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Hot News! Edited by Carl G. Perelman |
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CANADIAN PACIFIC ANNOUNCES STRONG OPERATING PERFORMANCE AND FOURTH QUARTER RESULTS: Canadian Pacific Railway Limited announced its fourth-quarter and full year 2011 results today. Fourth-quarter CP reported net income of $221 million and diluted earnings per share of $1.30, inclusive of $0.22 per share income tax benefit. For the full year, the company reported net income of $570 million and diluted earnings per share of $3.34. “We exited 2011 having made meaningful progress on the three pillars of our Multi-Year Plan: driving growth, expanding network capacity to safely and efficiently support higher volumes and controlling costs. During the fourth quarter we delivered record asset velocity, a direct link to better service, positioning us for a lower operating ratio,” said Fred Green, President and Chief Executive Officer. “We begin 2012 with operating momentum, excellent service levels and a stronger, more resilient rail network. We are aggressively executing on our Multi-Year Plan, which is instrumental in creating long-term value for shareholders (CP - posted 1/27) PORT AUTHORITY’S PATH SYSTEM REPORTS RECORD RIDERSHIP IN 2011: The Port Authority’s PATH rail system reported record ridership in 2011, with 76.6 million commuter trips made during the year, the highest number since the agency took over operation of the system in 1962. The record ridership follows the investment of more than $1 billion in PATH over the past four years for new cars, station upgrades and commencement of installation of a new signal system. The record ridership surpassed the previous record of 74.9 million commuter trips in 2008 by 1.7 million trips. The 2011 ridership number represents a 3.6 percent increase compared to 2010. The increase in PATH ridership mirrors a trend of strong increases in transit ridership around the region, and around the country, as the traveling public seeks transportation alternatives. Port Authority Chairman David Samson said, “Our multibillion-dollar commitment to transform PATH into a 21st century rail system has paid dividends. More people are taking notice of what PATH has to offer and are choosing it as their preferred mode of travel between New York and New Jersey.” Port Authority Executive Director Pat Foye said, “We continue to make significant investments in PATH, to provide our customers a quality mass-transit alternative to cross the Hudson for work, to see family, or a night out. Our customers have asked for new cars and upgraded stations and we are listening. PATH now has an entirely new 340-car fleet, and renovations are being made to stations throughout the system. And our new PATH signal system, when it is fully installed, will help meet the on-time performance standards and reliability that our customers demand.” Port Authority Deputy Executive Director Bill Baroni said, “We have been good stewards of this 104-year-old system – which is a lifeline between the two states – for many years, and our efforts will continue to ensure it remains a customer-friendly, efficient mode of travel to support the needs of commuters going to work on both sides of the Hudson.” In addition to record ridership, 2011 was a significant year for the Port Authority’s ongoing investment in PATH. In November, the Port Authority put the last of its 340 new rail cars into service, completing a three-year, $744 million program that created 700 jobs. The new cars included several new features, including three-door sets on each side of a car, allowing for faster exit and entry, improved lighting, heating and air-conditioning, and informational videos on each train. PATH cars were not the only things being replaced and modernized. Several stations are seeing upgrades as well: Harrison and Hoboken stations are both undergoing renovation. The World Trade Center-Newark line also will see renovations as the platforms eventually will be extended to accommodate 10-car trains, an improvement that will help increase system capacity. The installation of a computerized signal system also is under way, with signals being replaced throughout PATH’s 43 track miles and 13 stations. This $400 million upgrade will result in fewer PATH delays, increased numbers of trains running at any given time and improvements in overall safety and efficiency. The Christopher Street substation, which provides electrical power to the branch of the PATH system that goes to 33rd Street in Manhattan, also is being upgraded. The larger capacity of the upgraded power system will improve reliability and meet the demand for power resulting from increased service. During a typical weekday, approximately 256,000 trips are made on PATH system. Weekend ridership also is up, as approximately 211,000 trips are made. This represents a 2 percent increase in weekend ridership from 2010. The Harrison station exhibited the strongest weekday growth of all PATH stations at 8.7 percent. (The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey - posted 1/26) CANADIAN PACIFIC ANNOUNCES STRONG OPERATING PERFORMANCE AND FOURTH QUARTER RESULTS: Canadian Pacific Railway Limited announced its fourth-quarter and full year 2011 results today. Fourth-quarter CP reported net income of $221 million and diluted earnings per share of $1.30, inclusive of $0.22 per share income tax benefit. For the full year, the company reported net income of $570 million and diluted earnings per share of $3.34. “We exited 2011 having made meaningful progress on the three pillars of our Multi-Year Plan: driving growth, expanding network capacity to safely and efficiently support higher volumes and controlling costs. During the fourth quarter we delivered record asset velocity, a direct link to better service, positioning us for a lower operating ratio,” said Fred Green, President and Chief Executive Officer. “We begin 2012 with operating momentum, excellent service levels and a stronger, more resilient rail network. We are aggressively executing on our Multi-Year Plan, which is instrumental in creating long-term value for shareholders (CP - posted 1/27) PORT AUTHORITY’S PATH SYSTEM REPORTS RECORD RIDERSHIP IN 2011: The Port Authority’s PATH rail system reported record ridership in 2011, with 76.6 million commuter trips made during the year, the highest number since the agency took over operation of the system in 1962. The record ridership follows the investment of more than $1 billion in PATH over the past four years for new cars, station upgrades and commencement of installation of a new signal system. The record ridership surpassed the previous record of 74.9 million commuter trips in 2008 by 1.7 million trips. The 2011 ridership number represents a 3.6 percent increase compared to 2010. The increase in PATH ridership mirrors a trend of strong increases in transit ridership around the region, and around the country, as the traveling public seeks transportation alternatives. Port Authority Chairman David Samson said, “Our multibillion-dollar commitment to transform PATH into a 21st century rail system has paid dividends. More people are taking notice of what PATH has to offer and are choosing it as their preferred mode of travel between New York and New Jersey.” Port Authority Executive Director Pat Foye said, “We continue to make significant investments in PATH, to provide our customers a quality mass-transit alternative to cross the Hudson for work, to see family, or a night out. Our customers have asked for new cars and upgraded stations and we are listening. PATH now has an entirely new 340-car fleet, and renovations are being made to stations throughout the system. And our new PATH signal system, when it is fully installed, will help meet the on-time performance standards and reliability that our customers demand.” Port Authority Deputy Executive Director Bill Baroni said, “We have been good stewards of this 104-year-old system – which is a lifeline between the two states – for many years, and our efforts will continue to ensure it remains a customer-friendly, efficient mode of travel to support the needs of commuters going to work on both sides of the Hudson.” In addition to record ridership, 2011 was a significant year for the Port Authority’s ongoing investment in PATH. In November, the Port Authority put the last of its 340 new rail cars into service, completing a three-year, $744 million program that created 700 jobs. The new cars included several new features, including three-door sets on each side of a car, allowing for faster exit and entry, improved lighting, heating and air-conditioning, and informational videos on each train. PATH cars were not the only things being replaced and modernized. Several stations are seeing upgrades as well: Harrison and Hoboken stations are both undergoing renovation. The World Trade Center-Newark line also will see renovations as the platforms eventually will be extended to accommodate 10-car trains, an improvement that will help increase system capacity. The installation of a computerized signal system also is under way, with signals being replaced throughout PATH’s 43 track miles and 13 stations. This $400 million upgrade will result in fewer PATH delays, increased numbers of trains running at any given time and improvements in overall safety and efficiency. The Christopher Street substation, which provides electrical power to the branch of the PATH system that goes to 33rd Street in Manhattan, also is being upgraded. The larger capacity of the upgraded power system will improve reliability and meet the demand for power resulting from increased service. During a typical weekday, approximately 256,000 trips are made on PATH system. Weekend ridership also is up, as approximately 211,000 trips are made. This represents a 2 percent increase in weekend ridership from 2010. The Harrison station exhibited the strongest weekday growth of all PATH stations at 8.7 percent. (The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey - posted 1/26) AAR REPORTS INCREASE IN WEEKLY RAIL TRAFFIC: The Association of American Railroads (AAR) today reported an increase in weekly rail traffic for the week ending January 21, 2012, with U.S. railroads originating 287,734 carloads, up 1.6 percent compared with the same week last year. Intermodal volume for the week totaled 219,706 trailers and containers, up 3 percent compared with the same week last year. Fourteen of the 20 carload commodity groups posted increases compared with the same week in 2011, with metallic ores, up 50.8 percent; petroleum products, up 26.8 percent, and motor vehicles and equipment, up 16.7 percent. The groups showing a significant decrease in weekly traffic included grain, down 10.7 percent, and farm products excluding grain, down 10.5 percent. Weekly carload volume on Eastern railroads was down 1.5 percent compared with the same week last year. In the West, weekly carload volume was up 3.6 percent compared with the same week in 2011. For the first three weeks of 2012, U.S. railroads reported cumulative volume of 861,146 carloads, up 1.1 percent from last year, and 642,609 trailers and containers, up 0.4 percent from last year. Canadian railroads reported 68,366 carloads for the week, up 3.5 percent compared with the same week last year, and 48,092 trailers and containers, up 4.8 percent compared with 2011. For the first three weeks of 2012, Canadian railroads reported cumulative volume of 213,866 carloads, up 3.2 percent from the same point last year, and 138,377 trailers and containers, up 3.4 percent from last year. Mexican railroads reported 13,658 carloads for the week, down 11 percent compared with the same week last year, and 9,007 trailers and containers, up 27.6 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for the first three weeks of 2012 is 36,408 carloads, down 15.9 percent compared to last year, and 24,718 trailers and containers, up 21.8 percent. Combined North American rail volume for the first three weeks of 2012 on 13 reporting U.S., Canadian and Mexican railroads totaled 1,111,420 carloads, up 0.8 percent compared to last year, and 805,704 trailers and containers, up 1.4 percent compared with last year. (AAR - posted 1/26) CSX NAMES NEW CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER: CSX Corporation announced the appointments of Oscar Munoz as executive vice president and chief operating officer and Fredrik J. Eliasson as executive vice president and chief financial officer, effective immediately. Munoz replaces David A. Brown, who is no longer with the company. The company’s decision to make this change is unrelated to CSX’s financial condition, business performance or outlook, all of which are strong. “Oscar Munoz is a proven leader who has been an integral part of creating the company’s vision and success,” said Michael J. Ward, chairman, president and chief executive officer. “He brings tremendous business skills, a disciplined approach and a passion for superior results.” Munoz has been executive vice president and chief financial officer of CSX since 2003, responsible for all financial, strategic planning, information technology, procurement and real estate activities. Prior to joining CSX he held senior leadership roles at PepsiCo, Coca-Cola and AT&T. Munoz is a member of the board of directors of United Airlines, as well as several local and national educational and philanthropic institutions. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern California and a master’s of business administration from Pepperdine University. Succeeding Munoz as chief financial officer is Fredrik Eliasson, a 16-year veteran CSX executive. “Fredrik brings broad senior leadership experience and a track record of success in key financial and commercial roles,” said Ward. “He has invaluable insight into creating value for shareholders and customers, as well as clear focus and skill in business execution.” Eliasson was vice president of sales and marketing for CSX’s chemicals and fertilizer business and previously headed the emerging markets business. Before that, he was vice president of financial planning and analysis, overseeing all aspects of planning, forecasting and economic analysis activities. Eliasson is on the board of directors of the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce. He earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in business administration from Virginia Commonwealth University. (CSX Corporation, - posted 1/25) PROVIDENCE & WORCESTER RAILROAD COMPANY ANNOUNCES DIVIDEND: Providence and Worcester Railroad Company announced that, at its regular quarterly meeting on January 25, 2012, the Board of Directors of the Company declared a dividend of $.04 per share on the outstanding Common Stock of the Company, payable on February 24, 2012 to common shareholders of record on February 10, 2012. In addition, the Board of Directors declared a 10% noncumulative annual dividend of $5.00 per share on the outstanding preferred stock of the Company, payable on February 24, 2012 to preferred shareholders of record on February 10, 2012. (Providence & Worcester - posted 1/25) NORFOLK SOUTHERN REPORTS 2011 FOURTH-QUARTER AND FULL-YEAR RESULTS: Norfolk Southern Corporation today reported record fourth-quarter net income of $480 million, 19 percent higher compared with $402 million for the same quarter of 2010. Diluted earnings per share were a record $1.42, up 30 percent compared with the $1.09 per diluted share earned in the same period a year earlier. For 2011, net income increased to an all-time record $1.9 billion, 28 percent higher compared with $1.5 billion for 2010. Diluted earnings per share for the year increased 36 percent, or $1.45, to a record $5.45, compared with 2010. “Norfolk Southern achieved all-time records for revenues, operating income, net income, and earnings per share during 2011, and set fourth-quarter records for revenues, net income, and earnings per share,” said Norfolk Southern CEO Wick Moorman. “In 2012 we will remain committed to enhancing our service product, maintaining the safety and quality of our rail network, improving operational efficiency, and supporting growth.” “Our strong capital program of $2.4 billion will include substantial investments along our Crescent Corridor, a public-private partnership to create a high-capacity, truck-competitive intermodal freight rail route between the Gulf Coast and Northeast,” Moorman said. “As part of this program of projects, we plan to open intermodal terminals in Alabama, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee later in the year. Facilities such as these relieve congested freight lines and highways, and are proven centers for creating jobs and economic development.” Railway operating revenues increased to $2.8 billion, a fourth-quarter record, up 17 percent compared with the same period a year earlier. For 2011, railway operating revenues set an all-time record $11.2 billion, 17 percent higher compared with 2010. The improvements were the result of increases in revenue per unit of 11 percent for the quarter and 12 percent for the year and higher volumes that were up 6 percent for the quarter and 5 percent for the year. General merchandise revenues