NTSB: Fatal Amtrak derailment shows need for more track inspections

“Poor track conditions” of a track owned by BNSF may have contributed to a fatal September 2021 accident involving an Amtrak train derailment in Joplin, Montana, according to the National Transportation Safety Board.

But NTSB’s investigation report also points to wider questions on how the freight rail industry should deploy technological tools such as autonomous track monitoring systems and what role visual inspections by a human inspector might play in inspections. The federal agency is...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/ntsb-fatal-amtrak-derailment-shows-need-for-more-track-inspections

STB will investigate Amtrak claim of ‘freight train interference’

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The Surface Transportation Board said it will look into why Amtrak’s Sunset Limited passenger train...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/stb-will-investigate-amtrak-claim-of-freight-train-interference

Rail Roundup: Norfolk Southern, 2 unions reach sick leave deal

NS reaches sick leave agreements with 2 more unions

Norfolk Southern has reached sick leave agreements with two more unions, with approximately 650 employees being affected.

The agreements are with the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, Transportation Workers – Mechanical Department and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, according to NS’ (NYSE: NSC) news release. Both unions had also recently reached sick leave agreements with western U.S. railroad BNSF (NYSE:...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/rail-roundup-norfolk-southern-2-unions-reach-sick-leave-deal

Stakeholders reach potential settlement on Gulf Coast Amtrak service

Some level of Amtrak passenger rail service could be established on the Gulf Coast, based on a recent filing submitted to the Surface Transportation Board.

In a joint filing Monday, Amtrak, CSX (NASDAQ: CSX), Norfolk Southern (NYSE: NSC) and the Alabama State Port Authority asked the board to hold off on a Nov. 30 hearing on Amtrak’s plans to restore Gulf Coast service between Mobile, Alabama, and New Orleans because the parties have a potential settlement within sight.

The parties also asked STB...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/stakeholders-reach-potential-settlement-on-gulf-coast-amtrak-service

Universities’ research aims to make railroads climate resilient

California wildfires that closed down portions of the Union Pacific and BNSF train networks for days. Severe flooding in the Midwest that damaged tracks. The extreme cold temperatures of Texas in February 2021 that caused considerable service disruptions on the freight rail system.

While the rail industry is accustomed to seasonal disruptions such as winter blizzards, the possibility of even more extreme weather events as a result of climate change takes disruption threats to a new level....

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/universities-research-aims-to-make-railroads-climate-resilient

CSX, NS and port push to keep Amtrak proceeding on track

Deliberations at the Surface Transportation Board over whether Amtrak should be allowed to reestablish Gulf Coast service between Mobile, Alabama, and New Orleans are still ongoing, and all the parties appear to be holding fast to their convictions over the best way to address Amtrak’s request.

On one side, Amtrak says the board should grant its request to run two daily trains between New Orleans and Mobile. Amtrak previously offered service along the Gulf Coast, but that service stopped in the...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/csx-ns-and-port-push-to-keep-amtrak-proceeding-on-track

Regulators to conduct hearing on CP’s plan to merge with KCS

A photograph of two locomotives. One is from Canadian Pacific and the other is from Kansas City Southern.

The Surface Transportation Board will conduct a three-day hearing in September on the proposed merger between Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern in order to speak directly with the railways, as well as any other interested parties, about issues that have arisen during the proceeding.

“I have strongly favored public hearings in our proceedings, which not only allow the board members to deeply explore the issues with our stakeholders but also advance transparency into our decision-making,”...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/regulators-to-conduct-hearing-on-cps-plan-to-merge-with-kcs

Surface Transportation Board receives earful on CP-KCS merger

A red train with the words "Canadian Pacific" on its side travels through a railroad crossing.

The Surface Transportation Board has been receiving testimony on the proposed merger between Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern — and it’s been an earful.

Shareholders of CP (NYSE: CP) and KCS approved the $31 billion deal in December and the merger is now before STB for review. CP has said it hopes for STB approval by early 2023.

Below is just a smattering of excerpts from recent testimony provided to the board: 

BNSF: Ensure access to Laredo Gateway and address potential traffic jams in...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/surface-transportation-board-receives-earful-on-cp-kcs-merger

FRA requiring railroads to submit worker fatigue management plans

A worker sitting down with his hands behind his head. In front of him is a hard hat.

The Federal Railroad Administration is now requiring the Class I railroads, Amtrak and commuter railroads to include fatigue risk management plans as part of their larger system safety and risk reduction programs.

The rule was published Monday in the Federal Register. The Federal Railroad Administration will review the plans annually, per the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008, and it will also conduct periodic audits. 

FRA said this rule is one of several ongoing initiatives to address the...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/fra-requiring-railroads-to-submit-worker-fatigue-management-plans

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