak periods from the current 23 trains. Twice as many passengers will be able to be accommodated, from 46,000 each morning peak period now to 90,000 in the future. “The start of work on the Mass Transit Tunnel is a testament to cooperation among New Jersey, New York, and federal officials working together, we are putting shovels into the ground to create jobs now and support the bi-state region’s economic growth in the future,” said Port Authority Chairman Anthony R. Coscia. "Today this project finally moves from the drawing board to construction,” said Port Authority Executive Director Chris Ward. “The Port Authority is proud to be part of a project that will allow tens of thousands of people to move more easily around the region." “Transit is a crucial part of our transportation network and this project will reduce roadway congestion, taking 22,000 cars off our roadways and prevent 67,000 tons of greenhouse gases from polluting our environment,” said Transportation Commissioner Stephen Dilts. “The Mass Transit Tunnel will give more access across the state to our rail system with better capacity, enhanced reliability and fewer transfers to major destinations in New Jersey and New York,” said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Richard R. Sarles. “It delivers better rail service for more and improves the quality of life for our travelers. Fifteen years of study starting with 137 project alternatives, numerous public meetings and input in conformance with federal regulations, produced the finished plan. The project has been designed to allow for expansion in Manhattan to the east in the future as conditions and funding permit. (NJ Transit - posted 6/08) GOVERNMENT OF CANADA HELP TO CREATE JOBS WITH INVESTMENT IN THE TSHIUTEN RAIL SERVICE IN NORTHERN QUEBEC: Canada's Transport Minister, John Baird, announced today $5.8 million in federal funding to the Tshiuetin Rail Transportation - a passenger and freight rail company owned and operated by three First Nations communities - for capital improvements to improve the rail line and the passenger rail service between Sept-Iles and Schefferville. "The Government of Canada, under the leadership of Stephen Harper, is committed to helping support this important service for the people of Western Labrador, Schefferville and surrounding areas which will help sustain economic activities such as re-supply, recreation and tourism," said Minister Baird. "Our government's investment in this rail service is a good example of what we are doing to create jobs and make a difference in the lives of the peoples living in these remote communities." "We are very pleased to have received this money and even more pleased to see the positive results that were, and will be, created by it," said Tommy Vollant, the Tshiuetin board of directors President. "This money will go a great distance into providing our Northern communities with a safe and much more reliable mode of transportation while creating more jobs that will stimulate our economy." Of the total $5.8 million funding, $2 million comes from existing capital funding and $3.8 million comes from funding under the Economic Action Plan made available in Budget 2009. The projects funded under the Economic Action Plan will include track replacements and repairs, the construction of two sheds and a turning track, improvements to electrical and telecommunications systems, and the acquisition of maintenance equipment. It is expected that Tshiuetin Rail Transportation will spend $2.3 million on these stimulus projects in 2009-2010 and $1.5 million in 2010-2011. The remaining $2 million will be used to purchase two service vehicles and safety equipment, update the passenger cars, as well as replace railway ties, rails and culverts in 2009. Federal funding comes from Transport Canada's Regional and Remote Passenger Rail Services Class Contribution Program. The program ensures that safe, reliable, viable and sustainable passenger rail services are provided to certain areas of the country where these services are either the only means of surface transportation for remote communities, or an alternative means of transportation for rural communities. These services also support economic activities in the lumber, mining, recreation and tourism sectors and provide an essential lifeline for isolated communities. (Transport Canada - posted 6/08) NORTHERN MANITOBA PASSENGER RAIL SERVICE RECEIVES MORE FUNDING FROM GOVERNMENT OF CANADA: The Government of Canada today announced $5.2 million in federal funding to Keewatin Railway Company - a passenger and freight rail company owned and operated by three First Nations communities - for capital improvements to the passenger rail service between The Pas and Pukatawagan in northern Manitoba. "Our government is proud to continue its support for this important service for people living and travelling to and from the remote community of Pukatawagan and other points," said the Honourable Senator Terry Stratton. "This investment will allow Keewatin Railway Company to upgrade the rail line to better support safe and effective rail services." "Keewatin Railway Company is very thankful to the federal government for its continued support and is pleased with the announcement of stimulus funding announced in the federal budget," said Anthony Mayham, CEO of Keewatin Railway Company. "With this funding, Keewatin Railway Company will be able to improve the tracks and the safety of passengers by providing a new waiting station in Pukatawagan. Keewatin Railway Company will also be getting closer to takeover full operations by way of building a new maintenance building for our locomotives and coaches." Of the total $5.2 million funding, $1.1 million comes from existing capital funding and $4.1 million comes from funding under the Economic Action Plan made available in Budget 2009. The projects funded under the Economic Action Plan will include railway track rehabilitation, the acquisition of a locomotive and other rail equipment, and construction of a locomotive repair facility in The Pas, as well as a new station in Pukatawagan. It is expected that Keewatin Railway will spend $2.2 million on these projects in 2009-2010 and $1.9 million in 2010-2011. The remaining $1.1 million will be used to replace railway ties and culverts in 2009. Federal funding comes from Transport Canada's Regional and Remote Passenger Rail Services Class Contribution Program. The program ensures that safe, reliable, viable and sustainable passenger rail services are provided to certain areas of the country where these services are either the only means of surface transportation for remote communities, or an alternative means of transportation for rural communities. These services also support economic activities in the lumber, mining, recreation and tourism sectors and provide an essential lifeline for isolated communities. To learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca. (Transport Canada - posted 6/05) VICE PRESIDENT BIDEN, SECRETARY LAHOOD MEET WITH GOVERNORS ON FUTURE OF U.S. HIGH-SPEED RAIL: Vice President Joe Biden and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood challenged governors to think boldly when designing high-speed rail plans during a roundtable discussion at the White House today. The session was a unique opportunity for state leaders to share their ideas with the Obama Administration about the future of high-speed trains in America. In April, President Obama released a strategic plan outlining his vision for high-speed rail. The plan identifies $13 billion in federal funds -- $8 billion in the Recovery Act and $5 billion requested in the President’s budget -- to jump-start a potential world-class passenger rail system and sets the direction of transportation policy for the future. Detailed guidance for up to the first $8 billion in federal grant applications will be announced later this month and the first round of grants are expected to be awarded as soon as late summer 2009. In developing the high-speed rail program, Administration officials have sought extensive input from states, Congress, labor, industry, rail experts from countries with working high-speed rail networks, and other key stakeholders. Today’s roundtable follows Secretary LaHood’s recent fact-finding trip to several European countries where he met with transportation officials and rail operators and witnessed first-hand the operations of working high-speed rail systems. Other senior U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) officials recently hosted a series of seven regional workshops around the country. “Everyone knows I’m a big believer in our nation’s rail system – I’ve devoted a big part of my career doing what I can to support it – and I’m proud that this Administration is about to transform that system fundamentally,” said Vice President Biden. “Thanks to an $8 billion investment from the Recovery Act, we’re going to start building a high-speed rail system that will loosen the congestion suffocating our highways and skyways, and make travel in this country leaner, meaner and a whole lot cleaner." “America is ready to embrace a new level of passenger rail service that offers a safe, convenient, and sustainable way to travel from city to city, and region to region,” said Secretary LaHood. “President Obama has handed us an extraordinary opportunity – and now it is up to all of us to seize the moment. With creative input and contributions from governors across the country, I believe we’ll be able to do just that.” President Obama’s vision for high-speed rail mirrors that of President Eisenhower, the father of the U.S. Interstate highway system, which revolutionized the way Americans traveled. Now, high-speed rail has the potential