rose to $1.4 billion, up 13 percent compared with fourth-quarter 2010. For 2011, general merchandise revenues increased to $5.6 billion, 12 percent higher compared with 2010. Traffic volume increased 1 percent in the quarter and was even for the year compared with the same periods of 2010. Coal revenues in the fourth quarter were $850 million, up 24 percent compared with the same period last year. For 2011, coal revenues were $3.5 billion, 27 percent higher compared with 2010. Traffic volume increased 3 percent in the quarter and 4 percent for the year compared with the same periods of 2010. Intermodal revenues were $554 million, up 18 percent compared with fourth-quarter 2010. For the year, intermodal revenues were $2.1 billion, up 19 percent compared with 2010. Traffic volume increased by 11 percent in the quarter and 10 percent for 2011 compared with the same periods of 2010. Railway operating expenses were $2 billion for the fourth quarter, 14 percent higher compared with the same period a year earlier. For 2011, railway operating expenses were $8 billion, up 16 percent compared with 2010. The increases were primarily driven by fuel expenses, which rose by $95 million in the fourth quarter and $510 million for the year, and higher costs associated with increased traffic volumes. Income from railway operations increased 25 percent for the quarter to $800 million and improved 20 percent to a record $3.2 billion for the year, compared with the same periods of 2010. Fourth-quarter 2011 results included $11 million in deferred income tax benefits attributable to state tax law changes. The year included $68 million of favorable, non-recurring income tax benefits. The fourth-quarter railway operating ratio improved by 2 percent to 71.4 percent compared with the same period last year. For 2011, the railway operating ratio improved by 1 percent to 71.2 percent compared with 2010. ( Norfolk Southern Corporation - posted 1/24) CN REPORTS BEST EVERY QUARTERLY REVENUE: CN today reported its financial and operating results for the fourth quarter and year ended Dec. 31, 2011. Net income for full-year 2011 was C$2,457 million, or C$5.41 per diluted share, compared with 2010 net income of C$2,104 million, or C$4.48 per diluted share. The financial results for both years included a number of items that affect the comparability of the results, including in 2011 an after-tax gain on the disposal of a segment of CN's Kingston subdivision known as the Lakeshore East of C$254 million, or C$0.55 per diluted share, and an after-tax gain of C$38 million (C$0.08 per diluted share) on the sale of the assets of IC RailMarine Terminal Company. Excluding items in both years, adjusted 2011 net income was C$2,194 million, or C$4.84 per diluted share, compared with 2010 adjusted net income of C$1,973 million, or C$4.20 per diluted share. Adjusted diluted EPS for 2011 increased by 15 per cent. (1) Claude Mongeau, CN president and chief executive officer, said: "Solid operational and service performance helped CN deliver exceptional financial results for the fourth quarter and 2011 as a whole. Our broad-based service innovation benefited our customers and enabled us to grow our business faster than the overall economy and close the year with record carloadings and revenues. Moving forward, our goal of becoming a true supply chain enabler is the foundation of our commitment to deliver solid shareholder value." Foreign currency impact on results Although CN reports its earnings in Canadian dollars, a large portion of its revenues and expenses is denominated in U.S. dollars. As such, the Company's results are affected by exchange-rate fluctuations. On a constant currency basis that excludes the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, CN's 2011 fourth-quarter net income would have been lower by C$2 million (nil impact per diluted share), and its 12-month net income higher by C$43 million, or C$0.09 per diluted share. (1) Positive 2012 outlook, increased dividend (2) Mongeau said: "Although the economic recovery may be affected by global uncertainty, CN believes the gradual improvement in the North American economy will continue in 2012. Despite significant headwinds from additional pension expense of about C$120 million in 2012, CN is aiming to achieve a growth of up to 10 per cent in diluted earnings per share (EPS) over adjusted diluted EPS of C$4.84 for 2011. CN also expects to generate 2012 free cash flow in the order of C$875 million, which is in line with 2011 excluding major asset sales." (1) Mongeau added: "With a strong balance sheet and solid prospects for earnings and free cash flow generation, I'm pleased to announce that our Board of Directors has approved a 15 per cent increase in CN's 2012 quarterly common-share dividend." Fourth-quarter 2011 revenues and expenses Revenues for the fourth quarter of 2011 increased by 12 per cent to C$2,377 million. All but one of CN's commodity groups experienced increased revenues: metals and minerals (30 per cent), intermodal (16 per cent), petroleum and chemicals (14 per cent), automotive (13 per cent), forest products (12 per cent), and grain and fertilizers (three per cent.) Coal revenues were flat. Revenue ton-miles increased three per cent over the fourth quarter of 2010, while rail freight revenue per revenue ton-mile increased by nine per cent. Total operating expenses for the fourth quarter increased by 15 per cent to C$1,538 million. Full-year 2011 revenues and expenses: Revenues for the year increased by nine per cent to C$9,028 million, mainly attributable to higher freight volumes, due to a modest improvement in the North American and global economies and to the Company's performance above base market conditions in a number of segments; the impact of a higher fuel surcharge; and freight rate increases. These factors were partly offset by the negative translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar on U.S.-dollar-denominated revenues in the first nine months of the year. All commodity groups saw revenue increases for 2011: metals and minerals (17 per cent), intermodal (14 per cent), grain and fertilizers (seven per cent), petroleum and chemicals (seven per cent), forest products (seven per cent), automotive (six per cent), and coal (three per cent). Revenue ton-miles for the year increased by five per cent from 2010, while rail freight revenue per revenue ton-mile increased by four per cent. Operating expenses for 2011 increased by nine per cent to C$5,732 million, mainly due to higher fuel costs, purchased service and material expense, labor and fringe benefits expense as well as higher depreciation and amortization. These factors were partially offset by the positive translation impact of the stronger Canadian dollar on U.S.-dollar-denominated expenses, particularly in the first nine months of 2011, and lower casualty and other expense. CN's operating ratio for 2011 was 63.5 per cent, compared with 63.6 per cent for 2010, a 0.1-point reduction. (CN - posted 1/24) AMTRAK OUTLINES PLAN FOR NEXT PHASE OF IMPROVEMENTS AT LANCASTER TRAIN STATION With the current work on the Lancaster Train Station project nearing completion, Amtrak announced a detailed plan for the next phase of station improvements, the Capstone project. Starting as soon as work on the current phase is complete, Amtrak will begin work to restore the passenger areas into an accessible, comfortable and convenient station that is of historic significance. “Passengers will see Amtrak crews begin making the improvements just as soon as the current project ends in the next few weeks,” said Amtrak Sr. Director of Major Project Partnerships Marilyn Jamison. “Amtrak is eager to get started,” she added. The first phase of the three phase Capstone project consists of short term items to be completed by Amtrak forces. Design work is currently underway and in the coming weeks work will begin on the restoration of the passenger areas of the station including the benches, doors and archways. In addition, some plaster work and molding restoration will be done in portions of the station. The station foyer, public hallways and restrooms will be painted and repairs will be made to the platform surface among other items. The second phase is long term work requiring a standard design-bid-build project delivery method. It includes items such as station lighting upgrades and rehabilitation, HVAC replacement and platform canopy repairs. The third phase involves work to be completed under the Amtrak Accessible Stations Development Program which will make improvements to the station’s accessibility by all passengers, including the main waiting room, platform, restrooms and parking areas. This phase commenced in early January with survey work. Construction is expected to begin in mid-2013. An advisory committee comprised of local stakeholders will be formed to provide input on the project. The Lancaster train station serves Amtrak’s Keystone Service (Harrisburg – Philadelphia – New York) and Pennsylvanian (Pittsburgh – Harrisburg – Philadelphia – New York). For fiscal year 2011, 539,338 passengers arrived or departed from the station making it the 3rd busiest Amtrak station in Pennsylvania and the 22nd busiest station in the Amtrak national network. (Amtrak - posted 1/23) AMERICA TO CELEBRATE THE 5TH ANNUAL NATIONAL TRAIN DAY Amtrak presents the 5th Annual National Train Day, a celebration of trains and the different ways trains touch the lives of people around the country. The celebration will take place at train stations in New York City, Philadelphia, Chicago and Los Angeles, as well as numerous other communities throughout the nation, on Saturday, May 12, 2012. National Train Day is for people who relish the journey – not just the destination. This one-of-a-kind train event will bring the ‘rail way’ to life for those in attendance, as well as those participating online and through social media. To join in the celebration of this year’s National Train Day, passengers who are inspired by their train travel experiences can share what they see and do on their train journeys by submitting photos, video and stories at NationalTrainDay.com, on facebook at facebook.com/NationalTrainDay or on Twitter at @natltrainday for a chance to win prizes. “Trains have always been an important part of America’s transportation legacy, and Amtrak has been America’s Railroad for 40 years. This past year, we had a record-breaking 30 million passengers enjoying the journey on our trains, and this year’s National Train Day will celebrate the unique excitement and inspiration train travel offers,” said Emmett Fremaux, Amtrak Vice President, Marketing and Product Development. Signature experiences in the four markets will feature a wide array of family-friendly activities including:
METRO-NORTH RAILRAOD RIDERSHIP TOPS 82 MILLION IN 2011: MTA Metro-North Railroad provided 82 million rides last year, up 1.4% over 2010, with ridership gains on all lines and in all markets from traditional AM inbound commutation to nights, weekends, middays and holidays. On the three main lines, Hudson, Harlem and New Haven, ridership was up 1.7% over 2010. But West of Hudson, where the Port Jervis Line was shut down for three months after Tropical Storm Irene devastated the tracks, ridership declined 11.4% from the previous year. Still, overall ridership last year was the second highest in Metro-North history, exceeded only by 2008, before the economic downturn, when annual ridership was 83.6 million. “This growth is gratifying because people have a choice in travel. They are voting with their feet by taking Metro-North because of the value we provide,” said Railroad President Howard Permut. “This growth is the continuation of a long-term trend and is a result of our unwavering focus on reliability, cleanliness, customer service and safety.” In December, East of Hudson ridership increased 6.4%, the fastest growth rate observed in 2011 and the largest monthly ridership growth rate since September 2000, when ridership jumped up 6.7%. Permut pointed to on-time performance as a major reason that people choose Metro-North. Of the 209,020 trains operated last year, 96.9% of them arrived on time. “Reliability, as measured by on-time performance, is the result of all departments working together to maintain the trains, track, power and signal systems. And this includes coordinating construction projects and track outages with schedule planners and crew schedulers. It also requires a multitude of back office employees in areas such as training, purchasing, inventory control and environmental compliance to work together with a singular focus on providing excellent train service,” Permut continued. In addition to train trips, Metro-North provided 555,000 rides on the two Hudson River ferries that feed customers to the Hudson Line and on Hudson Rail Link, the west Bronx bus service that brings customers to Riverdale and Spuyten Duyvil stations. Ridership also was boosted by big increases during the holidays, with records set for Thanksgiving weekend and weekends in December. Also, New Year’s Eve was the highest ridership since the mid-1990s. Metro-North ridership is projected to grow at a rate of about 2% in 2012, continuing a trend that began in 1983, when Metro-North was created. Since then, ridership has doubled. The annual ridership growth for 2011 is even more impressive considering the extraordinarily challenging weather that included record snowfall in January, a heat wave in July, Tropical Storm Irene in August, which completely shut down service for two days, and a snowstorm in October. (MTA Metro-North - posted 1/23) IMPROVED VIA RAIL SCHEDULES: anada will introduce new schedules in the Montreal-Ottawa-Toronto triangle, effective January 24, 2012. These important changes are expected to attract some 100,000 new passengers annually. The increased ridership will lead to an increase in revenues of several million dollars per year. This will reduce the need for government operating funding, good news for Canadian taxpayers. Passengers on VIA's new Ottawa-Toronto express trains will make the non-stop journey in just three hours and 57 minutes. These new trains will operate every day except Saturday, leaving Toronto and Ottawa in late afternoon. Customers will also have the option of a new late evening departure from Ottawa for Montreal (Sunday through Friday), allowing them to extend their stay in Ottawa beyond the dinner hour. Ottawa-bound travellers from Montreal will also have more end-of-day choices. Passengers travelling from Montreal to Toronto will be offered two new trains, bringing the total number of weekday departures to Toronto to ten. These improvements are made possible by the federal government's major capital investment in VIA. Since 2007, the Government of Canada has invested $923 million in VIA for capital improvement initiatives. Over $400 million of this funding is dedicated to rail infrastructure projects, much of this from the government's Economic Action Plan, investments which will directly benefit Canadians and the country's economy. Over the coming year, VIA expects to complete other major rail infrastructure projects between Toronto and Brockville, allowing the passenger rail service to further improve reliability, and introduce more improvements, such as better trip times and more departures, including additional express trains between Toronto and Montreal. New or improved stations are also set to open later this year in Windsor, Oshawa, Cobourg and Belleville. See viarail.ca/transformingVIA to learn more. More details on the schedule changes are available at http://www.viarail.ca/en/useful-info/customize-your-train-schedule. (VIA Rail Canada - posted 1/23) CSX ANNOUNCES RECORD FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL YEAR 2011 EARNINGS PER SHARE: CSX Corporation today announced fourth quarter 2011 earnings of $0.43 per share, versus $0.38 per share in the same period last year. This represents a 13 percent year-over-year improvement in earnings per share and a fourth quarter record. The results were driven by revenues of nearly $3.0 billion, operating income of $841 million and an operating ratio of 71.5 percent. "CSX once again delivered record earnings per share while investing in resources to support high customer service levels and growth in the near- and long-term," said Michael J. Ward, chairman, president and chief executive officer. "Our performance in 2011 has set a strong foundation for growth, and CSX remains committed to achieving a 65 percent operating ratio by no later than 2015." For the full year, CSX generated record performance in revenue, operating income, operating ratio and earnings per share. Revenues increased 10 percent to $11.7 billion, operating income rose 11 percent to $3.4 billion, the operating ratio improved to 70.9 percent, and earnings per share improved 24 percent to $1.67. (CSX - posted 1/23) AMTRAK EXHIBIT TRAIN COMING TO MISSISSIPPI AND FLORIDA IN FEBRUARY In celebration of the 40th anniversary of Amtrak, America’s Railroad® is offering the public an opportunity to view an Exhibit Train, a unique traveling display showcasing the railroad’s history. In February, it will make one stop in Mississippi and two stops in Florida.
