News Archive (November 7 through November 13)

This page contains a railroad news archive for a single week. For all recent rail news, please see RailServe.com's RailNews Home Page.

Note: Some stories may no longer be available, or a fee may be required for full access.

Friday, November 11

• The Railroading of Amtrak (FAIR)
  Trains, planes and automobiles held to different standards.
• No way to run a railroad (Star Tribune)
  Editorial: Bush administration is determined to shutdown Amtrak.
• Federal government considering investment in Via Rail (Canadian Press)
  Canada's Transport Minister says government must invest in passenger rail.
• Tri-Rail's northern expansion pushed to 2012 (Palm Beach Post)
  Commuter rail extension to Jupiter Florida has been delayed until 2012.
• Coal Fueling Rail Resurgence (Investor's Business Daily)
  Coal demand is a key driver of rail's recent success.
• Commuter rail to run through Central Texas (News 8)
  Rerouting UP would allow passenger service between Georgetown and San Antonio.
• Explosive detection devices coming to subway (Newsday)
  Handheld explosive detectors to be used in random NYC subway searches.
• Las Vegas monorail not attracting more riders (AP)
  Ridership stagnant at approximately half of initial expectations.
• SEPTA needs long-term funding to thrive (Daily Pennsylvanian)
  Competition could help Philadelphia transit agency achieve better management.
• Rail Freight Traffic Up in Most Recent Week (AAR)
  US freight traffic rises last week, including a 4.9% intermodal gain.
• Genesee & Wyoming Inc. Reports Traffic for October 2005 (GWR)
  Regional and shortline operator reports 21% year-over-year gain in October.
• Safe and quiet: railroad quiet zones aim to be both (Advertiser-Tribune)
  Fostoria Ohio seeks quiet zone to reduce whistles at grade crossings.
• Metra officials cringe as 'Derailed' movie opens (AP)
  Chicago commuter railroad filmed in movie prior to fatal derailment.

Thursday, November 10

• Amtrak Fires Its President in Dispute Over Future (New York Times)
  Bush-appointed Amtrak board fires President Gunn, pushes for additional reform.
• Amtrak chief who opposed Bush fired (The News Journal)
  Move could signal an end to long-distance train service.
• Amtrak derailed (Boston Globe)
  Editorial: Firing of President Gunn jeopardizes Amtrak's future.
• Stars are aligned for railways to take 'big, big leaps,' CN feels (Globe and Mail)
  Canadian National CEO says rail industry can gain significant market share.
• Rail project may bring big changes (Capital Journal)
  Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern's $2.5 billion project to impact local communities.
• Coal company works to reopen East Tennessee railroad line (AP)
  National Coal Corp to purchase 42-mile route from Norfolk Southern.
• CTA Fare Hike For Some Riders (CBS 2)
  Chicago transit cash fare to rise from $1.75 to $2.00.
• BNSF Railway Company Named Carrier of the Year by Wal-Mart (BNSF)
  Wal-Mart honors BNSF with annual award.
• Union Pacific Earns The Home Depot's 2005 Rail Partner Award (UP)
  Home Depot honors Union Pacific for improved service performance.

Wednesday, November 9

• Monorail dream appears to reach end of line (Seattle Times)
  Seattle voters reject monorail proposal due to funding concerns.
• Voters Approve Transit Bonds for $2.9 Billion (New York Times)
  Bond act that will finance transportation projects statewide, including 2nd Ave Subway.
• U.S. Department of Transportation to Tighten Oversight of Amtrak (DOT)
  Transportation Secretary Mineta says GAO report supports greater financial oversight.
• Indiana Rail Road to Acquire Track (Inside Indiana Business)
  Railroad to acquire 92 miles of track between Fayette and Bedford from Canadian Pacific.
• Pittsburgh bus, rail drivers to vote on whether to strike (AP)
  Transit officials working without a contract will vote on strike November 20.
• Train derailment damages equipment on Fort Hood (NBC 6)
  BNSF derailment damaged military tanks headed to Iraq.
• The Portable, Personal Subway Strap (ABC 7)
  Transtrap designed for those who can't reach bar, don't want to touch bar.
• How deal was made for union, SEPTA (Philadelphia Inquirer)
  Governor agreed to advance healthcare funds; workers to pay only 1% of salary.
• Union Pacific is Named the Most Military Friendly Employer in America (UP)
  G.I. Jobs magazine puts UP at the top of its annual list.

Monday, November 7

• Rail project seeks $2.5 billion in funding (Reuters)
  Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern to carry coal from Wyoming to Eastern power plants.
• Transport Canada orders CN to shorten B.C. trains (Canadian Press)
  Federal order limits British Columbia train length to 80 cars due to recent derailments.
• Clarke Urges More Subway Searches (AP)
  Former White House counter-terrorism adviser says more cities should have bag searches.
• SEPTA, striking union reach agreement after all-night talks (AP)
  Tentative agreement ends Philadelphia transit strike early Monday morning.
• DM&E moves forward (AP)
  Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern pursues loan to cover $2.5 billion, 280-mile expansion.
• Seattle Voters to Decide on Monorail Plan (AP)
  Tuesday vote will decide fate or controversial monorail proposal.
• SEPTA, city extend lease of subway (Philadelphia Inquirer)
  City of Philadelphia and transit agency agree to two year extension of subway lease.
• No injuries reported in coal train derailment (AP)
  CSX coal train starts fire and derails 20 cars in South Carolina.
• TriMet gives light-rail riders an audible push (The Oregonian)
  Portland light rail announcements get "bossier" to enforce rules.
• Hurricane Wilma - Full Silver Service Restoration (Amtrak)
  Silver Star, Silver Meteor, and connecting buses fully restored by November 9.