to reduce U.S. dependence on oil, lower harmful carbon emissions, foster new economic development and give travelers more choices when it comes to moving around the country. In attendance for today’s roundtable: Governors Pat Quinn, Illinois; Sonny Perdue, Georgia; Deval Patrick, Massachusetts; Jennifer Granholm, Michigan; Jay Nixon, Missouri; Ed Rendell, Pennsylvania; Tim Kaine, Virginia; and Jim Doyle, Wisconsin. In addition, state transportation officials from California, Delaware, Florida, Iowa, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, Rhode Island and West Virginia also attended the roundtable (US DOT - posted 6/04) AMTRAK SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH VIRGINIA TO PROVIDE NEW PASSENGER RAIL SERVICE: With a new agreement signed with Virginia, Amtrak is now the choice of 15 states to operate their state-funded passenger rail service and is uniquely positioned to develop partnerships with other states, said Amtrak President and CEO Joseph Boardman. "Amtrak is excited to establish new passenger rail service for Virginia and is seeking opportunities to partner with other states to provide additional rail transportation options," Boardman stated, highlighting the national reach of the railroad's extensive network of stations and mechanical and operational facilities as well as its equipment fleet and reservations system. Boardman stressed that a primary objective of Amtrak is to be the operator of the national high speed rail system being developed by states with new federal funding provided in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Amtrak understands the needs, opportunities and challenges associated with creating and operating new passenger rail service and is able to provide the leadership and technical assistance necessary to successfully help states reach that goal, he said. Under the Virginia agreement, Amtrak will receive $17.2 million from Virginia over a three-year demonstration period to provide new daily service to Washington, D.C. from Lynchburg beginning in October 2009 and from Richmond beginning in December 2009. Detailed schedules and fares will be finalized by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation and Amtrak in the coming months. In addition to Virginia, Amtrak currently has partnership agreements with the following states to operate state-funded passenger rail services: California, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin. (Amtrak - posted 6/04) RAIL TRAFFIC DOWN SHARPLY IN MAY: Freight railroad traffic was down sharply in May in comparison with the same month last year, the Association of American Railroads reported today. U.S. rail carload traffic in May 2009 fell 24.7 percent (325,267 carloads) compared to May 2008 to 989,306 carloads. U.S. rail intermodal traffic (which is not included in carloads) fell 19.7 percent (177,482 trailers and containers) to 723,898 units in May 2009. Canadian rail carload traffic (which includes both the Canadian and U.S. operations of CN and Canadian Pacific, the two largest Canadian railroads) fell 32.8 percent (104,003 carloads) in May 2009 to 213,517 carloads, while Canadian intermodal traffic fell 34,844 units (18.1 percent) to 157,446 trailers and containers. U.S.U.S. rail carloadings fell in May 2009 in all 19 major commodity groups tracked by the AAR, including coal (down 89,134 carloads, or 15.8 percent); motor vehicles and equipment (down 35,674 carloads, or 52.3 percent); and metals and metal products (down 33,987 carloads, or 62.7 percent). Carloads of chemicals were down 23,147 carloads (18.3 percent) and carloads of grain were down 21,910 carloads (24.5 percent). Canadian carload declines in May 2009 were led by metallic ores (down 79.8 percent, or 45,392 carloads); chemicals (down 13,487 carloads, or 23.6 percent); and grain (down 7,222 carloads, or 17.1 percent). “May marked the second straight month in which U.S. rail coal carloadings had double-digit declines, a consequence of lower electricity demand and higher coal stockpiles,” said AAR Senior Vice President John T. Gray. “Industrial production is still down sharply across the board. That means lower demand for rail service for everything from chemicals and scrap metal to cement and ores. Basically, railroads are in a waiting game — waiting for the economy to turn.” Mexican rail carload originations (which include Ferrocarril Mexicano and Kansas City Southern dé Mexico) were down 18.5 percent (10,635 carloads) in May 2009, while intermodal originations were down 21.7 percent (5,580 trailers and containers). For the first five months of 2009, carload traffic was down 19.6 percent (1,349,097 carloads) on U.S. railroads; down 23.8 percent (388,734 carloads) on Canadian railroads; and down 14.2 percent (38,324 carloads) on Mexican railroads. In 2009 through May, intermodal traffic was down 16.9 percent (788,814 trailers and containers) on U.S. railroads; down 14.8 percent (147,495 units) on Canadian railroads; and down 20.5 percent (25,919 units) on Mexican railroads. Total volume on U.S. railroads was estimated at 586.8 billion ton-miles, down 18.5 percent from the first five months of 2008. For just the week ended May 30, the AAR reported the following totals for U.S. railroads: 233,195 carloads, down 26.3 percent from the corresponding week in 2008; intermodal volume of 164,916 trailers and containers, down 19.2 percent; and total volume of an estimated 24.8 billion ton-miles, down 25.1 percent from the equivalent week last year. Both the most recent week and the comparison week from last year included the Memorial Day holiday. For Canadian railroads during the week ended May 30, the AAR reported volume of 53,790 carloads, down 30.9 percent from last year; and 38,489 trailers and containers, down 20.8 percent from the corresponding week in 2008. Combined cumulative volume for the first 21 weeks of 2009 on 12 reporting U.S. and Canadian railroads was 6,775,911 carloads, down 20.4 percent (1,737,831 carloads) from last year; and 4,734,644 trailers and containers, down 16.5 percent (936,309 trailers and containers) from 2008’s first 21 weeks. (AAR - posted 6/04) GENERAL MOTORS OWES CSX ALMOST $9 MILLION: A CSX Corp. spokesman Monday said the Jacksonville-based railroad expects to get back some of the $8.9 million owed to it by General Motors Corp. following the automaker’s filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. CSX ships cars for General Motors. “We’ve have had informal discussions about that they would assume our contract and wouldn’t be able to get out of bankruptcy until they made good,” said CSX spokesman Garrick Francis. He said CSX reduced its exposure to General Motors by about half about a year ago. Francis said the company has carrier liens on all the goods that are in transit so it won’t lose money on those carloads. In total, GM owes its creditors about $172 billion. (Jacksonville Business Journal via Alex Mayes - posted 6/03) NORFOLK SOUTHERN CELEBRATES 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF CONRAIL ACQUISITION: On the 10th anniversary of Norfolk Southern Corporation's acquisition of nearly 60 percent of Conrail, CEO Wick Moorman today thanked customers, suppliers, stockholders, communities, and employees for their hard work and support On Day One -- June 1, 1999 -- we set out to build the best freight transportation system in the world," Moorman said. "We have made steady progress toward that goal, and together we have enjoyed a decade of growth and financial success. All of us at Norfolk Southern are grateful to everyone who has played a part in this success, and we look forward to what the next decade brings." Since Day One, when Norfolk Southern added 7,200 miles of Conrail routes and 10,000 former Conrail employees to its system, the railroad has moved 3.5 trillion gross ton-miles of freight. A single train of every carload NS hauled in the last decade could stretch to the moon and back twice -- and then some. In order to meet increased demand and better serve customers, NS over that period has invested nearly $10 billion in capital expenditures to improve track, equipment, facilities, and technology. In new rail alone, NS installed the equivalent of a brand new transcontinental railroad. NS' industrial development activities since Day One resulted in the location or expansion of 1,115 industries along the railroad's lines, representing customer investments of $23.6 billion and creating nearly 55,000 customer jobs in the territory served by the railroad. The Conrail transaction returned competitive rail service to the Northeast for the first time in 20 years. NS sharpened its focus on customer service markedly following the transaction -- especially through its Thoroughbred Operating Plan -- and today is the industry's service benchmark. Most important, it all has been done safely. NS employees have earned the E.H. Harriman Memorial Gold Medal as the safest railroad workers in the U.S. for each of the last 20 years. "The numbers tell an impressive story, but as satisfying as it is to see how far we've come, it's more exciting to look ahead," Moorman said. "Our progress has given us the strength to weather the current economic storm. This recession will pass, and the long-term future for rail as the safe, clean, and fuel-efficient transportation alternative has never been brighter. NS is ready to take advantage of the opportunities that a recovering economy will bring. Ten years from now, along with our partners, we will look back again with amazement at how far we've come together." (Norfolk Southern Corporation - posted 6/02) MBTA CELEBRATES MODERNIZATION OF THE GREEN LINE'S ARLINGTON STATION: Emphasizing the Patrick-Murray Administration’s commitment to providing accessible