SAQUENAY, QUEBEC RAIL IMPROVEMENTS: The Government is committed to supporting initiatives that improve trade while fostering economic growth and employment. To this end, the federal government announced that it would provide up to $15 million over two years to support the construction of a rail link and intermodal rail yard at the Port of Saguenay in Saguenay, Quebec. The project is expected to be completed by March 31, 2014. The project will help improve the performance, capacity and competitiveness of maritime facilities, in addition to facilitating interprovincial and international trade and improving the competitiveness of Quebec and Canada. It will also foster investment, economic growth and job creation, and increase the competitiveness of Northern Quebec businesses by providing them with transport options that reduce their environmental impact. According to the Port of Saguenay authorities, the improvements are anticipated to generate 125 jobs. The improvements to the Port’s infrastructure – funded in part through Transport Canada’s Gateways and Border Crossings Fund – will help advance the flow of goods. The Fund supports transport infrastructure projects in order to develop and exploit Canada’s strategic gateways, trade corridors and border crossings. These improvements also support Canada’s Continental Gateway initiative, which aims to create a transport system that is viable, integrated and globally competitive in terms of international trade in order to support economic growth in Quebec, Ontario, and throughout Canada. The project, which is estimated to cost $36 million, consists of the construction of a 12.5-kilometre rail link from the Roberval & Saguenay Railway line to the Port of Saguenay. The project will also include the construction of an intermodal rail yard at the port, including storage and handling areas, as well as railway tracks needed for transit operations. (Prime Minister of Canada - posted 1/20) EXTENSION OF HEARTLAND CORRIDOR FROM COLUMBUS TO CINCINNATI, OHIO BENEFITS PORT OF VIRGINIA: Norfolk Southern has cleared the way for more double-stack intermodal trains to use its Heartland Corridor with the opening this week of a newly improved double-stack rail line between Columbus and Cincinnati, Ohio. The Heartland Connector will reduce transit times by one to two days and increase service reliability for double-stack freight traveling to and from the Port of Virginia and Cincinnati and Detroit. The improvements also will provide Norfolk Southern with the potential to connect Ohio Valley markets to other major East Coast container ports. The Heartland Connector project is a public-private partnership among Norfolk Southern, Ohio Department of Transportation, Ohio Rail Development Commission, and Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Council of Governments to upgrade the NS rail line to accommodate double-stack trains. Previously, containers only could be single-stacked on trains moving over the connector. The project included raising clearances at five locations along the 124-mile route between Cincinnati and Columbus and adding tracks at Norfolk Southern’s Rickenbacker Intermodal Terminal near Columbus. Prior to the upgrades, double-stack intermodal trains leaving the Port of Virginia for Cincinnati and Detroit followed longer routes through Tennessee or Pennsylvania. Now, double-stack trains bound for Detroit use a route that is 212 miles shorter, and trains traveling to Cincinnati travel 69 fewer miles and save up to two days transit time. Financial support for the $6.1 million project included $3.6 million from the federal government combined with matching contributions from Norfolk Southern and the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Council of Governments. “The Rail Commission is very happy to have been able to facilitate this very important infrastructure project that builds on previous investments and further solidifies Ohio’s position in the global supply chain,” said Matthew Dietrich, executive director of the Ohio Rail Development Commission. “Routing trains over the Heartland Connector improves transit times and allows Norfolk Southern to provide more reliable service and handle additional intermodal freight,” said Jeff Heller, NS group vice president international intermodal marketing. “The Heartland Connector is significant for the Port of Virginia because it increases the efficiency of the Heartland Corridor to move goods to and from Ohio and other Midwest consumer markets and adds to the competitiveness of the Hampton Roads region.” Norfolk Southern’s Heartland Corridor is the shortest, fastest double-stack route from the Port of Virginia to the Midwest. A single NS intermodal train takes up to 300 trucks off America's highways, reducing traffic congestion and repair costs. In addition, rail transportation is nearly four times more fuel efficient than trucking, resulting in fewer greenhouse gas emissions. (Norfolk Southern Corporation, Alex Mayes - posted 1/19 NORFOLK SOUTHERN MECHANICSVILLE INTERMODAL TERMINAL OPENS FOR BUSINESS: Norfolk Southern has opened the new Mechanicville, N.Y, intermodal terminal on January 16.The terminal offers service for containers only (53ft domestic private, EMP, or ocean containers). It replaces the former D&H intermodal terminal at Kenwood Yard in Albany. GOVERNOR MCDONNELL ANNOUNCES NORFOLK PASSENGER RAIL SERVICE TO BEGIN IN 2012: Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that the expected start date of the Amtrak Virginia extension to/from Norfolk will begin by December 31, 2012. This moves the service to start 10 months earlier than originally projected. “This service will provide immediate relief to road weary travelers between two of the state’s most congested regions” said Governor McDonnell. “This service is long overdue and I congratulate our partners and commend their cooperation in moving up the scheduled start date.” The Commonwealth’s Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), CSX, Norfolk Southern and the City of Norfolk have been working speedily to make the necessary upgrades for the service. The round-trip train will bring intercity passenger rail service to Norfolk for the first time since 1977, and will link Norfolk with a single-seat ride to Richmond, Washington, D.C. and cities as far north as Boston. The updated timeline comes from today’s Commonwealth Transportation Board meeting where they passed a resolution outlining the new goals and start date. “There is high demand for passenger rail service in Virginia as demonstrated by considerable ridership growth throughout the Commonwealth,” said Amtrak Vice President of Government Affairs and Corporate Communications Joe McHugh. “We have a strong partnership with the Commonwealth and look forward to operating this expanded service to Norfolk in 2012, providing passengers the option of convenient one-seat service to Washington and Northeast Corridor destinations.” The Norfolk train marks the third service expansion launched under the Amtrak Virginia partnership, which has introduced service to Richmond and Lynchburg since October 2009. Virginia is the 15th state to partner with Amtrak for intercity passenger rail service, and the successful launch of these new services is made possible through the partnership between DRPT, Amtrak and the host railroads along the routes. Amtrak Virginia routes had sizable gains in fiscal year 2011 over fiscal year 2010 with increases of 28.5 percent on the Washington-Lynchburg route and 19.1 percent on the Washington-Newport News route. “This service is a win-win for Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia. The economies of these two regions are intertwined and getting this service operating will strengthen them both,” said Thelma Drake, Director of the Department of Rail and Public Transportation. (Amtrak - posted 1/19) L.B. FOSTER BEGINS DELIVERY OF #3.4 MILLION RAIL PRODUCTS TO YOUNGSTOWN PLANT: Pittsburgh, PA-based L.B. Foster Company (NASDAQ: FSTR) has begun delivery of $3.4 million of rail and trackwork products to rail contractor Wintrow Construction of Barberton, Ohio for the construction of 8.5 miles of track and other track materials at the new Vallourec & Mannesmann Tubes (V&M) Star Steel pipe mill in Youngstown, Ohio. L.B. Foster has teamed with key strategic partners to meet the product requirements for track construction at this important industrial facility. The new 115# continuous welded rail (CWR) is produced by Steel Dynamics, Inc. (SDI) in their Columbia City, Indiana facility. SDI welded 240 foot rail sections into 1,600 foot strings and loaded them onto a special L.B. Foster work train for delivery to the Ohio project site. L.B. Foster's team of rail professionals is managing the logistics required to provide efficient Just-in-Time delivery of the rail and trackwork materials to the jobsite. The new rail, trackwork and rail accessories supplied by L.B. Foster will provide mainline access and in-plant transportation for seamless steel pipe at the new Youngstown mill. Vallourec & Mannesmann is building the facility to meet the growing demand for small diameter oil country tubular goods (OCTG) resulting from the increase in drilling for natural gas in the nearby Marcellus Shale region. (L.B. Foster - posted 1/19) AAR REPORTS INCREASE IN WEEKLY RAIL TRAFFIC: The Association of American Railroads (AAR) today reported an increase in weekly rail traffic for the week ending January 14, 2012, with U.S. railroads originating 298,560 carloads, up 5.5 percent compared with the same week last year. Intermodal volume for the week totaled 229,091 trailers and containers, up 7.4 percent compared with the same week last year. Seventeen of the 20 carload commodity groups posted increases compared with the same week in 2011, with crushed stone, sand and gravel, up 33.2 percent; motor vehicles and equipment, up 31.5 percent, and petroleum products, up 28.9 percent. The groups showing a significant decrease in weekly traffic included grain, down 10.1 percent. Weekly carload volume on Eastern railroads was up 5.3 percent compared with the same week last year. In the West, weekly carload volume was up 5.6 percent compared with the same week in 2011. For the first two weeks of 2012, U.S. railroads reported cumulative volume of 573,412 carloads, up 0.9 percent from last year, and 422,903 trailers and containers, down 1 percent from last year. Canadian railroads reported 77,095 carloads for the week, up 9.8 percent compared with the same week last year, and 50,004 trailers and containers, up 15.5 percent compared with 2011. For the first two weeks of 2012, Canadian railroads reported cumulative volume of 145,500 carloads, up 3.1 percent from the same point last year, and 90,285 trailers and containers, up 2.7 percent from last year. Mexican railroads reported 11,893 carloads for the week, down 21.3 percent compared with the same week last year, and 8,545 trailers and containers, up 20.5 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for the first two weeks of 2012 is 22,750 carloads, down 18.5 percent compared to last year, and 15,711 trailers and containers, up 18.6 percent. Combined North American rail volume for the first two weeks of 2012 on 13 reporting U.S., Canadian and Mexican railroads totaled 741,662 carloads, up 0.5 percent compared to last year, and 528,899 trailers and containers, up 0.1 percent compared with last year. (AAR - posted 1/19) STATEMENT BY AMTRAK PRESIDENT AND CEO JOE BOARDMAN ON OBAMA ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCEMENT TO EXPEDITE ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW OF NORTHEAST CORRIDOR HIGH-SPEED RAIL PROJECTS The White House Council on Environmental Quality and the U.S. Department of Transportation announced a pilot program to expedite environmental review of Northeast Corridor high-speed passenger rail projects. The statement below is from Amtrak President and CEO Joe Boardman: "The decision to expedite the federal environmental review process for Northeast Corridor (NEC) high-speed rail projects is great news for all users of the NEC who are seeking increased passenger rail capacity, mobility and connectivity in the region. “A faster review process will help speed along Amtrak's efforts to rebuild and improve today's Corridor and advance Amtrak's vision to develop a new high-capacity, 220 mph NextGen high-speed rail system serving the region, including our Gateway Program to bring more track, tunnel and station capacity into the heart of Manhattan." (Amtrak - posted 1/16) MTA COMPLETES FASTRACK: For four consecutive weeknights hundreds of MTA workers labored through the late night and early morning hours cleaning, inspecting, repairing and replacing subway infrastructure on a nearly seven-mile segment of the normally busy Lexington Avenue Line. Jobs that would usually take weeks or months to complete were accomplished in days because, for the first time, maintenance workers were allowed to perform their tasks without the interruption of passenger trains rolling through a massive work area that stretched from Grand Central-42nd Street to Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. MTA New York City Transit’s new FASTRACK initiative is an entirely new way to perform subway maintenance in our system completely suspending train service over a segment of a subway line, giving workers uninterrupted access to tracks, signals, cables, lighting, third rail components and platform edges. During the four-night period, more than 300 vital tasks were completed - from rail replacement to roadbed cleaning to the scraping and painting of ceilings over tracks and platforms. Much of this work had not been performed in several years and some of it could only be done in the absence of trains over an extended period of time. “It was clear from the first night that in terms of productivity and efficiency, FASTRACK is a major improvement in the way we perform subway maintenance and a perfect example of what can be accomplished when labor and management work as a team to improve the system,” said NYC Transit President Thomas F. Prendergast. “I consider this effort a success and it could not have come about without the hard work and dedication of the hundreds of Transit workers who worked on the tracks, tunnels, and in the stations.” Three work trains supported nearly 70 work crews from several divisions