Archive for September 2, 2020
AAR endorses FRA rule on continuous rail inspection technology
(Source: Progressive Railroading 09/02/2020) The Federal Railroad Administration‘s (FRA) final rule affecting continuous rail inspection technology will facilitate widespread deployment of such technology to advance safety and efficiency of the nation’s rail network, according to the Association of American Railroads (AAR). For years, railroads have operated continuous rail inspection technology under longstanding waivers and demonstrated the innovation’s promise…
Read MoreBMWED statement on new FRA rail inspection technology rule
(Source: Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes press release, September 1, 2020) SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — The Federal Railroad Administration has broadened the railroads’ ability to use new rail inspection technologies, officially allowing continuous rail testing to satisfy FRA inspection frequencies. The new rule would rescind the four-hour verification timeframe, which requires a follow-up, human inspection of…
Read MoreReport: Amtrak to furlough nearly 2,000 workers
(Source: Trains Magazine, September 1, 2020) Amtrak will furlough approximately 1,950 of its unionized workers as part of cutbacks for fiscal 2021, according to a message sent to workers today and obtained by Trains News Wire. Additionally, approximately 100 managerial positions will be eliminated. Full story: www.trainsmag.com Wednesday, September 2, 2020
Read More“Not unlike the Postal Service:” Advocates want Amtrak to prioritize service over profit
(Source: New York Times, September 1, 2020) NEW YORK — For Amtrak, the coronavirus pandemic has not only slashed ridership and any chances of breaking even, it has also forced its leaders to face an existential choice: act like a for-profit airline or a government-subsidized entity. Full story: New York Times Wednesday, September 2, 2020
Read MoreUP to begin operating North Platte’s Bailey Yard as single classification yard
(Source: North Platte Telegraph, September 1, 2020) NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — The Union Pacific Railroad will consolidate its North Platte railcar-sorting operations in Bailey Yard’s newest and westernmost “hump yard,” the railroad said Tuesday. The announcement marks a major operational change at what long has been considered the world’s largest rail classification yard. Full story: North…
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