transportation service to all persons of the Commonwealth, Transportation Secretary James Aloisi joined MBTA General Manager Dan Grabauskas to celebrate the modernization of Arlington Station located on the MBTA’s Green Line. An investment of $22.7m, Arlington Station is now fully accessible and is in compliance with the American Disabilities Act. “This newly renovated station is a symbol of our commitment to providing top-shelf customer service to every T rider on our network of buses, subways and trolleys,” said Secretary Aloisi. “The MBTA has made significant investments to improve accessibility for all.” Opened in November 1921, Arlington Station’s first renovation occurred in 1967. In 2006, the MBTA announced renovations to Arlington, Copley, and Kenmore stations to upgrade for accessibility and general station maintenance. Arlington Station is now ADA accessible with 3 brand new elevators, new head-houses and stairways, brand new columns, and new electrical throughout the station. Additional renovations include a new egress at Arlington Street church, and raised platforms to accommodate low floor Green Line vehicles. Noting that for the first time in its 90-year history, Arlington Station will be accessible to people of all abilities, MBTA General Manager Dan Grabauskas applauded the contributions and support from the community that moved the modernization of Arlington forward. “This is a historical event for all of us,” remarked Grabauskas. “Together we have provided access to our transportation network to all individuals while maintaining the historical landscape of the area. Thank you to the staff of the Arlington Street church, and the community for your support and cooperation.” “The MBTA provides a critical service to the City of Boston because many of our residents rely on it as their sole method of transportation,” Mayor Menino said. “It is important that public transportation remain a viable option available for every person in our city and the renovations to ensure full accessibility at Arlington Street Station are a great example of the MBTA’s commitment to Boston and all of its people.” “I appreciate the investment of infrastructure in this part of Boston, particularly given the fact that the accessibility community will now be able to access the historic neighborhood around the Arlington Street station,” said Boston City Council President Michael Ross. In 1989, to comply with the American Disabilities Act (ADA), the MBTA initiated the Light Rail Accessibility Project to make the transit system accessible to all persons with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that certain key stations be made accessible. The MBTA Key Station Plan, which was approved by the Federal Transit Administration, includes 80 key stations that must be in compliance with ADA guidelines. Today, 77 MBTA key stations are in compliance including Arlington. “With public transit ridership increasing across the country, providing accessibility for all riders is critically important,” said FTA Deputy Regional Administrator Mary Beth Mello. “We congratulate Secretary Aloisi and T General Manager Grabauskas for delivering this project.” Commenting on equal access for all, Boston Center for Independent Living (BCIL) Community Organizer, Karen Schneiderman said, “The opening of the accessible new Arlington Street T stop shouldn't be such a big deal but it is. Why? No matter where riders go in the city, no matter where they travel, people with disabilities must have exactly the same right to the same access as everyone else. People can have all sorts of opinions about the use of space, the number of riders, and money, but we all have the right to ride the T. It's that simple.” (MBTA - posted 6/02) NORFOLK SOUTHERN'S NEW SD40E LOCOMOTIVES: Norfolk Southern has modified 14 SD50s for helper service on their Pittsburgh Line west of Altoona, PA. The newly rebuilt diesels, designated as SD40-Es, are equipped with 16 cylinder 645 prime movers which have been derated to 3,000 HP, and are equipped with Locomotive Speed Limiters and Helper Link devices (to eliminate having to stop to detach brake hoses when uncoupling). The SD40-Es are numbered 6300-6313, and are repainted into Norfolk Southern's new scheme with a black horse silhouette superimposed onto the NS logos on the flanks of the hoods. (Alex Mayes - posted 6/02) NORFOLK SOUTHERN EARNS AUTOMOTIVE LOGISITS EXCELLENCE AWARD: UPS Autogistics, in conjunction with Ford Motor Company, has presented Norfolk Southern the 2008 Carrier of the Year Award for overall logistics excellence among all North American rail carriers for the transportation of Ford vehicles. The award recognizes superior performance in on-time delivery, quality and damage-free handling, and total customer service. Norfolk Southern transported more than 1.4 million Ford vehicles in 2008. Walter Lowe, Ford’s manager for North America vehicle logistics, said, “Ford and Norfolk Southern have had a long, mutually beneficial relationship, and this award is a testament to their commitment to excellence and customer service.” “Ford Motor Company and Norfolk Southern have been very close supply chain partners for several decades, and over the years, we have remained strongly committed to providing Ford with industry leading rail transportation service and customer support,” said David Julian, NS president, automotive and supply chain services. “We are honored to have earned this recognition for our overall performance during 2008.” (Norfolk Southern Corporation - - posted 6/01) LAST PENNSY CONDUCTOR RETIRES: Mr. Glenn Hefner will make his final run (Washington-New York and return on Amtrak 2104 and 127) on April 29th and then retire. He is the only remaining active passenger service conductor who was hired by the PRR. Glenn hired at the end of 1967. All of the remaining conductors at Amtrak were hired by the Penn Central or later. There may be somebody senior to Glenn still working in freight or commuter-agency service, but an era will end when No. 127 comes into Union Station this evening. (Alexander D. Mitchell IV - posted 5/29) “MOM” RAIL LINE PLANS MOVE FORWARD: For the first time in years, members of a working group from Monmouth, Ocean and Middlesex counties have reached common ground for a proposed route for a new rail line that would provide residents with additional rail service to Newark and Manhattan. Citing a shared desire to select a project alternative in order to move forward and to work together for the benefit of residents in the growing region, officials from the three counties have urged NJ TRANSIT to focus on an incremental approach toward a project that would create a new rail line from Manchester/Lakehurst in Ocean County to Red Bank in Monmouth County, with a spur from Freehold Township to Farmingdale Borough. The line would connect to the existing North Jersey Coast Line in Red Bank. When the agreement was reached last week, the community members of the MOM working group urged NJ TRANSIT to explore enhanced bus service along Routes 9 and 18 as the MOM project moves forward. They also recommended that NJ TRANSIT address vehicular traffic issues in Red Bank, where additional rail service could further impact traffic. The progress toward a solution followed recent discussions that while all three of the MOM Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) alternatives currently under review have merit, they may not effectively compete on a national level for federal New Starts dollars when compared to other projects around the country. Officials expect that much of the environmental analysis that has already been performed can be used in a modified proposal. The working group, consisting of officials from Monmouth, Ocean and Middlesex counties as well as the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority and NJ TRANSIT, was established several years ago to help facilitate discussions to move the project along. (NJ Transit - posted 5/28) RAIL FREIGHT TRAFFIC DOWN FROM A YEAR AGO: Freight traffic on U.S. railroads during the week ended May 23 remained down in comparison with last year, although it did show an increase from the previous week this year, the Association of American Railroads reported today. U.S. railroads originated 259,265 cars during the week, down 21.5 percent from the comparison week in 2008, but up 4.9 percent from the previous week this year. In comparison with last year, loadings were down 16.4 percent in the West and 28.0 percent in the East. All 19 carload commodity groups were down from last year, with declines ranging from 4.8 percent for farm products other than grain to 59.7 percent for metallic ores. Intermodal volume of 188,885 trailers or containers was off 19.1 percent from last year, with container volume down 14.2 percent and trailer traffic off 37.2 percent. Intermodal volume was up 0.2 percent from the previous week this year. Total volume was estimated at 27.4 billion ton-miles, off 20.3 percent from 2008, but up 4.6 percent from the previous week this year. For the first 20 weeks of 2009, U.S. railroads reported cumulative volume of 5,295,843 carloads, down 19.3 percent from 2008; 3,720,454 trailers or containers, down 16.8 percent; and total volume of an estimated 562.0 billion ton-miles, down 18.2 percent. Canadian railroads reported volume of 53,316 cars for the week, down 33.5 percent from last year, and 37,052 trailers or containers, down 18.9 percent. For the first 20 weeks of 2009, Canadian railroads reported cumulative volume of 1,193,070 carloads, down 23.4 percent from last year; and 810,785 trailers or containers, down 14.5 percent. Mexican railroads reported originated volume of 13,102 cars, virtually the same as last year, and 5,188 trailers or containers, down 18.8 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for the first 20 weeks of 2009 was reported as 219,541 carloads, down 12.3 percent from last year; and 95,217 trailers or containers, down 19.8 percent. Combined North American rail volume for the first 20 weeks of 2009 on 14 reporting U.S., Canadian and Mexican railroads totaled 6,708,454 carloads, down 19.9 percent from last year, and 4,626,456 trailers and containers, down 16.4 percent from last year. Railroads reporting to AAR account for 89 percent of U.S. carload freight and 98 percent of rail intermodal volume. When the U.S. operations of Canadian railroads are included, the figures increase to 96 percent and 100 percent. The Canadian railroads reporting to the AAR account for 91 percent of Canadian rail traffic. Railroads provide more than 40 percent of U.S. intercity freight transportation, more than any other mode, and rail traffic figures are regarded as an important economic indicator. (AAR - posted 5/28) IMPROVED CONNECTICUT RIVER VALLEY TRAIN SERVICE: Three regional planning groups in Vermont and Massachusetts are teaming up to explore the possibility of improving passenger rail service in the Connecticut River Valley. The Windham Regional Commission and the Southern Windsor County Regional Planning Commission have joined the Springfield, Mass.