within the Department of Subways. Work was performed in the stations along the line segment as well as the tunnels and even into the Joralemon Tube that connects Brooklyn to Manhattan. In the planning for upwards of three months, the result was a seamless effort that saw maintenance workers specializing in different disciplines working to complete jobs and make improvements that customers would notice by the time service was resumed on the 4, 5 and 6 line for the next morning’s rush period. Workers cleaned and replaced lighting fixtures, scraped dry mud from the roadbed while also removing trash and debris, as well as inspected and performed preventative maintenance on components crucial to providing safe and reliable service. They also scraped peeling paint from station ceilings and painted station areas. Rails were replaced in several areas along with a heavily utilized track switch just north of the Brooklyn Bridge Station. Work also included inspections of equipment along the tracks; scraping and bagging of debris; replacement of tie and rail fastener plates; scraping and painting rubbing board and columns within station limits; cleaning of stations (mobile wash); cleaning of drains; and routine maintenance and performance testing of signals. All work was wrapped up and service restored to customers by 5 a.m. each morning. “A tremendous amount of coordination and effort is going into FASTRACK and we are already seeing the benefits,” said Carmen Bianco, Senior Vice President of the Department of Subways. Platform Conductors and Traffic Checkers were on hand at key transit hubs including Grand Central – 42nd St, Atlantic Ave-Pacific St and 14th St – Union Square handing out printed information and directing riders to alternate lines. In addition to these efforts, the MTA’s website, www.mta.info, provided daily updates to customers on the previous night’s work. When FASTRACK is complete, and NYC Transit performs its assessment, NYC Transit will provide a full report to the MTA Board for review. The next FASTRACK overnight closure will be on the Broadway/Seventh Avenue 1, 2, 3 line between 34th Street and Atlantic Avenue from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. for four consecutive nights beginning Monday, February 13 and ending at 5 a.m. Friday, February 17 (MTA - posted 1/16) NORFOLK SOUTHERN'S PIER 6 HANDLES LARGEST COAL LOADING IN ITS 50 YEAR HISTORY: Norfolk Southern has loaded the largest volume cargo in the history of its Pier 6 coal transloading facility at Lamberts Point in Norfolk. Early yesterday morning, Norfolk Southern finished loading 159,941.45 net tons (145,097.931 metric tons) of metallurgical coal into the M/V Cape Dover, destined for China. That quantity can be used to make about 207,000 tons of steel – enough to build 230,000 automobiles. The coal was shipped by Xcoal Energy & Resources in conjunction with CONSOL Energy, from mining operations in Virginia, in 1,561 railroad coal cars. T. Parker Host was the ship agent/broker. Norfolk Southern employees loaded the 951-foot vessel in fewer than 48 hours in order to accommodate a tight schedule for the receiver. "This is the kind of capacity and service that makes Pier 6 the preeminent coal transloading facility on the East Coast," said Mark H. Bower, NS group vice president, export, metallurgical, and industrial coal marketing. "Worldwide demand for U.S. coal for utilities and coke plants continues to grow, and the railroad is the reliable and safe link that, with our coal production and sales partners, brings that energy to market around the globe." The loading of the M/V Cape Dover eclipsed the former record of 157,645 net tons for the M/V Irongate in 1998 as well as the 155,522 net tons into the M/V Cape Provence in December 2010. Norfolk Southern has been transferring coal and coke from railroad cars into ocean-going export and domestic vessels in the Lamberts Point area since 1884, when it opened Pier 1. In the first half of the 1900s, new Piers 2-5 featured improvements in speed and capacity and even loaded coal into a number of famous vessels, such as those used in Admiral Byrd's 1933 Antarctica expedition. Pier 6 opened for business in 1962 as the hemisphere's largest, fastest, and most efficient transloading facility. In 1999, Pier 6 dumped its billionth ton of coal and became the only facility in the world to have reached that milestone. Most of the coal moving through Pier 6 originates in Southwest Virginia, Southern West Virginia, Eastern Kentucky, and Pennsylvania. It is shipped to several dozen countries as well as to coastwise domestic receivers. Pier 6 is situated with access to Hampton Roads' deep 50-foot channel that allows modern vessels to make productive use of their large holds. (NS, Randy Kotuby - posted 1/13) AAR REPORTS DECREASE IN WEEKLY RAIL TRAFFIC: The Association of American Railroads (AAR) today reported a decrease in weekly rail traffic for the week ending January 7, 2012, with U.S. railroads originating 274,862 carloads, down 3.7 percent compared with the same week last year. Intermodal volume for the week totaled 193,812 trailers and containers, down 9.3 percent compared with the same week last year. Five of the 20 carload commodity groups posted increases compared with the same week in 2011, with metallic ores, up 29.2 percent, having the greatest gain. The groups showing a decrease in weekly traffic included: grain, down 20 percent; farm products excluding grain, down 18.5 percent, and iron and steel scrap, down 17 percent. Weekly carload volume on Eastern railroads was down 13.8 percent compared with the same week last year. In the West, weekly carload volume was up 2.7 percent compared with the same week in 2011. For the first week of 2011, U.S. railroads reported cumulative volume of 274,862 carloads, down 3.7 percent from last year, and 193,812 trailers and containers, down 9.3 percent from last year. Canadian railroads reported 68,405 carloads for the week, down 3.6 percent compared with the same week last year, and 40,281 trailers and containers, down 9.8 percent compared with 2011. For 2012, Canadian railroads reported cumulative volume of 68,405 carloads, down 3.6 percent from the same point last year, and 40,281 trailers and containers, down 9.8 percent from last year. Mexican railroads reported 10,857 carloads for the week, down 15.2 percent compared with the same week last year, and 7,166 trailers and containers, up 16.5 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for 2012 is 10,857 carloads, down 15.2 percent compared to last year, and 7,166 trailers and containers, up 16.5 percent. Combined North American rail volume for 2012 on 13 reporting U.S., Canadian and Mexican railroads totaled 354,124 carloads, down 4.1 percent compared to last year, and 241,259 trailers and containers, down 8.8 percent compared with last year. (AAR - posted 1/12) AMTRAK MOVES AGGRESSIVE AGENDA FOR 2012: With demand for intercity passenger rail service on the rise as demonstrated by yet another year of record ridership, Amtrak is moving forward with an aggressive agenda for 2012 and building for the future while strengthening current services. Among the key actions planned in the New Year are building the first units of 70 new electric locomotives and 130 new single-level long-distance cars, the national roll-out of eTicketing to all trains, and the further integration and advancement of Northeast Corridor (NEC) planning efforts to improve the existing Corridor and develop a high-capacity, next-generation high-speed rail (NextGen HSR) system. “Amtrak is building the equipment, infrastructure and organization needed to ensure our strong growth continues into the future,” said President and CEO Joe Boardman. “We are investing in projects critical for enhancing the passenger experience, essential for supporting our national network of services and vital for the future of America’s Railroad.” Other significant projects in 2012 include: upgrading NEC tracks, bridges and other infrastructure; pursing efforts to expand Acela Express capacity; advancing initial planning work for the Gateway Program to provide additional capacity into Manhattan for intercity, commuter and NextGen HSR services; improving station accessibility under requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act; and continuing the development of a next-generation reservation system. Boardman explained these and other projects support a strong focus on strengthening the Amtrak bottom line and its strategic goals of safety and security, customer focus, mobility and connectivity, environment and energy, and financial and organizational excellence. He added the projects for 2012 follow and enhance recent accomplishments including a new all-time ridership record of nearly 30.2 million passengers in FY 2011 – the eighth ridership record in the last nine years. Among other major achievements in the past year, Amtrak also: made Wi-Fi available to 75 percent of all its passengers; launched an iPhone app; reduced its debt for the eighth consecutive year; and completed a massive renewal and integration of its financial, and procurement and materials management systems. Attached are highlights of just some of the major projects Amtrak will begin, continue or complete during 2012 across its national network. (Amtrak - posted 1/11) OHIO BASED ORGANIZATION PURCHASES SLSF 1352: The closing days of 2011 have brought a new chapter in the life of a veteran railroad locomotive. The American Steam Railroad Preservation Association (ASR), a 501c3 Not-for-Profit corporation headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, announces that it has completed the purchase of SLSF 1352, a Mikado-type (2-8-2 wheel arrangement) steam locomotive, built in 1912 in Schenectady, N.Y., by the American Locomotive Company. 1352 served the St. Louis-San Francisco Railroad (commonly called the Frisco) until 1956 when she was retired and placed on public display in a park in Kansas City, Missouri. To save 1352 from neglect and vandalism she was later moved from the park and efforts commenced to restore her to service. Currently stored in Taylorville, Illinois, 1352 will now be brought to Ohio for completion of her on-going restoration after which she will begin a new career pulling passenger excursion trains. SLSF 1352 was built in 1912 as a Consolidation-type (2-8-0) steam locomotive and rebuilt in June 1944 into a Mikado-type (2-8-2) locomotive. In her present configuration she weighs 161 tons but is able to easily traverse rail as light as 94 pounds per yard. Her working boiler pressure is 195 pounds/square inch. The American Steam Railroad Preservation Association was founded in 2005 to acquire and restore to service steam locomotives and other equipment from the halcyon days of steam railroading. The group will bring 1352’s smaller parts, such as pumps, generator, and power reverser to Ohio to begin work on them while they continue to raise the money for the crane and rigging company required for the move of 1352 to Ohio. Several events are planned to help raise this money including a Father’s Day train and a Civil War reenactment train. More information on these events, the restoration of 1352, and how you can help can be found on the American Steam Railroad website www.americansteamrailroad.org . ASR President Steven M. Harvey, commenting on the purchase of 1352, said “Since its inception, the American Steam Railroad Preservation Association has been especially focused on the acquisition of SLSF 1352. With the completion of this purchase, she will now be brought to Ohio where we will complete her restoration and return to service. This is a great time for all of us who love steam locomotives. 1352 is a representative of the engines that powered America’s railroads for much of the steam era. I urge anyone who shares our passion to join us.” (American Steam Railroad Preservation Association - posted 1/10) GE RECEIVES ORDER FOR 43 LOCOMOTIVES FROM TRANSNET IN SOUTH AFRICA: During a ceremony today at the Transnet Rail Engineering (TRE) facility in Koedoespoort, South Africa, Transnet SOC Ltd. and GE South Africa Technologies Limited (GESAT) celebrated the signing of a contract for 43 new Model C30ACi locomotives for South Africa, bringing the total number of GE locomotives ordered to 143 since December 2009. “The acquisition of these locomotives is part of our fleet renewal program, a key element of our R110 billion, 5-year capital investment program,” said Brian Molefe, CEO of Transnet Group. “Improving the average age of our assets is crucial in our efforts to improve our reliability, efficiency and our ultimate goal of running a scheduled railway.” “GE is honored to build on its long standing partnership with Transnet with this new order for GE locomotives to South Africa,” said Lorenzo Simonelli, President and CEO of GE Transportation. “These locomotives will create great opportunities for Transnet, South Africa, and GESAT. Transnet will be able to significantly improve hauling capability while reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Our partnership also is a significant investment in job development, economic advancement and infrastructure growth on both sides of the Atlantic.” “GE and GESAT are committed to partnering with South Africa and the entire African continent for growth. We are honored to partner with Transnet in delivering on this new order for GE locomotives to South Africa,” said Jay Ireland, President and CEO for GE in Africa. Added Ireland: “The improvement and expansion of South Africa’s rail sector is a catalyst for advancing regional integration and the fast and seamless movement of goods. This benefit will increase trade and ensure increased competitiveness of the Southern Africa region as a trading block.” “The positive impact of this success will be felt way beyond the GESAT venture,” said Paul Nkuna, CEO of the Mineworkers Investment Company, GE’s empowerment partners in the GESAT joint venture. “Benefits include job creation here in South Africa, skills and technology transfer and the renewal and modernization of South Africa’s transport infrastructure at a time when greater balance in road and rail transport capacity has become a national priority. Improved energy efficiency is another major positive. The team at MIC congratulates everyone associated with today’s announcement. It’s wonderful