-based Pioneer Valley Planning Commission in an effort to upgrade passenger service between Springfield, Mass., and White River Junction. The Knowledge Corridor Passenger Rail Study is studying the feasibility of moving Amtrak's existing route of the Vermonter from Springfield via Palmer and Amherst, Mass., over to the Connecticut River line now owned by Pan Am Railways. The move to the river route, which runs parallel to Interstate 91 and last saw passenger trains in the late 1980s, would again provide service to Holyoke, Northampton and Greenfield, Mass., and provide a faster, more direct route to Brattleboro. Supporters say the change would serve more people than the current Vermonter route. While this specific project is focused on the 120-mile portion between Springfield and White River Junction, the improvements are expected to enhance the entire Amtrak Vermonter line from St. Albans to Washington, D.C. (Brattleboro (VT) Reformer via Alex Mayes - posted 5/27) PRESERVATION SOCIETY TO OPERATE THE EAST BROAD TOP RAILROAD: A new nonprofit organization has signed an agreement to operate the East Broad Top Railroad for three years, and the organization hopes to attract enough grant money during that time to buy the Pennsylvania narrow gauge from its longtime owners, Joe and Judy Kovalchick. The railroad was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1964. The new organization, the East Broad Top Railroad Preservation Association, was put together by Larry Salone, who is also executive director of the Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum. Mr. Salone announced the preservation association's creation during a May 8 press conference at the railroad that was attended by State Rep. Mike Fleck, who represents Orbisonia and Rockhill Furnace in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives; State Rep. Rick Geist, who represents Altoona and is chairman of the House Transportation Committee; and by representatives of State Sen. John H. Eichelberger, Jr., and Congressman Bill Shuster. Mr. Salone is a restaurant- and engineering-company owner who says he took his first train ride as a kid on the East Broad Top, which the Kovalchick family has operated as a tourist railroad since 1960. Joe Kovalchick's father, Nick, was a salvage dealer who bought the railroad after its last common-carrier runs, in April 1956. Mr. Salone said that the railroad's current employees would remain on the payroll, and that the schedule for the coming year would remain largely unchanged. But he said he hoped that riders would begin to notice small improvements as soon as the EBT opens, on June 6. The railroad will accept credit cards for the first time, he said, and shuttle buses will run between the East Broad Top and the Altoona museum during the museum's annual railfest weekend, June 27-28. He said he planned to begin seeking money to reopen about six miles of track from the current end of operations into Mount Union, where the railroad transferred coal and other freight to the Pennsylvania Railroad in a dual-gauge yard. Mr. Salone also discussed putting a second EBT steam engine back in service — most likely No. 14, a 1912 Baldwin Mikado that is nearly identical to the only engine currently operating, No. 15. In addition, he talked about converting additional freight cars for passenger service so that the line's 19th-century coaches could be reserved for special occasions. The East Broad Top began operating in 1873 along a main line roughly 33 miles long, of which about five miles are currently in service. The rest of the railroad is almost entirely intact but is badly overgrown. In addition to six narrow-gauge 2-8-2s in three sizes, the EBT has a unique 1927 Brill gas-electric car in operating condition, a standard-gauge 0-6-0 in Mount Union, and a sprawling machine-shop complex that is being restored by a volunteer organization, the Friends of the East Broad Top. The Rockhill Trolley Museum operates on a portion of the railroad's old Shade Gap branch. (East Broad Top Railroad Preservation Association via Alex Mayes- - posted 5/26) METROLINX TO STUDY ELECTRIFICATION OF GO TRANSIT'S RAIL SYSTEM: Metrolinx is going to study the electrification of its entire GO Transit rail system as a future alternative to diesel trains currently in service. An external advisory committee made up of community representatives, including riders and independent technical experts, will be established to advise Metrolinx on the Terms of Reference for the study. "This committee's advice will be important as we move forward in designing the study to guide us in converting GO Transit's urban rail network from diesel to electric," said Rob Prichard, President and CEO of Metrolinx. "The Big Move recommends future Express Rail service throughout the GTHA, for which electrification is an important element. This study is the critical next step. I am very pleased that we are moving forward on this issue in a comprehensive way," said Rob MacIsaac, Chair of Metrolinx. The study could commence as early as this summer and be completed by winter 2010. Metrolinx is a Crown agency of the Province of Ontario. (Metrolinx - posted 5/26) DOT SECRETARY LAHOOD HONORS RAIL SAFETY RECORD AT E.H. HARRIMAN AWARDS: U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood today lauded the record setting safety achievements made by the nation’s freight railroads at the annual E.H. Harriman Awards honoring railroads with the best employee safety records for the previous year. "Our nation’s railroads and their employees can be proud of their safety record," said Secretary LaHood. "Our freight rail industry is the envy of the world, as the cleanest, safest, most efficient way to keep America’s freight moving." The Harriman Awards once a year celebrate the achievements of railroads with the best employee safety records by awarding 12 gold, silver and bronze awards in four categories. "Safety is the railroad industry’s top priority," said Edward R. Hamberger, president and CEO of the Association of American Railroads (AAR). "Railroads are the safest form of freight transportation today and such attention to safety has produced an enviable track record." "I am delighted to report that this continuous emphasis on safety paid dividends last year in producing both the lowest train accident rate in history and the lowest employee injury rate in history," Hamberger added. Hamberger credited the industry's more than 230,000 dedicated employees as being responsible for the industry's extraordinary safety record. The 2008 E.H. Harriman Awards winners are as follows:
RAIL FREIGHT TRAFFIC REMAINS DOWN: Freight traffic on U.S. railroads continued to reflect a weak economy as traffic remained down in comparison with last year during the week ended May 16, the Association of American Railroads reported today. U.S. railroads originated 247,258 cars during the week, down 25.3 percent from the comparison week in 2008, with loadings down 21.2 percent in the West and 30.9 percent in the East. All 19 carload commodity groups were down from last year, with declines ranging from 10.2 percent for the grain mill products to 69.5 percent for metallic ores. Intermodal volume of 188,435 trailers or containers was off 19.4 percent from last year, with container volume down 14.1 percent and trailer traffic off 39.1 percent. Total volume was estimated at 26.2 billion ton-miles, off 24.3 percent from 2008. For the first 19 weeks of 2009, U.S. railroads reported cumulative volume of 5,036,579 carloads, down 19.2 percent from 2008; 3,531,569 trailers or containers, down 16.6 percent; and total volume of an estimated 534.6 billion ton-miles, down 18.1 percent. Canadian railroads reported volume of 52,712 cars for the week, down 32.0 percent from last year, and 40,155 trailers or containers, down 17.4 percent. For the first 19 weeks of 2009, Canadian railroads reported cumulative volume of 1,139,754 carloads, down 22.9 percent from last year; and 773,733 trailers or containers, down 14.3 percent. Mexican railroads reported originated volume of 11,728 cars, down 9.2 percent from last year, and 5,547 trailers or containers, down 11.3 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for the first 19 weeks of 2009 was reported as 206,439 carloads, down 13.0 percent from last year; and 90,029 trailers or containers, down 19.9 percent. Combined North American rail volume for the first 19 weeks of 