news.” GE Transportation will provide locomotive kits for 43 locomotives to GESAT in South Africa. GESAT will work with Transnet Rail Engineering for local assembly. The kits will be manufactured at GE Transportation’s manufacturing plants in Erie and Grove City, Penn., and assembled in South Africa. In 2011, GE announced investments of more than $200 million in upgrading its manufacturing operations in Northwestern Pennsylvania, including approximately $136 million in new technology, manufacturing improvements and facility upgrades in Erie, and more than $70 million to upgrade its existing diesel engine manufacturing plant and to establish a new remanufacturing plant, both located in Grove City. The assembly kits for local production will ship in batches starting in the second quarter 2012. The 43 locomotives are scheduled to be delivered by June 2013 and will enter revenue service shortly thereafter. GE’s Model C3OACi Locomotive Technology Advantage GE’s Model C3OACi Locomotive is a product of ecomagination, a GE-wide initiative to help meet customer demand for more energy-efficient products. The locomotives will enable customers to haul the same amount of freight with fewer locomotives thereby reducing fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions. GE’s C3OACi are the first locomotives in the South African region to meet stringent UIC2 emissions standards. With GE’s C3OACi locomotives a South African customer can deploy three C3OACi models to haul a load that would require four older locomotives, reducing annual diesel fuel consumption by approximately 600,000 liters under typical operating conditions. It can reduce emissions by 1,500 metric tons of C02 annually, equivalent to eliminating the emissions from 310 cars on South African roads. GE’s Model C3OACi is first AC diesel-electric locomotive to be introduced to sub-Saharan Africa. Its engine delivers 3,300 Gross Horse Power (GHP) using an electronic fuel injection system that automatically supplies the exact amount of fuel needed for optimal engine efficiency. The locomotives also feature GE’s unique AC propulsion technology and dynamic braking. The addition of these new locomotives, which will be used to haul freight and coal, will decrease life-cycle costs, improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. (GE Transportation - posted 1/10) CSXT REOPENS BOTH MAIN TRACKS IN NORTHWEST INDIANA: Both tracks have re-opened in Northwest Indiana between Chicago and Garrett, Indiana, but trains continue to operate slowly through the site of Friday's derailment near Portage, Indiana. Customers with traffic over this line should continue to expect residual delays as CSX works through the congestion and backlogged traffic, and completes train re-routes. (CSX - posted 1/09) NORFOLK SOUTHERN FACILITATES $9.5 BILLION IN INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT: Norfolk Southern Corporation participated in the location of 73 new industries and the expansion of 27 existing industries along its rail lines in 2011. New plants and expansions announced in 2011 represented an investment of $9.5 billion by Norfolk Southern customers and are expected to create 6,800 jobs in the railroad's territory, in future years potentially generating more than 152,000 carloads of new rail traffic annually. Norfolk Southern assisted state and local government and economic development officials throughout 18 states in helping customers identify ideal locations for new and expanded facilities. “The energy sector was once again a major contributor to these new plants and expansions,” said Newell Baker, assistant vice president industrial development. “Norfolk Southern assisted in the location or expansion of 27 energy-related facilities in 15 states across our service area. Coal projects led the way, contributing 41 percent of the potential new rail traffic in future years. In addition, Marcellus Shale gas exploration projects increased in 2011, and we expect this trend to continue. Industrial investment along our rail lines in 2011 also was bolstered by strong rebounds in the metals and automotive sectors.” The balance of other projects secured during 2011 was distributed among several of the broad product areas Norfolk Southern serves. Norfolk Southern works with state and local economic development authorities on projects involving site location and development of infrastructure to connect customers to its rail system and provides free and confidential plant location services, including industrial park planning, site layout, track design, and logistics assistance. During the past 10 years, Norfolk Southern's Industrial Development Department has participated in the location or expansion of 1,053 facilities, representing an investment of $30 billion by NS customers and generating more than 46,000 jobs by those NS customers companies in the territory served by the railroad. ( Norfolk Southern Corporation - posted 1/09) PATRIOT RAIL CORP. DONATES RAILROAD TO MISSISSIPPI COUNTIES: Patriot Rail Corp. (“Patriot” or the “Company”), a privately-held short line and regional freight railroad holding company, today announced that it has donated its 21-mile Mississippi & Skuna Valley Railroad (“MSV”) to Calhoun and Yalobusha counties in Mississippi. The donation sets the stage for the counties to pursue creation of the Skuna Valley Trail for public recreational use. The Calhoun County Board of Supervisors accepted the property donation in December 2011, establishing the Mississippi and Skuna Valley Rails to Trails Recreational District. Since the MSV also traverses Yalobusha County, Calhoun County entered into a joint agreement with Yalobusha County for the project. The ownership of the trail by the counties ensures that it can be returned to use as a rail line in the future, if service is warranted. “We are pleased to donate the MSV to these counties,” said Gary O. Marino, Chairman, President and CEO of Patriot Rail Corp. “Re-purposing the MSV railroad into a trail is an excellent use of this rail corridor, transforming a once underutilized property into a vibrant community asset. We hope that this trail will be a source of enjoyment for the community for many years to come.” Patriot Rail acquired the MSV in 2010 with the purchase of six railroads belonging to the Weyerhaeuser Company. The MSV ceased operations in April 2008 after the Class I connection suspended service due to a bridge that required substantial repairs. Tommy Vaughn, President of Supervisors of Yalobusha County, said, “We are very appreciative of Patriot’s donation. Our hope is to create a recreational area in the near future that will benefit both counties.” “Calhoun County appreciates the gift of the railbed. The gift enables us to use the railbed for recreational purposes and will remain in place for any future railway needed for industrial development of Calhoun County and surrounding areas,” added Sonny Clanton, attorney for the Calhoun County Board of Supervisors. (Patriot Rail Corp - posted 1/09) THREE UNIONS RATIFY CONTRACTS WITH FREIGHT RAILROADS: Members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen (BLET), the National Conference of Firemen and Oilers (NCFO) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) have ratified new contracts with the nation's largest freight railroads. The BLET, NCFO and IBEW, which together represent about 33,170 employees in collective bargaining, began negotiations with the National Carriers' Conference Committee (NCCC) in January 2010. The agreements implemented recommendations made by Presidential Emergency Board No. 243 (PEB 243), which President Obama appointed in October to help resolve the disputes between the railroads and 11 unions. The agreements bring the number of ratified contracts to seven, representing nearly 90,000 employees or about 68% of those in national handling. The other four ratified contracts are with the United Transportation Union, its Yardmasters Department, the Transportation Communications Union/IAM and the Brotherhood Railway Carmen-Division TCU/IAM. Five other unions have reached tentative agreements that are awaiting member ratification. The only union without a settlement, the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes (BMWE), has agreed with the railroads to extend the "cooling off" period until February 8, 2012, eliminating the immediate threat of a national rail strike. The railroads are making every effort to reach an agreement with the BMWE by February 8. The NCCC represents more than 30 railroads, including BNSF, CSX Transportation, Kansas City Southern, Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific in national bargaining with the 13 major rail unions. (BLET, Randy Kotuby - 1/06) AAR REPORTS GAINS FOR ANNUAL RAIL TRAFFIC: The Association of American Railroads (AAR) today reported gains in 2011 rail traffic compared with last year, with U.S. railroads originating 15.2 million carloads, up 2.2 percent over 2010 and up 9.7 percent over 2009. Total U.S. rail intermodal volume in 2011 was 11.9 million trailers and containers, up 5.4 percent over 2010 and up 20.4 percent over 2009. In 2011, 14 of the 20 carload commodity categories tracked by AAR saw increases on U.S. railroads compared with 2010 indicating a broad recovery across industry sectors. The largest gains were: metallic ores, up 20.5 percent or 67,631 carloads; primary metal products, up 12 percent or 56,988 carloads; and petroleum products, up 11.1 percent or 36,811 carloads. The commodity with the biggest carload decline in 2011 from 2010 was grain, down 27,946 carloads or 2.4 percent. “A good beginning, some uncertainness in the middle, and then a good ending—that describes U.S. rail traffic in 2011,” remarked John Gray, AAR’s Senior Vice President for Policy and Economics. “We continue to see hopeful economic signs, as the industry prepares for 2012.” AAR also announced gains in December 2011 rail traffic, with U.S. railroads originating 1,134,580 carloads, up 7.3 percent over December 2010, which is the largest year-over-year monthly increase since January 2011. U.S. rail intermodal originations totaled 873,390 containers and trailers, up 9.4 percent over December 2010. This is the second-highest monthly intermodal average for any December in history. During December 2011, 16 of the 20 carload commodity categories tracked by the AAR saw increases compared with December 2010. AAR reported gains in weekly rail traffic for the week ending December 31, 2011, with U.S. railroads originating 245,666 carloads, up 1.9 percent compared with the same week last year. Intermodal volume for the week totaled 181,217 trailers and containers, up 8.6 percent compared with the same week last year. Ten of the 20 carload commodity groups posted increases compared with the same week in 2010, including: crushed stone, sand and gravel, up 35.2 percent; waste and nonferrous scrap, up 23.8 percent, and metals and products, up 15.7 percent. The groups showing a decrease in weekly traffic included: farm products, excluding grain, down 7.6 percent; primary forest products, down 6.5 percent, and food and kindred products, down 6.1 percent. Weekly carload volume on Eastern railroads was down 5.3 percent compared with the same week last year. In the West, weekly carload volume was up 6.1 percent compared with the same week in 2010. For the 52 weeks of 2011, U.S. railroads reported cumulative volume of 15,155,992 carloads, up 2.2 percent from last year, and 11,892,431 trailers and containers, up 5.4 percent from last year. Canadian railroads reported 66,683 carloads for the week, up 10.9 percent compared with the same week last year, and 34,787 trailers and containers, up 5.4 percent compared with 2010. For 2011, Canadian railroads reported cumulative volume of 3,927,217 carloads, up 3.4 percent from the same point last year, and 2,505,081 trailers and containers, up 2.4 percent from last year. Mexican railroads reported 10,114 carloads for the week, down 12.1 percent compared with the same week last year, and 5,729 trailers and containers, up 22.7 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for 2011 was 739,320 carloads, up 3.7 percent compared to last year, and 436,974 trailers and containers, up 23.7 percent. Combined North American rail volume for 2011 on 13 reporting U.S., Canadian and Mexican railroads totaled 19,822,529 carloads, up 2.5 percent compared to last year, and 14,834,486 trailers and containers, up 5.3 percent compared with last year. (AAR - 1/05) U.S. TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY LAHOOD AWARDS $186 MILLION TO EXPAND HIGH-SPEED RAIL IN THE MIDWEST: U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today awarded more than $186 million to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for a high-speed rail project that will reduce travel times and put Americans back to work this spring. “The Great Lakes-Midwest economic region is the world’s fifth largest economy by Gross Domestic Product, and nearly 100 million people live within 500 miles of each other,” said Secretary LaHood. “The Department of Transportation’s investment of more than $1 billion in the region’s high-speed rail service will reduce trip times and save travelers money, resulting in reduced congestion for the region and making the Midwest a better place to start a business and create jobs.” The project will extend construction of the corridor north to Joliet, allowing for 110-mph service along nearly 70 percent of the route. Construction is already underway on the Chicago – St. Louis corridor, and work on the extension to Joliet will begin this spring. Once construction is complete, travelers can expect reductions of more than an hour in trip time, with improved on-time performance as well. Ridership has grown 137 percent over the last five years. The state has plans to add more frequent trips, and further reduce trip times on this popular route in the future. The corridor will also benefit from next-generation American-made trains, funded as part of a previously announced $782 million grant that will pump new life into domestic manufacturing. States will purchase 33 quick-acceleration locomotives and 120 bi-level passenger cars to operate in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Iowa, Missouri, California, Washington and Oregon. Illinois is among thirty-two states throughout the U.S. and the District of