2009 on 14 reporting U.S., Canadian and Mexican railroads totaled 6,382,772 carloads, down 19.7 percent from last year, and 4,395,331 trailers and containers, down 16.3 percent from last year. Railroads reporting to AAR account for 89 percent of U.S. carload freight and 98 percent of rail intermodal volume. When the U.S. operations of Canadian railroads are included, the figures increase to 96 percent and 100 percent. The Canadian railroads reporting to the AAR account for 91 percent of Canadian rail traffic. Railroads provide more than 40 percent of U.S. intercity freight transportation, more than any other mode, and rail traffic figures are regarded as an important economic indicator. (AAR - - posted 5/21) MTA LIRR TO RESTORE BELMONT SERVICE MAY 28: MTA Long Island Rail Road service to Belmont Park for the spring racing season is expected to be restored starting May 28, pending MTA Board approval on May 27. Current fares to Belmont will remain in effect through June 16. On June 17, new fares will go into effect. The LIRR's "Belmont Special" package ticket includes rail transportation, and a $1 discount off the regular $2 grandstand admission to the track. The track is closed for racing on Mondays and Tuesdays, with the exception of Monday, May 25, Memorial Day. The LIRR will provide extra train service for the Belmont Stakes on Saturday, June 6. On the day of the big race the LIRR will operate 18 trains to Belmont, most direct from Penn Station beginning at 9:59 AM. There will also be frequent westbound service back to Jamaica and Penn Station starting at 4:06 PM and continuing until 9:00 PM. Further details will be provided in a future news release. "We're delighted to be able to restore this service," said LIRR President Helena Williams. "The LIRR has provided train service to Belmont since 1905. On Stakes Day and during the season, the LIRR is the best way to get to this beautiful park to enjoy thoroughbred horse racing." "The anticipated restoration of Belmont Park service is tremendous news for all racing fans," said New York State Racing and Wagering Board Chairman John D. Sabini. "Governor David Paterson delivered on behalf of all transit riders by driving more funding to the MTA when it really mattered. Having the LIRR service restored will be a boost for the Belmont meet at a time when enthusiasm is perking up across the nation for what I expect will be a very exciting Belmont Stakes." "This is great news for the many people who rely on the LIRR to get to Belmont Park," said Hal Handel, executive vice president and chief operating officer for The New York Racing Association, Inc. "We would like to thank the MTA for recognizing the historical significance of the 'Belmont Special' and its importance to New York racing fans." (MTA - posted 5/20) ARNOLD B. MCKINNON, NS' SECOND CHAIRMAN, DIES MAY 18: Leaving a 50-year legacy of railroad leadership that will not be duplicated or forgotten, Norfolk Southern’s second chairman, Arnold B. McKinnon, died May 18 in Washington D.C. A resident of Norfolk, Va., he was 81. McKinnon, NS chief executive officer from 1987 to 1992, was among the first to envision the railroad as an integral link in the global logistics chain. Under his guidance, NS increased productivity and controlled costs, launched the Thoroughbred quality improvement process, and began the development of managers who today are the railroad’s leaders. Significantly, McKinnon accepted the modern Norfolk Southern’s first Harriman Gold Medal Award for employee safety. It marked the beginning of a commitment to safety that has seen NS employees earn an unequaled 19 consecutive Harriman awards as the safest workers in the rail industry. After his retirement as CEO, McKinnon continued service on NS’ board of directors until 2000, helping guide the company through the early stages of the Conrail transaction that increased the railroad’s size by half and positioned it for long-term growth. In 2007, NS named its headquarters building in Norfolk in his honor. “So much of what Norfolk Southern is today, we owe to Arnold,” said NS CEO Wick Moorman. “Many of his ideas became part of our guiding principles. He was, quite simply, a remarkable railroader and a wonderful person. We share in his family’s loss, and we understand how much better we are for having known him.” David R. Goode, Norfolk Southern’s CEO from 1992 to 2006, said, “Arnold was a great leader for the company at a crucial time in its history and built for us a strong tradition of leadership in the community and in the nation. He was a great friend to all of us who served with him.” McKinnon was born in Goldsboro, N.C., in 1927. He joined NS predecessor Southern Railway in 1951 as a law assistant. Among other positions, he was named vice president law in 1971 and executive vice president law and finance in 1981. When Southern consolidated with Norfolk and Western Railway to form Norfolk Southern Corp. in 1982, McKinnon was named executive vice president marketing. He developed the company’s new marketing structure and refined the concept of “the railroad as a service organization,” a critical distinction since partial deregulation of the industry had just gone into effect. In 1987, McKinnon was named chairman, president, and chief executive officer. For three years in a row, from 1990 through 1992, “Financial World” magazine named him one of the best chief executives in U.S. industry. In an interview in 2002, McKinnon said his greatest feeling of accomplishment always came from his marriage to Oriana McArthur McKinnon, and from their family. Of Norfolk Southern, he said, “The thing that makes me most confident about the future of NS is the people we have in the company. They are impressive, and they will carry us forward.” (NS- - posted 5/19) GE TRANSPORTATION UNVEILS NEW EVOLUTION SERIES LOCOMOTIVE: GE Transportation, a unit of GE , announced today that it has introduced the newest line of fuel efficient and low emissions Evolution® Series locomotives, the Model ES44C4. The new model, which is part of GE’s ecomaginationSM environmental program, delivers a cleaner, faster, safer and more reliable alternative to the aging North American fleet of DC-powered locomotives. GE is building the new locomotive at its Pennsylvania manufacturing plants in Erie and Grove City. “Railroads helped build this country, and this locomotive is proof that manufacturing and heavy industry can deliver the innovation that will drive economic growth,” said Lorenzo Simonelli, President and CEO of GE Transportation. “This latest Evolution Series locomotive is an industry breakthrough, delivering a modern and efficient AC locomotive that replaces the older, less fuel efficient and less emissions friendly, DC-powered models. It also provides a direct replacement option for the current six axle, 4400 HP locomotives being delivered today.” Added Simonelli: “By introducing advanced technology that requires less maintenance, reduces fuel consumption and lowers emissions, we are providing our North American customers with an opportunity to upgrade their aging fleet with better performance – both on the rails and for the environment.” The new Evolution Series locomotive delivers significant performance improvement over existing DC-powered locomotives in three key areas:
FOUR MBT UNIONS AGREE TO A WAGE FREEZE : Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, Transportation Secretary James Aloisi and T General Manager Daniel Grabauskas today announced that four MBTA unions have voluntarily agreed to defer, for one year, 4% raises that were granted by an arbitrator last year. The raises were to take effect July 1st, the start of a new fiscal year for which the T projects a $160 million deficit. "We need everybody to pitch in to help deal with this crisis in transportation financing," said Governor Patrick. "I appreciate the willingness of these workers to freeze their wages and for demonstrating their cooperative spirit in the face of difficult economic realities." "We have a responsibility to our riders to seek out cost-savings wherever possible and that is what the MBTA is doing," said Grabauskas, who worked directly with the unions to negotiate the wage freeze. "These four unions understand that shared sacrifice is needed in tough economic times and I thank them for their willingness to work together to help the MBTA confront its $160 million deficit." Members of the Office and Professional Employees International - Local 453, Welders - Local 651, and Professional and Technical Engineers - Local 105 have already voted to defer the raises, while the Executive Board of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers - Local 717, has endorsed the action, and will soon bring it to their full membership. The four unions represent over 500 workers at the MBTA. Grabauskas said the unions' willingness to defer the raises will reduce the MBTA payroll, along with FICA and pension expenses, by $1,658,000 in the Fiscal Year 2010 budget. "Wage freezes are a critical stop-gap measure to deliver short-term relief to the T's budget," said Secretary Aloisi, who serves as Chair of the MBTA Board. "But we can not forget that to keep faith with the residents of Massachusetts additional meaningful reforms and new revenue are needed to renew our transportation system and support economic growth." Last month, the Patrick Administration announced a plan to close the serious budget gap facing the Commonwealth, including the use of federal recovery funds, budget cuts, layoffs and furloughs. The Executive of Transportation and MBTA have committed to a series of layoffs, contract cancellations, job eliminations, and furloughs among non-union employees. The MBTA's cost-cutting actions alone will save more than $6 