Columbia that are laying the foundation for high-speed rail corridors that will link Americans with faster and more energy-efficient travel options. To date, the U.S. Department of Transportation has invested $10.1 billion to put American communities on track towards new and expanded rail access and improved reliability, speed and frequency of existing service (FRA- 1/04) MASSDOT RELEASES FARE AND SERVICE PROPOSALS STUDY: The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) released fare increase and service reduction proposals for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) aimed at closing a projected $161 million budget gap for Fiscal Year 2013 (FY13). Earlier estimates projected the gap would total approximately $185 million for FY13, however the MBTA has taken aggressive steps towards reducing the deficit including reducing energy costs, planned introduction of single person train operation on the Red Line, encouraging MBTA employees to enroll in more affordable health insurance plans and other operating and administrative efficiencies. However growing debt service costs associated with capital projects, significant increases in maintenance costs for an aging fleet and higher costs for the RIDE mean additional solutions are necessary “While the MBTA continues to identify and adopt strict measures to close the budget gap, less costly ways of doing business and additional revenue-generating measures are necessary," said MassDOT Transportation Secretary and CEO Richard A. Davey. "I am confident with the public’s involvement in this process we can review the study, propose recommendations, and together generate new revenue to continue the progress the MBTA has made in serving its customers.” In order to fully engage transit users in the process, the MBTA will host more than 20 public hearings over the next several months. A final fare increase and service reduction recommendation will be made to the MBTA’s Board of Directors this spring and changes will be implemented on July 1, 2012. In addition to rising operating costs, annual revenues continue to be insufficient to fund the system. Sales tax revenue allocated to the MBTA has increased by only 0.08% annually since fiscal year 2001, resulting in growing budget gaps since the original projections were made with the expectation of forward funding. While the MBTA was a beneficiary of the 2009 sales tax increase, the annual growth in sales tax revenues is not enough to address continuing increases in the cost of service on all modes. “With MBTA ridership at record levels, the demand for the services we deliver is unquestionable,” said Acting MBTA General Manager Jonathan Davis. “I look forward to an open and transparent public process that will lead to recommendations on how we can continue to satisfy demand while addressing the T’s financial crisis.” As only one of two transit properties in North America that has not raised fares over the last five years, the MBTA has worked hard to identify ways to save money and reduce costs, while improving customer service. From investments in accessibility improvements to use of modern technology to improved transparency, the MBTA is committed to responding to the needs of its customers. The Fare Increase and Service Reductions Study will be available at www.mbta.com on Wednesday, January 4, 2012. The MBTA’s public outreach process begins immediately with the acceptance of public comment through March 1, 2012 electronically at mbta.com, by email at fareproposal@mbta.com, via mail to MBTA, Ten Park Plaza, Boston, Ma 02116, Attention: Fare Proposal Committee, and by phone at 617-222-3200/ TTY (617) 222-5146. Twenty public meetings, including one hearing, will be held beginning January 17 through early March. A list of meeting times and locations is available at www.mbta.com. (MBTA - 1/04) FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCES PROPOSED ENHANCEMENTS TO PASSENGER TRAIN EMERGENCY SYSTEMS: U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced proposed improvements to existing Passenger Train Emergency Systems regulations that could further protect occupants of passenger trains during emergencies. “Safety is our highest priority,” said Secretary LaHood. “Adoption of these safety measures will help rail passengers locate and operate emergency exits. These improvements will also make sure that first responders can quickly reach passengers in need during emergency situations.” The proposed regulations are expected to improve railroad safety by helping improve the ability to safely evacuate passengers and crewmembers in the event of an emergency. Specifically, the rule addresses passenger train emergency systems including vestibule doors, emergency lighting, signage and markings for emergency entrance and exit, and rescue access. It also addresses the application of photo luminescent materials to highlight emergency exit path markings, instructions for emergency systems operations and requirements for debriefing after emergency situations and simulations. “These proposed improvements represent an upgrade to the already high safety standards we help enforce,” said FRA Administrator Joseph C. Szabo. “The proposed new requirements are based on the latest developments in passenger train emergency system technologies and best practices.” The proposed requirements are based on recommendations of FRA’s Railroad Safety Advisory Committee (RSAC) and were developed by its Passenger Safety Working Group, Emergency Preparedness Task Force. The proposed regulation would also incorporate three industry standards developed by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). Comments on the proposal are due by March 5, 2012. (FRA - 1/03) HEDGE FUND FORCES CHANGES IN CP MANAGEMENT: The Financial Times has reported that the hedge fund Pershing Square Capital Management is pressuring the Canadian Pacific to remove most of the current board of directors unless it agrees to appoint Hunter Harrison as the railroad's CEO. The Pershing group, owning over 14% of CP's stock, is not satisfied with railroad's financial bottom line. In 2011, profits fell for nine months, while competitor CN's profits increased 16%. Hunter Harrison is the former CEO of the Canadian National. During his rein, he turned the CN into a very profitable railroad. (Financial Times - 1/02) CN COMPLETES MERGER OF DMIR, DWP INTO WISCONSIN CENTRAL: CN announced today it will complete the merger of three of its U.S. operating subsidiaries on Dec. 31, 2011. The merger of Duluth, Missabe and Iron Range Railway Company (DMIR), Duluth, Winnipeg and Pacific Railway Company (DWP), and Wisconsin Central Ltd. (WC) will simplify CN's corporate structure and operations by combining these three separate connecting rail affiliates into a single entity -- Wisconsin Central Ltd. Jim Vena, CN senior vice-president, CN Southern Region, said: "CN expects the merger will lead to operational efficiencies and service improvements through the integration of distinct work forces in and around the Twin Ports region of Duluth, Minn., and Superior, Wis., where DMIR, DWP, and WC operate today. A unified workforce will allow better management of crew staffing and more efficient and reliable rail service to customers throughout the region, including those in the Mesabi iron ore range, and beyond." The merger was authorized through a notice of exemption for transactions within a corporate family filed with the U.S. Surface Transportation Board on April 8, 2011, that became effective May 8, 2011. Under labor protective conditions imposed by the STB, implementing agreements with the unions representing the various crafts must be in place prior to closing the transaction. All such agreements are now in place, permitting the company to complete the merger. (CN, Randy Kotuby - posted 12/30) CALUMET TERMINAL A MODEL FOR RAIL SERVED INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT: OmniTRAX, Inc. announced that BP Products North America has begun shipping liquid asphalt as a customer through a new terminal located on the Chicago Rail Link (CRL). Asphalt is barged to the new terminal and loaded into railcars by Asphalt Operating Services of Chicago (AOSC), the owner, developer and terminal operator. The railcars are switched and delivered to interchange for distribution throughout North America by the CRL, an OmniTRAX managed company. Union Tank Car Company (UTLX) provides onsite car repair and inspections. The terminal will benefit from seven-day per week customized service from the CRL, as well as long-term transportation savings available through the CRL's access to most major Class 1 railroads. In preparation for this new business, the CRL completed an extensive improvement plan, upgrading its main rail yards and crossings. "There were a number of companies that came together to make this project a success," said Gary Long , president and CEO of OmniTRAX. "We view this as a model for rail-served industrial development projects." (OmniTRAX - posted 12/30) AMTRAK TO LEAD NEXT PHASE OF RENOVATIONS AT LANCASTER TRAIN STATION : Following discussions with its state and local partners, Amtrak announced today that it is taking the lead on the next phase of renovations at the Lancaster Train Station. The Capstone project will address the much anticipated rehabilitation of the passenger areas, including interior work to the waiting room, concourse, restrooms and hallways, and exterior work to stairways and platforms. “Amtrak, PennDOT, Lancaster County Planning Commission and Lancaster County Transportation Authority are dedicated to seeing that the necessary improvements to the station – interior and exterior- are made for the benefit of our passengers and the community as a whole,” said Amtrak Sr. Director of Major Project Partnerships Marilyn Jamison. “PennDOT recognizes the value of the Lancaster train station to the community and to the Keystone Service as a whole,” said Deputy Secretary for Local and Area Transportation Toby Fauver. “We’re pleased to partner with Amtrak, Lancaster County and the local government and business community in bringing the station to its full potential, improving amenities for passengers on this successful train service.” "The Lancaster County Transportation Authority supports Amtrak taking the lead on the Capstone Project and appreciates their commitment to their customers and our community in making the Lancaster Station the gem of the Keystone Corridor,” said Chairman of the Lancaster County Transportation Authority Terry L. Kauffman. Amtrak intends to release detailed information including project scope and timeline in mid-January as the first phase of the station renovation nears completion. An important goal is to seamlessly move forward from one phase to the next and to start Capstone construction work as soon as possible without losing substantial time. Amtrak engineering forces, utilizing data gathered from the Capstone report commissioned by PennDOT, have identified a three-phased approach to completing the station renovation and rehabilitation project. The three phases are short term work that can be completed by Amtrak forces, long term work that will require a standard design-bid-build project delivery method and work to be completed under the Amtrak Accessible Stations Development Program. The Capstone project builds upon the major station infrastructure improvements completed during the first phase of the project. The Lancaster train station serves Amtrak’s Keystone Service (Harrisburg – Philadelphia – New York) and Pennsylvanian (Pittsburgh – Harrisburg – Philadelphia – New York). For fiscal year 2011, 539,338 passengers arrived or departed from the station making it the 3rd busiest Amtrak station in Pennsylvania and the 22nd busiest station in the Amtrak national network. (Amtrak - posted 12/29) AAR REPORTS GAIN IN WEEKLY RAIL TRAFFIC: The Association of American Railroads (AAR) today reported gains in weekly rail traffic, with U.S. railroads originating 287,137 carloads for the week ending Dec. 24, 2011, up 11.9 percent compared with the same week last year. Intermodal volume for the week totaled 217,952 trailers and containers, up 22.9 percent compared with the same week last year. Sixteen of the 20 carload commodity groups posted increases compared with the same week in 2010, including: crushed stone, sand and gravel, up 59.7 percent; nonmetallic minerals, up 39.6 percent, and petroleum products, up 36.4 percent. The groups showing a decrease in weekly traffic included: coke, down 2.6 percent, and grain, down 2.4 percent. Weekly carload volume on Eastern railroads was up 17.8 percent compared with the same week last year. In the West, weekly carload volume was up 8.5 percent compared with the same week in 2010. For the first 51 weeks of 2011, U.S. railroads reported cumulative volume of 14,910,326 carloads, up 2.2 percent from the same point last year, and 11,711,214 trailers and containers, up 5.4 percent from last year. Canadian railroads reported 78,434 carloads for the week, up 16.2 percent compared with the same week last year, and 47,741 trailers and containers, up 21 percent compared with 2010. For the first 51 weeks of 2011, Canadian railroads reported cumulative volume of 3,860,534 carloads, up 3.3 percent from the same point last year, and 2,470,294 trailers and containers, up 2.3 percent from last year. Mexican railroads reported 13,451 carloads for the week, up 2.7 percent compared with the same week last year, and 8,068 trailers and containers, up 42.8 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for the first 51 weeks of 2011 was 726,453 carloads, up 3.6 percent compared with the same point last year, and 426,644 trailers and containers, up 22.4 percent. Combined North American rail volume for the first 51 weeks of 2011 on 13 reporting U.S., Canadian and Mexican railroads totaled 19,497,313 carloads, up 2.5 percent compared with the same point last year, and 14,608,152 trailers and containers, up 5.3 percent compared with last year (AAR - posted 12/29) AMTRAK EXHIBIT TRAIN COMING TO TEXAS, OKLAHOMA AND LOUISIANA IN JANUARY: In celebration of the 40th anniversary of Amtrak, America’s Railroad® is offering the public an opportunity to view an Exhibit Train, a unique traveling display showcasing the railroad’s history. In January, it will make two stops in Texas and one stop each in Oklahoma and Louisiana.
GE TRANSPORTATION EXPANDS MANUFACTURING IN GROVE CITY: GE Transportation, the world’s leading maker of rail, mining and transportation-related products, today announced plans to establish a new production facility in Grove City, Pa. in order to meet accelerating demand for remanufacturing services. The company will invest approximately $35 million to build capacity at a new diesel engine remanufacturing plant. GE is investing an additional $37 million in 2011 and 2012 in the existing plant for a combined investment of $72 million in manufacturing in Grove City. The new facility will be located at an existing site where GE anticipates employing up to 250 employees by early 2013, including approximately 100 current GE employees who will transfer from the current Grove City facility. The Company plans to hire approximately 150 additional employees by early 2013. Production is scheduled to begin by the end of 2012. GE Transportation expects demand for remanufacturing services to increase significantly in coming years. This increase will be driven by routine locomotive overhaul cycles and the need to comply with stringent EPA Tier 3 emissions standards for diesel engines by 2013. “This new facility will enable GE Transportation to better serve its customers while meeting a dramatic increase in demand for remanufacturing in the next few years,” said Richard Simpson, Global Services Supply Chain Operations Leader. “Our investment in Grove City is a commitment to our customers to continue providing them with the best products, technology and services in the industry.” Simpson added, “We appreciate the responsiveness and support of the Governor’s Action Team as well as local economic development officials. They are strong partners in solidifying the economic and manufacturing base here in Northwest Pennsylvania.” “We are committed to making Pennsylvania an economic leader by investing in the growth of businesses like GE Transportation and the jobs they create in the commonwealth,” said Governor Tom Corbett. “Helping Pennsylvania companies expand is the key to the continued economic development of every community in the state.” Originally a site for remanufacturing operations only, GE’s Grove City plant has expanded its scope over the years to build new and remanufactured products for GE Transportation and its customers worldwide. Its total annual production of approximately 2,000 engines a year makes it one of the largest locomotive diesel engine manufacturing sites in the world. “The Grove City plant celebrated its 40th anniversary earlier this year, and today’s announcement reflects GE Transportation’s continued long term investment here,” said Bill Carney, Plant Manager. “Grove City is already home to one of the largest diesel engine manufacturers in the world, and now it will be home to one of the largest diesel engine remanufacturing facilities as well.” (GE - posted 12/27) MTA RAILROADS REPORT RIDERSHIP GAINS: MTA Long Island Rail Road and MTA Metro-North Railroad report that busy weekend holiday shopping and tourism boosted ridership on both commuter lines in December, which follows significant ridership gains for both transit agencies in November. Customer counts conducted at Grand Central Terminal show that Metro-North carried an average of 151,000 customers to and from New York City on the weekends of December 3-4, December 10-11 and December 17-18. This is a 9.2% increase over 2010. "For years, Metro-North has been expanding weekend service during the holidays and people have been voting with their feet," said Metro North President Howard Permut. "Most people who come into Manhattan could drive, but they choose to take a Metro-North train instead because it's easier, more convenient and a good value." The LIRR said its December weekend ridership was up 8% compared to the same period in 2010. The LIRR also reported a 3.8% increase in ridership during the month of November when it served 252,000 more customers than it did in November 2010. The November figures mark the third consecutive month that ridership was up on the LIRR. "The November increase in ridership is significant," said Helena E. Williams. "It's the third month in a row our ridership has rebounded. We will have to wait and see if ridership continues to grow in the New Year, but it is certainly a positive trend for us." Metro-North ridership also increased significantly during November. Total East of Hudson ridership increased 3% vs. November 2010 levels, the fastest rate of ridership growth observed this year. Metro-North carried almost 200,000 more customers than in November 2010. November was also the third consecutive month that Metro-North ridership was up vs. last year (MTA - posted 12/23) TEMPORARY REPLACEMENT OF THE MATAPEDIA/GASPE TRAIN BY BUS SERVICE: As a preventive measure, VIA Rail Canada will redirect passengers on board the Montreal / Gaspé train service onto motorcoaches for the Matapedia / Gaspé leg of the trip, in both directions. VIA has taken this decision, in consultation with the Société des chemins de fer de la Gaspésie (SCFG), following questions raised as to the condition of the rail network in the area. The situation will remain as such until an updated notice is released. Last week, inspections carried out on the Grand-Pabos Bridge, in Chandler, revealed damage to the structure of one of its pillars. Since December 14th, passengers have been asked to board buses to complete the New Carlisle / Gaspé leg of the trip, while repair work was being performed on the bridge. However, VIA has learned that more extensive repairs are needed on the Grand-Pabos Bridge, which has raised concerns as to the condition of other similar infrastructure in the area. VIA has therefore requested assurances regarding the safety and reliability of the network from SCFG. As soon as VIA has obtained a written assurance that the Gaspé Peninsula rail network is reliable and safe from the engineers responsible, service will resume. The safety of passengers is of paramount importance for VIA Rail. VIA apologizes for any inconvenience or delays this service interruption may cause to its passengers. Customers wishing to obtain more information can consult the updates available at www.viarail.ca, or reach us by phone at 1-888-VIA RAIL (842-7245). Follow VIA on Twitter at www.twitter.com/@via_rail. (VIA Rail Canada - posted 12/23) AAR REPORTS GAINS IN WEEKLY RAIL TRAFFIC: The Association of American Railroads (AAR) today reported gains in weekly rail traffic, with U.S. railroads originating 304,377 carloads for the week ending Dec. 17, 2011, up 11.7 percent compared with the same week last year. Intermodal volume for the week totaled 233,322 trailers and containers, up 6 percent compared with the same week last year. Fourteen of the 20 carload commodity groups posted increases compared with the same week in 2010, including: metallic ores, up 57.1 percent; nonmetallic minerals, up 38 percent, and crushed stone, sand and gravel, up 29 percent. The groups showing a decrease in weekly traffic included: farm products excluding grain, down 9.8 percent. Weekly carload volume on Eastern railroads was up 23 percent compared with the same week last year. In the West, weekly carload volume was up 5.4 percent compared with the same week in 2010. For the first 50 weeks of 2011, U.S. railroads reported cumulative volume of 14,623,189 carloads, up 2.1 percent from the same point last year, and 11,493,262 trailers and containers, up 5.1 percent from last year. Canadian railroads reported 77,392 carloads for the week, up 8.3 percent compared with the same week last year, and 49,118 trailers and containers, up 11.6 percent compared with 2010. For the first 50 weeks of 2011, Canadian railroads reported cumulative volume of 3,782,100 carloads, up 3 percent from the same point last year, and 2,422,553 trailers and containers, up 2 percent from last year. Mexican railroads reported 13,436 carloads for the week, down 5.3 percent compared with the same week last year, and 8,282 trailers and containers, up 21.3 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for the first 50 weeks of 2011 was 713,002 carloads, up 3.6 percent compared with the same point last year, and 418,576 trailers and containers, up 22.1 percent. Combined North American rail volume for the first 50 weeks of 2011 on 13 reporting U.S., Canadian and Mexican railroads totaled 19,118,291 carloads, up 2.3 percent compared with the same point last year, and 14,334,391 trailers and containers, up 5 percent compared with last year (AAR - posted 12/22) MTA APPROVES 2012 BUDGET: The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Board today approved the agency's budget for 2012, culminating a process that began with the release of the agency's Preliminary Proposed Budget and Four-Year Financial Plan in July, updated last month by a Final Proposed Budget and Four-Year Financial Plan. In addition, the Board approved an amendment to the 2010-2014 Capital Program that outlines how the final three years of the program are to be funded. The funding plan, announced in July and updated last month, must be approved by the MTA Capital Program Review Board in Albany. The 2012 budget is largely similar to the Final Proposed Budget presented to the Board in November. Based on updated economic forecasts, it reflects an $87 million reduction to the amount of revenue projected to be raised through Metropolitan Mass Transportation Operating Assistance, a collection of taxes dedicated to support public transportation. As a result, the MTA projects an operating deficit of $68 million in 2012. The MTA intends to make up this deficit through management actions to reduce internal expenses by $35 million and releasing $33 million in general reserves funds. "The reduction in projected subsidies underscores the fragility of the MTA's current fiscal stability," said MTA Executive Director Joseph J. Lhota. "It also indicates how important it is for the MTA to continue its recent efforts to reduce costs, even as we work to improve service." The Budget adopted today recognizes a series of potential risks to the Four-Year Financial Plan:
IMPROVED VIA RAIL SCHEDULES: MORE DEPARTURES - MORE PASSENGERS: In response to customer demand, VIA Rail Canada will introduce new schedules in the Montreal-Ottawa-Toronto triangle, effective January 24, 2012. These important changes will attract some 100,000 new passengers annually. The increased ridership will lead to an increase in revenues of several million dollars per year. This will reduce the need for government operating funding, good news for Canadian taxpayers. Passengers on VIA's new Ottawa-Toronto express trains will make the non-stop journey in just three hours and 57 minutes. These new trains will operate every day except Saturday, leaving Toronto and Ottawa in late afternoon. Customers will also have the option of a new late evening departure from Ottawa for Montreal (Sunday through Friday), allowing them to extend their stay in Ottawa beyond the dinner hour. Ottawa-bound travellers from Montreal will also have more end-of-day choices. Passengers travelling from Montreal to Toronto will be offered two new trains, bringing the total number of weekday departures to Toronto to ten. "These improvements are made possible by the federal government's major capital investment in VIA," said Paul G. Smith, VIA's chairman. "We want to thank the government for their confidence in VIA as a green transportation choice, and their vision for a continued vital role for passenger rail in Canada." "Since 2007, the Government of Canada has invested $923 million in VIA for capital improvement initiatives," said Minister of State (Transport) Steven Fletcher "Over $400 million of this funding is dedicated to rail infrastructure projects, much of this from the government's Economic Action Plan. Today's announcement is a good example of how Canadians are now going to benefit directly from these investments." VIA's President and CEO Marc Laliberté added: "Over the coming year, we will complete other major rail infrastructure projects between Toronto and Brockville, allowing us to further improve reliability, and introduce more improvements, such as better trip times and more departures, including additional express trains between Toronto and Montreal." In order to make these changes, VIA will be reorganizing its fleet distribution and adjusting other train schedules to better align them with traffic patterns and customer preferences. As VIA keeps moving forward, it will continue to evaluate market response and demand, and may make additional adjustments if warranted (VIA Rail Canada - posted 12/20) METROLINX INCREASES ORDER FOR DMU CARS: Sumitomo Corporation of America in conjunction with its car builder partner Nippon Sharyo, entered into an agreement on October 31, 2011 with Metrolinx in Toronto, Canada to execute an option to supply an additional six Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs) to the current contract of 12 DMU vehicles which was finalized on March 31, 2011. The contract price is $22 million for 6 DMUs and will be for the middle flat-nosed "C-Car", which connects both ends of the slanted nose "A-Cars". Although Metrolinx will be using these additional 6 cars as a middle car, these "C-cars" can still be operated individually. The vehicles are scheduled for delivery in 2015. These unique DMU vehicles are new to North America. The vehicles for Metrolinx will meet the stringent Tier 4 emissions standards and will incorporate Crash Energy management (CEM) features that comply and exceed with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) requirements. Final assembly of the cars will take place at the new production facility in Rochelle, Illinois. Operation of the new facility will start in the 2nd quarter of 2012. "This new contract from Metrolinx solidifies our expanding share in the DMU Market and invigorates our plans to increase our future presence in the market", said Hideyuki "Hugh" Ninomiya, Director of Transportation Systems at Sumitomo Corporation of America. These new DMUs will be used for the Air Rail Link (ARL), an express rail link that will connect Pearson Airport with Union Station in downtown Toronto – Canada's two busiest transportation hubs. The ARL service will be operational by 2015, in time for the Pan Am Games, and will offer a critical transit alternative to the five million car trips that take place every year between these destinations. (Sumitomo - posted 12/20) TAKE METRO-NORTH RAILROAD TO SEE THE JETS AND GIANTS AT MEADOWLANDS: On Christmas Eve day, when the Jets and the Giants do battle, football fans can avoid metropolitan gridlock by taking the train to the game. This Saturday, Dec. 24, Metro-North offers direct New Haven Line service to the Meadowlands. Metro-North in partnership with NJTRANSIT and Amtrak has provided direct service to 1 PM Sunday football games at the Meadowlands (MetLife Stadium) from Metro-North's New Haven Line since 2009. The program has proved the viability of regional rail integration. "Fans should take the train to the game and avoid traffic, tolls