million in next year's budget. Noting that 273 non-union employees will forego raises for the fourth year in a row, Aloisi and Grabauskas have asked the MBTA's other labor groups, including the largest, the Boston Carmen's Union - Local 589, to join the four unions which have already agreed to a wage freeze this year. If the MBTA's other unions, representing everyone from bus drivers to Transit Police, make a similar concession, the MBTA stands to save a total of $17,326,000 in the Fiscal Year 2010 budget. (MBTA - - posted 5/18) AMTRAK CELEBRATES GROUNDBREAKING FOR NEW AUTO TRAIN STATION IN SANFORD, FLORIDA: Today Amtrak is beginning to put into place the last piece of a multi-year plan to bring increased convenience, improved service and more station amenities to passengers who ride our popular Auto Train. The new, larger and up-to-date passenger station being built in Sanford, Fla., fulfills our vision for the Auto Train which added new passenger equipment in the 1990s, new car carriers in July 2005 and built a new station and mechanical facility at the northern end of the route near Washington, D.C., in 2000. It's a plan that is working. During fiscal year 2008, ridership on the Auto Train increased 7.8 percent over the previous year. As Americans have sought alternatives to crowded highways, Amtrak is — and has been — providing another way. The success of the Auto Train shows in a very direct manner that Amtrak is part of the travel solution and is taking cars off the road every day of the year. As Amtrak actively moves forward with plans for a greener, safer and healthier future, we will be looking for other places around the country where an Auto Train service can be started. (Amtrak - - posted 5/18) THE NEW AGAWA CANYON TOUR TRAIN: CN and the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corp. (SSMEDC) announced today an agreement to acquire locomotives and passenger cars to re-equip the Agawa Canyon Tour Train that runs north of The Sault into spectacular Canadian Shield country. CN, the operator of the tour train, is acquiring three Electro-Motive F-40 locomotives, eight coaches, two café/lounge cars, three club cars and a presentation coach from Ansco Investment Company of Denver, Colo. The fleet renewal will include the refurbishment of the Ansco cars, as well as two existing CN passenger dome cars. The re-equipped train will accommodate more than 900 people, with passenger car upgrades including improved handicap accessibility. CN and the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) – an agency of the Ontario government – are jointly funding the $10-million fleet renewal project. CN expects the re-equipped tour train will enter service when the tour season commences in mid-June 2009, with the refurbishment completed during the coming season. The Agawa Canyon Tour Train is the chief tourism draw for the Sault Ste. Marie area, generating an estimated $30 million annually in economic activity for the city and region. The train takes passengers on a one-day wilderness excursion 114 miles north of Sault Ste. Marie through a region of northern lakes and rivers, granite rock formations and mixed forest that inspired the Group of Seven to create some of Canada's most notable landscape art. Jeff Liepelt, CN vice-president, Eastern Region, said: “CN recognizes the importance of the Agawa Tour Train to Sault Ste. Marie and Northern Ontario, and we have worked closely with provincial agencies as well as Tourism Sault Ste. Marie to develop a solid, financially responsible replacement for the current train fleet. “We believe the new locomotives and refurbished equipment will ensure the tour train remains a vital economic force in the region.” Michael Gravelle, Ontario minister of northern development and mines and also chair of the NOHFC, said: “By investing in the Agawa Canyon Tour Train we are ensuring the long-term sustainability of one of the North’s most recognizable tourist attractions as well as boosting the area’s economy and creating much-needed employment opportunities.” Sault Ste. Marie MPP David Orazietti said: “Our government has delivered the financial resources necessary to significantly improve the passenger experience on the Agawa Canyon Tour Train, which is our community’s most prominent tourist attraction. This investment in modern rail cars will provide a boost to the local economy by playing a major role in helping to rejuvenate tourism in Sault Ste. Marie.” Greg Punch, president of the SSMEDC, said: “The SSMEDC board of directors would like to thank our partners, CN, the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, and our SSMEDC staff team in securing this agreement to support the revitalization of one of our most important tourism icons – the Agawa Canyon Tour Train. We still have much work to do on the Agawa Canyon Revitalization Project, but the most critical step in coming to an agreement has been achieved. This agreement supports the values of both the SSMEDC and CN in rebuilding this most important tourism asset.” Ian McMillan, executive director of Tourism Sault Ste. Marie, a division of SSMEDC, said: ”This is the announcement the tourism industry of this city has been waiting for. I believe that once consumers see first hand the upgrades in equipment and service on this iconic attraction it will help to build ridership to historic levels. With this increase in tourism visitation the economic impact will be felt in direct consumer spending, job creation and additional infrastructure investment.” Under the agreement, CN will be the owner of the revitalized fleet. It will also take ownership of 26 obsolescent passenger cars it leases currently for tour train service and will dispose of them, using proceeds for marketing and/or enhancements to the tour facilities and services. The SSMEDC will manage the food and beverage concession on the tour train, with applicable revenues collected by the agency, which will be free to enhance on-board customer services, including technological entertainment and hospitality attendants, subject to prior CN approval. (CN , Randy Kotuby - posted 5/15) NJ TRANSIT APPROVES INTERIOR WORK ON RUTHERFORD STATION: The NJ TRANSIT Board of Directors today approved work to restore the interior of the historic Rutherford Station on the Bergen County Line—a project that will preserve the building as both a transit facility and community landmark. “I am pleased to have delivered federal funding to the people of Rutherford to make this project possible and maintain the integrity and history of the train station,” said U.S. Representative Steven Rothman. “We are not only restoring the building's century-old beauty from the inside out, but also making it useful again and preventing even costlier repairs down the road.” “The improvements to Rutherford Station will restore and preserve one of New Jersey’s historic assets, while ensuring the useful life of the station for residents and riders,” said Transportation Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Board Chairman Stephen Dilts. The Board authorized a $988,000 contract with Collette Contracting, Inc., of Rutherford, NJ, for construction work to refurbish the interior of the main station building, including the ceiling and floors, windows, doors, wood benches, plaster surfaces, and wood frames and moldings. The project also includes the replacement of exterior windows and doors in the taxi stand building. “The restoration of Rutherford Station demonstrates our commitment to maintaining safe and comfortable transit facilities for our customers that make it easy for them to choose NJ TRANSIT as their preferred travel mode,” said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Richard Sarles. Listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places, Rutherford Station was constructed in 1898 and serves approximately 1,030 customers on a typical weekday. Construction is expected to begin this summer, with completion anticipated in spring 2010. (NJ Transit - posted 5/14) ANOTHER DOWN WEEK FOR RAIL FREIGHT TRAFFIC: Freight traffic on U.S. railroads remained sharply down from a year ago during the week ended May 9, the Association of American Railroads reported today. U.S. railroads originated 249,576 cars during the week, down 25.8 percent from the comparison week in 2008, with loadings down 21.4 percent in the West and 31.7 percent in the East. All 19 carload commodity groups were down from last year, with declines ranging from 10.7 percent for the catch-all category of all other carloads to 64.7 percent for metals and metal products. Intermodal volume of 181,662 trailers or containers was off 21.0 percent from last year, with container volume down 16.4 percent and trailer traffic off 37.9 percent. Total volume was estimated at 26.4 billion ton-miles, off 25.2 percent from 2008. For the first 18 weeks of 2009, U.S. railroads reported cumulative volume of 4,789,321 carloads, down 18.8 percent from 2008; 3,343,134 trailers or containers, down 16.5 percent; and total volume of an estimated 508.4 billion ton-miles, down 17.7 percent. Canadian railroads reported volume of 53,699 cars for the week, down 34.6 percent from last year, and 41,750 trailers or containers, down 15.5 percent. For the first 18 weeks of 2009, Canadian railroads reported cumulative volume of 1,087,042 carloads, down 22.4 percent from last year; and 733,578 trailers or containers, down 14.1 percent. Mexican railroads reported originated volume of 9,575 cars, down 16.9 percent from last year, and 4,354 trailers or containers, down 22.8 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for the first 18 weeks of 2009 was reported as 194,711 carloads, down 13.2 percent from last year; and 84,482 trailers or containers, down 20.4 