and gridlock and enjoy the company of fellow football fans on a safe, convenient, comfortable train," said Metro-North President Howard Permut. "This Saturday, when the Jets and Giants play one another, we anticipate a bump up in ridership as the game will attract both local fan bases." The football train will depart New Haven at 9:03 a.m. and make stops in Bridgeport, Fairfield, Westport, South Norwalk, Stamford, Greenwich, Rye and Larchmont, arriving at the Meadowlands around 11:45 a.m. This train provides direct, through-service (one-seat ride) to NJ TRANSIT's Secaucus Junction (via Penn Station-NY). From Secaucus Junction, it's an easy transfer to the Meadowlands Rail Line for an express ride to the Meadowlands Sports Complex Station. Hudson, Harlem, and New Haven Line customers also can take any Metro-North train to Grand Central Terminal, ride the subway or walk to Penn Station-NY, then transfer to an NJ TRANSIT train to the Meadowlands Sports Complex Station (connecting at Secaucus Junction). West-of-Hudson customers can get to the Meadowlands from Spring Valley, Nanuet, and Pearl River stations on the Pascack Valley Line as well as from Port Jervis Line stations connecting at Secaucus Junction. Weekend parking at most West-of-Hudson stations is free. For the return trip, fans must depart the Meadowlands rail station on the by 4:48 p.m. train to connect with the returning direct train that departs Secaucus at 5:31 p.m. It arrives in New Haven at 7:50 p.m. The price of a round-trip ticket to the Meadowlands Sports Complex Station is the round-trip fare from any station to Grand Central Terminal plus $10.50 for portion of the trip between Penn Station-NY and the Meadowlands. (Monthly commuters to/from Manhattan can use their monthly tickets plus $10.50.) Family and friends traveling together can save money by buying a Ten-Trip off-peak ticket and sharing the same ticket. (Ten‑Trip tickets are valid for six months.) Families traveling with kids can't beat the Family Fare: children 5‑11 years of age ride for only 75 cents each way all the way to the Meadowlands! Check http://www.mta.info/mnr for the details and the current schedule. (MTA - posted 12/20) LIRR LAUNCHES REAL TIME TRAIN INFORMATION PILOT: The MTA Long Island Rail Road today launched a pilot of LIRR Train Time™, a digital service that provides real-time train arrival status to customers using mobile devices or desktop computers. Starting today, LIRR customers using the Port Washington Branch will be able to use the service by going to http://mta.info/lirr/TrainTime. To use the service, a user enters his or her origin and destination, and Train Time will then provide upcoming departure times and indications showing whether each train is running on time or, if late, by how many minutes. Train Time also displays scheduled arrival time at the destination station, track assignments at most origin stations, and a chance to click for a list of each upcoming train's intermediate stops. "Each day, our customers are becoming more familiar with CooCoo text schedules and a wonderful, ever-growing availability of LIRR-related apps for iPhones, Android devices and Blackberries," said Helena E. Williams, President of MTA Long Island Rail Road. "We're delighted to take the next step to further improve the digital information that makes traveling on the LIRR easier and more rewarding. Now, our customers will be able to get access to the same convenient information offered by real-time electronic signs on our platforms, before they get to the station." Train Time uses real-time train location information provided by an enhanced state-of-the-art GPS system and from the LIRR's signal system. Its graphic interface is based on the one used by Metro-North Train Time™, a similar service that launched last year. But because LIRR customers sometimes need to change trains at Jamaica or other stations, the Long Island Rail Road edition of Train Time has added space to show up to two transfers. Outside of Jamaica, the LIRR's most common transfer points are Babylon, Hicksville, Huntington, Lynbrook, Mineola, Ronkonkoma and Valley Stream. The LIRR is piloting its edition of Train Time on the Port Washington Branch because the branch does not connect with other branches at Jamaica. The transfer columns will remain blank during this pilot release. To the left of these columns, Train Time shows a train's scheduled arrival time at the selected destination. And next to that, users can click on the "stops" button for each listed trip to view all the intermediate stops made by each train or combination of trains. Train delays are shown in terms of number of minutes late. In keeping with U.S. industry-wide railroad standards for on-time performance, trains arriving within 5 minutes and 59 seconds of their scheduled time are listed as being on time. Train Time on the Port Washington Branch has been beta tested by LIRR employees and some commuters selected by the LIRR Commuter's Council. Now, Train Time invites the general public is invited to provide comments and reactions to the service via a link on its main page. The LIRR will make updates based on user comments before launching Train Time on the LIRR's 10 other branches. Train Time has a survey link on the application page to help make it easier for customers to provide feedback on the product. Because of the complex operational dynamics at Penn Station, where last-minute track changes can be made, LIRR Train Time™ does not show track assignments at Penn Station. Track assignments are available at all other participating stations. LIRR Train Time™ is the latest in a series of initiatives the MTA has undertaken to increase the availability of digital service information. Other recent advances include subway countdown clocks, real-time bus tracking via MTA Bus Time™, a competition to encourage app development, two major overhauls to the MTA website, digital screens that provide service status information, release of machine-readable service and performance data on the MTA's website, and more. Long Island Rail Road Train Time™ is also available by going to http://mta.info/lirr and clicking on the "LIRR Train Time" link. (LIRR - posted 12/19) NORFOLK SOUTHERN'S RUTHERFORD YARD EXPANSION PLANS: Norfolk Southern is moving forward this week with plans to expand operations at its Rutherford Intermodal Facility near Harrisburg, Pa. , after the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded a $15 million TIGER III grant to the project. The $60.5 million project -- expected to finish in 2014 -- will help Norfolk Southern meet growing demand for intermodal freight transportation in the Harrisburg region. When completed, expanded operations could result in about 400 new direct and indirect jobs in Swatara Township and the surrounding Dauphin County community, in addition to construction jobs beginning as early as 2012. Intermodal transportation involves the use of two or more transportation modes (train, truck, ship) to move shipping containers and trailers from origin to destination. "Growing demand for intermodal rail transportation means more jobs for the Harrisburg region and fewer long-distance trucks on congested interstate highways," said Norfolk Southern CEO Wick Moorman. "This project and the TIGER grant will help Norfolk Southern meet that demand and provide a boost to the local economy. Expanding the Rutherford Intermodal Facility will result in tremendous economic development for Central Pennsylvania , as well as environmental benefits. Railroad locomotives can move a ton of freight 484 miles per gallon of fuel. That's 75 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared with moving freight by truck. "We are grateful for the support of Gov. Tom Corbett and PennDOT. They are committed to improving transportation in Pennsylvania , and they recognize railroads are a vital part of that. We also would like to thank Secretary Ray LaHood , Sen. Bob Casey Jr. , U.S. Rep. Tim Holden , state Sen. Jeffrey Piccola , and state Rep. John Payne for their leadership and advocacy on behalf of the Rutherford project," Moorman said. The Rutherford intermodal facility and the Harrisburg region are key routing points for freight rail traffic moving east-west and north-south through Central Pennsylvania . The Harrisburg region also is an important part of an existing 2,500-mile rail network called the Crescent Corridor, stretching from Louisiana to New Jersey , where the railroad company has identified $2.5 billion in infrastructure improvement projects. These projects would link key markets in the Northeast and Southeast with high-quality intermodal rail service and should support some 73,000 jobs, remove long-distance trucks from the highways, lower emissions damaging to the environment, and boost the economy. When completed, the Rutherford project will:
CANADIAN PACIFIC AND MANITOBA GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCE SIGNING OF COLLABORATION AGREEMENT: North American railroad Canadian Pacific and the Province of Manitoba today announced the signing of a 10-year memorandum of agreement to help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the overall transportation system in Manitoba. The agreement sets the framework for the Province of Manitoba and CP to further develop their collaborative relationship to enable long-term rail and road planning for the City of Winnipeg, rural municipalities, and elsewhere in the province to proactively mitigate road and rail proximity issues, improve the efficiency of the overall supply chain, and identify opportunities and actions to support future growth. "Canadian Pacific is focused on continuously improving service reliability, asset velocity and productivity," said CP's Jane O'Hagan, Executive Vice-President Marketing and Sales and Chief Marketing Officer. "This agreement extends the supply chain to include government. We applaud the Province of Manitoba for their vision in supporting a competitive, multi-modal transportation system." "CP is an important supply chain partner for many shipping companies in Manitoba and we look forward to implementing this MOU to extend our collaborative relationship with CP in planning our future infrastructure and service needs," said Steve Ashton, Minister of Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation. "CP is also a critical stakeholder in Manitoba's International Gateway Strategy of which the new inland port, CentrePort Canada, is a feature development to leverage our world class transportation infrastructure and services for growing Manitoba's economy." The 10-year collaboration agreement also calls for long term plans to incorporate rail transportation logistics for the growth of CentrePort Canada, in Winnipeg. This is the eighth collaboration/service level agreement recently completed between CP and supply chain partners (CP - posted 12/15) CP COMPLETES FIRST YEAR OF INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES TO ENHANCE NORTHERN NETWORK: Canadian Pacific announced completion of its first year of infrastructure enhancements as part of an aggressive three-year plan to upgrade its North Main Line between Winnipeg and Edmonton . The $250 million North Main Line infrastructure program spans roughly 850 miles in three provinces and allows CP to increase capacity and service reliability for customers, including agricultural, fertilizer and energy producers. "The investment provides flexibility and alternative route options with operating speeds equivalent to its southern Canadian route," said CP Executive Vice-President Operations Mike Franczak . "Not only will the North Main upgrade increase capacity and raise train speed, it will offer a more direct route for some bulk and intermodal traffic." During the 2011 work season CP completed 155 miles of track enhancements on the North Main Line. CP customers are now experiencing the service benefits of these investments which include increased track speeds and improved asset utilization. The North Main Line infrastructure enhancement program includes rail and tie upgrades; new and extended sidings, which will allow for increased number of long trains; and public crossing upgrades. In addition, CP will enhance efficiencies at CP yards in Saskatchewan , such as its Bredenbury yard, which is benefiting from increased staging capacity. "About two-thirds of Saskatchewan's provincial GDP is derived from exports," The Honourable Jim Reiter, Saskatchewan's Minister of Highways and Infrastructure said. "With Saskatchewan once again forecasted to lead the nation in economic growth, CP's enhancement to main line capacity will positively impact our province's competiveness in a global marketplace (CP - posted 12/14) TAKE A RIDE ON A HOLLY JOLLY SEPTA TROLLEY: Forget "Deck the Halls" - at SEPTA it's "Deck the Trolleys" with twinkling lights, wreaths and bright ornaments. During the holiday season, passengers will be transported to a winter wonderland on one of several festive trolleys adorned by the Authority's operators. "This is one way our operators spread holiday cheer along their routes," said Kim Scott Heinle, SEPTA Assistant General Manager for Customer Service and Advocacy. "After a long day at work or returning home from the hustle and bustle of shopping, customers always have to smile when they see the decorated trolleys pulling into the stop." Operators use their own decorations and trim their trolleys on their own time, all to make the season brighter for their passengers. In addition to the lights, trees and garland, holiday tunes can be heard throughout the cars. Operators use their own decorations and trim their trolleys on their own time, all to make the season brighter for their passengers. In addition to the lights, trees and garland, holiday tunes can be heard throughout the cars. Passengers can look for the jolly trolleys on the following routes:
AMTRAK POSTS BEST EVER THANKSGIVING: It is official. With 724,051 passengers, more people chose Amtrak this Thanksgiving holiday than ever before. In addition, travel on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving was the railroad’s single busiest day ever with 138,736 passengers and the Sunday after Thanksgiving was close behind with 130,093 riders. “As America’s Railroad, we value connecting families and friends, especially during the holidays,” said Amtrak President and CEO Joseph Boardman. “Strong ridership increases over the holiday were seen on routes across the country as passengers chose Amtrak to provide convenient and affordable travel.” Comparing Thanksgiving 2011 to Thanksgiving 2010, total Amtrak ridership was up 2.8 percent. In addition, all three Amtrak business lines saw ridership increases, including on the Northeast Corridor which rose by 3.6 percent, state-supported trains and other short distance corridors grew 2.6 percent and long-distance trains were up 1.8 percent. The previous Thanksgiving record was set in 2010 with 704,446 passengers. The 2011 Thanksgiving travel holiday week extended from Nov. 22 through Nov. 28. (Amtrak - posted 12/13) |
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