percent. Combined North American rail volume for the first 18 weeks of 2009 on 14 reporting U.S., Canadian and Mexican railroads totaled 6,071,074 carloads, down 19.3 percent from last year, and 4,161,194 trailers and containers, down 16.2 percent from last year. Railroads reporting to AAR account for 89 percent of U.S. carload freight and 98 percent of rail intermodal volume. When the U.S. operations of Canadian railroads are included, the figures increase to 96 percent and 100 percent. The Canadian railroads reporting to the AAR account for 91 percent of Canadian rail traffic. Railroads provide more than 40 percent of U.S. intercity freight transportation, more than any other mode, and rail traffic figures are regarded as an important economic indicator. (AAR - posted 5/14) ONTARIO'S GO TRANSIT TO NIAGARA FALL Visitors to Niagara Falls will soon have a new way to get there – by GO Train. Minister of Transportation Jim Bradley announced on May 14 that GO Transit will run a seasonal weekend and holiday train service to Niagara Falls, starting this summer. This service will offer four trips daily on weekends and holidays in each direction between Toronto and Niagara Falls, stopping at Port Credit GO Station, Oakville GO Station, Burlington GO Station, St. Catharines rail station, and Niagara Falls rail station. Visitors from the Niagara region will also be able to take the train to Toronto, making it a great summer travel option for people from across the region. More details, including operating dates, schedule, and fare information will be available soon. (GO Transit , Joe Calisi - posted 5/14) AGREEMENT ADVANCES PASSAIC-BERGEN RAIL PROJECT A project to provide rail service between the Borough of Hawthorne in Passaic County and the City of Hackensack in Bergen County advanced today, with the NJ TRANSIT Board of Directors authorizing the agency to enter an agreement with the New York, Susquehanna and Western Railway (NYS&W). “This is a major step toward providing new and efficient travel options to my constituents who live along this corridor with a project that will promote economic growth within the communities it will serve,” said U.S. Representative Bill Pascrell. “I am gratified to see the project continue to advance.” The Board approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with NYS&W that provides a framework for NJ TRANSIT’s plan to construct and operate the Passaic-Bergen line using the NYS&W Main Line right-of-way between Hawthorne and Hackensack. “By leveraging existing rail infrastructure, this project will create a new transit option for residents of some of New Jersey’s most densely populated communities,” said Transportation Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Board Chairman Stephen Dilts. “The expanded rail network will provide travel alternatives to congested roadways and improve access to employment and recreational destinations.” “We envision this project as the first increment in fulfilling a need for east-west passenger rail service along the existing New York, Susquehanna & Western Railroad right-of-way,” said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Richard Sarles. “This project would not be possible without the efforts of Congressman Bill Pascrell, who has been a strong advocate for this cross-county service.” Passaic-Bergen rail service will serve nine new stations along more than eight miles of the NYS&W’s Main Line corridor between Hawthorne and Hackensack. The project’s proposed station in Hawthorne is a short walk from the existing Main Line station, making it easy for riders to connect to the wider NJ TRANSIT commuter rail system. Construction could begin as early as the end of this year and take approximately three years to complete. (NJ Transit - posted 5/13) SOUTH JERSEY LIGHT RAIL EXTENSION PROPOSED: On May 12 the Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) presented its recommendations for the extension of southern New Jersey light rail from Camden to Glassboro. DRPA conducted an extensive transit planning study that focused on identifying transportation needs and solutions for southern New Jersey. The agency recommended a multimodal approach to meet the transportation needs of New Jersey’s residents. At a gathering of business and community leaders today, Governor Jon S. Corzine endorsed the extension of the light rail system from Camden to Glassboro, as recommended by the DRPA. “Mass transit promotes smart growth by connecting people to jobs and stimulates the economy by attracting business,” said Governor Corzine. “We want to develop better rail and bus choices for the southern New Jersey region to improve the quality of life for its residents.” The endorsement comes at the end of a two-year alternatives analysis and planning study undertaken by DRPA to identify transportation needs and solutions for Southern New Jersey. The study concluded that expanding transit choices would improve accessibility to jobs and employment centers, reduce roadway congestion, better utilize existing highway medians/shoulders and railroad rights of way, and enhance connectivity to recreational areas. “Expanding the light rail to serve even more South Jersey communities and commuters will help lessen highway congestion, create much-needed new jobs and infrastructure improvements and spark crucial economic growth and centralized development,” said Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts (D-Camden). “This plan is also forward-thinking, laying the groundwork for more improvements that have potential to benefit the region for years to come. I look forward to seeing the economic opportunities this plan will create.” “These kinds of infrastructure expansion projects not only serve as an economic magnet for the region to attract business, they create construction-related jobs as well as long term career opportunities for residents in our region,” said State Senator Stephen M. Sweeney (D- Gloucester, Cumberland and Salem). “This project will equate to one of the largest transportation improvements this area has seen in years and is great news for South Jersey,” said Assemblyman Paul Moriarty (D-Gloucester/Camden). “This expansion will help reduce congestion on our highways and roads and enhance mass transit options for our commuters, but it will do much more than that. It will create jobs and spark economic growth and sensible development centered around transit hubs. The benefits will spread far and wide and position South Jersey’s economic to thrive.” The DRPA also recommended that a study in partnership with NJ TRANSIT be conducted to include Express Bus-type service utilizing routes 42 and 55, with dedicated lanes and park-and-ride lots for service from southern New Jersey to Walter Rand Transportation Center and Downtown Philadelphia. In addition, NJ TRANSIT and the DRPA will review options to improve the Atlantic City Rail Line with the goal of improving the connection between southern New Jersey communities, Atlantic City and Philadelphia; and to increase access to Atlantic City Airport. According to DRPA CEO and PATCO President, John J. Matheussen, “I am personally proud of what all of us working together have accomplished, where we are today and what our actions here today will mean for South Jersey. There can be no finer example of a region coming together to address its transportation, environmental, and economic issues and developing a solution that will make a difference. South Jersey, IT’S OUR TURN!” “Having a rail system that is situated so that a large number of residents can walk to the train rather than take a car is a winning situation for us and all of the surrounding municipalities with downtown businesses that are struggling,” said Woodbury Mayor Rob Curtis. The DRPA will initiate the next round of public outreach on the light rail extension and the recommended options and will continue the next phases of the planning process. The Delaware River Port Authority is a regional transportation agency. DRPA owns and operates the Benjamin Franklin, Walt Whitman, Commodore Barry and Betsy Ross Bridges, PATCO and the Philadelphia Cruise Terminal. The DRPA also owns the RiverLink Ferry. (DRPA - posted 5/13) MTA FARE INCREASE APPROVED: On May 11 the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Board approved the 10 percent fare and toll increase called for in the new funding legislation passed by the New York State Legislature last week. Commuter rail fares will begin to increase on June 17; fares on subways and buses will change on June 28; bridge and tunnel tolls will increase on July 12. The fare proposal is designed to increase fares on average by 10% and to achieve as close to a 10% increase as practicable across all fare instruments. "Today we implemented a bittersweet solution that comes with additional pain for our customers, our employees and those who live and work in our region," said H. Dale Hemmerdinger, Chairman of the MTA Board. "But it will – at least for the short term – prevent the Armageddon that loomed large when we last met." "The fare and toll increase passed today is not ideal, but it spares our customers from actions that would have been extraordinarily painful," said Elliot G. Sander, MTA Executive Director and CEO. "Implementing severe fare increases and deep service cuts directly contradicts the MTA's mission and my goals as CEO. It is a great relief to know we will be able to continue providing the service our customers expect at an affordable price." (MTA - posted 5/12) ELECTRO-MOTIVE DIESEL INC. ROLLS OUT THE NEW JT42CWRN FOR EGYPTIAN NATIONAL RAILWAYS: Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc. (EMD) has rolled out the first JT42CWRM 3,300 THP locomotive at the Egyptian National Railways (ENR) facility in Cairo, Egypt. EMD will be delivering 40 locomotives by the third quarter of 2009. The first 15 units have been delivered and are being commissioned. EMD has a long history of supplying locomotives to ENR going back to the 1950's. ENR's fleet will consist of 681 EMD powered locomotives once this order is complete. These new JT42CWRM will be a welcome addition to the ENR fleet of EMD locomotives as the expansion of ENR's rail business moves forward. ENR will be utilizing the more powerful and reliable JT42CWRM for passenger lines. EMD will provide support for these locomotives with world-class service and technical support. These units will create the locomotive availability that ENR requires to meet present and future motive power needs. The EMD JT42CWRM is equipped with a 3,300 THP 12N-710G3B 12 cylinder engine. The JT42CWRM is equipped with the EM2000 microprocessor locomotive control system that provides improved locomotive reliability and performance. EMD has incorporated several design features into the locomotive to enhance driver comfort, safety and maintainability of the locomotive. The driver comfort features include air-conditioning and ergonomic driver seats. Design features in the JT42CWRM help make the locomotive fire resistant and driver safety has been improved with an easy access emergency exit door. Locomotive diagnostic information is provided through the information displayed on the EM2000. This information will keep maintenance departments informed of the condition of each locomotive, enabling them to keep the locomotive in service. According to Albert Enste, Vice President International Sales & Service, "EMD is proud to deliver one of its most reliable locomotives into service at ENR. The JT42CWRM has been in service throughout Europe for over ten years, and EMD is pleased to bring its experience with the JT42CWRM to the passenger service in Egypt." "ENR is EMD's largest customer in the Middle East & North African region, and we are proud of our long lasting relationship with ENR. EMD is the leader in locomotive power in the region with over 3,750 units delivered," added Ramzi Imad, EMD's Regional Director for Middle East and Africa. Founded in 1922, Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc. is one of two U.S. original equipment manufacturers of diesel-electric locomotives. Headquartered in LaGrange, Illinois, with additional facilities in London, Ontario, Canada, EMD designs, manufactures and sells diesel-electric locomotives for all commercial railroad applications and has sold its products in more than 73 countries worldwide. The Company is the only diesel-electric locomotive manufacturer to have produced more than 70,000 engines and has the largest installed base of diesel-electric locomotives in both North America and internationally. In addition to its locomotive manufacturing activities, EMD has an extensive aftermarket business offering customer's replacement parts and a range of value-added services for its locomotives. The Company is also a global provider of diesel engines for marine propulsion, offshore and land-based oil well drilling rigs, and stationary power generation. (EMD - posted 5/11) DISNEY'S A CHHRISTMAS CAROL TRAIN TOUR: Disney is pulling out all the whistle stops and taking its show on the road with a spectacular immersive and interactive 40-city train tour including a 3D sneak peek of film footage from the upcoming movie “Disney’s A Christmas Carol,” it was announced today (05/08/09) by Dick Cook, chairman, The Walt Disney Studios. Set amidst a snowy backdrop—complete with all of the sights and sounds of Christmas including carolers, decorations, giveaways and many more surprises in each of the 40 cities—the Train Tour is being launched with HP on board as the title and technology sponsor and driven by Amtrak. This family event is for guests of all ages and is free to the public. Starring Jim Carrey and directed by Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Robert Zemeckis, “Disney’s A Christmas Carol” opens in theatres November 6 in Disney Digital 3D™ and in IMAX 3D®. Commenting on the announcement, Cook said, “‘Disney’s A Christmas Carol’ Train Tour is an incredibly fun way to introduce families across the country to the wonders and spectacle that is Robert Zemeckis’ unique and spectacular new holiday film. We are so proud of the movie, and think the 3D footage is so incredible, we just had to give everyone a chance to see it in Disney Digital 3D. From Los Angeles to New York, and all points in between, guests are going to have a fabulous time discovering things about the making of this extraordinary film, participating in their own festive fantasies, and getting into the holiday spirit all year round. ‘Disney’s A Christmas Carol’ is great entertainment for moviegoers of all ages, and this is the perfect introduction to a fun and exciting new holiday classic.” Among the highlights of the tour are authentic artifacts on loan from the Charles Dickens Museum of London; artwork, costumes and props from the film; demonstrations of performance capture technology; and a chance to morph your face into one of the film’s characters using HP TouchSmart PCs. At each stop along the way, a state-of-the-art Disney Digital 3D Theatre will be erected, where guests can get a sneak peek of “Disney’s A Christmas Carol” and see other exclusive behind-the-scenes materials from the movie. The latest details about tour stops and scheduled events are available at www.christmascaroltraintour.com. Featuring four custom-designed vintage rail cars full of behind-the-scenes attractions, entertaining demonstrations, and fun activities, the tour will have its inaugural stop at Los Angeles’ Union Station over Memorial Day Weekend, from May 22nd through May 25th. During the next 24 weeks, the train will make 40 stops in 36 states, as it travels its way across more than 16,000 miles of track. The tour will finish at New York’s Grand Central Terminal over the weekend of October 30th through November 1st. At every tour stop, Radio Disney will invite kids to enter for a chance to become a Movie Surfer representing their hometown. Each Hometown Movie Surfer will get a chance to appear on Disney Channel by filming their very own Movie Surfer’s segment! They’ll also receive a prize package of exclusive Movie Surfer and "Disney’s A Christmas Carol” gear. ABC television stations across the country will run local promotions. At each stop, guests will have the chance to win an HP TouchSmart PC and an HP Photosmart wireless printer. Additionally, Disney is working with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America organization to provide an early Christmas experience to kids across the country. Disney will present the organization with a donation in the amount of $100,000 at the May 21st launch in Los Angeles to further the organization’s efforts of helping kids grow up to be great and will invite Boys & Girls Club kids to be part of the tour when it comes to their town. Boys & Girls Clubs throughout the nation are impacting the lives of 4.8 million young people each year with after-school programs that emphasize education, career exploration, community service, technology skills, financial literacy, the arts and more to help them reach their full potential as productive, caring citizens. A variety of innovative HP technologies helped to make the Train Tour possible. HP ProLiant servers and HP ProCurve switches will provide Disney with the computing power that will allow guests to collect and upload photos. Throughout the train exhibits, Disney is using HP TouchSmart PCs to run an interactive face morph application and HP monitors to showcase performance capture technology as well as images and digital effects from the film. Additionally, each train car will be wrapped with Disney’s Train Tour logo using the versatility of HP Scitex printers. “For decades HP and Disney have joined together to captivate audiences through technology innovation and digital entertainment,” said Michael Mendenhall, senior vice president and chief marketing officer, HP. “HP technology used in the making of ‘Disney’s A Christmas Carol’ has enabled Disney to push the boundaries in performance capture technology. The Train Tour offers an innovative way for guests to interact with HP’s latest technology and experience the magic behind the film.” Amtrak locomotives and engineers will lead the four-car Train Tour (plus a private car), across the US, with stops ranging from 1-3 days along the way. Each train station will be themed with holiday decorations, and feature artwork from the film, Christmas Carolers, fun activities for the entire family, and snow! “Rail travel continues to influence the way people connect with each other and celebrating the release of a true classic is a perfect way to further that connection,” said Emmett Fremaux, Vice President Marketing and Product Management, Amtrak. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to be teaming up with Walt Disney Studios for this 40 city tour to help educate Americans about the benefit of rail travel.” Dolby Laboratories will be supplying its Dolby® 3D Digital Cinema solution for the traveling Digital 3D theater, and Barco is providing the DP2000 digital projectors. Panasonic provides some of the latest high resolution large screen technology available to consumers today throughout the train cars. And, the Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is encouraging guests traveling to and from the train to Buckle Up, Every Trip, Every Time! For a complete schedule of the train tour view http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/christmascaroltraintour/ (Disney - posted 5/11) |
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