BLET News
BNSF crew trapped in derailed train escape, make it to shore
(Source: ABC Fox Montana, January 2, 2020) BONNERS FERRY, Idaho — Bonners Ferry Firefighters and other emergency first responders are still working to contain a BNSF train that derailed into the KootenaiRiver Later Wednesday night. According to the Boundary County Sheriff’s Office, the Burlington Northern Railroad called just before 11:00 P.M to say a train…
Read MoreRailroads are slashing workers, cheered on by Wall Street to stay profitable
(Source: Washington Post, January 4, 2020) WASHINGTON, D.C. — Over 20,000 rail workers have lost their jobs in the past year, the biggest layoffs in rail since the Great Recession and a nearly 10 percent decline in rail employment, according to Labor Department data through November. Full story: Roanoke Times Monday, January 6, 2020
Read More“Union Pacific is railroading the community,” union leader says after job cuts at Armourdale Yard
(Source: Fox 4 Kansas City, January 3, 2020) KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Union Pacific is cutting jobs at the Armourdale Yard in KCK, less than three months after employees were laid off at its Neff Yard on the other side of the state line. Full story: www.fox4kc.com Monday, January 6, 2020
Read MoreFRA NPRMs address track, brake inspection requirements
(Source: Railway Age, December 19, 2019) NEW YORK — The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) on Dec. 19 issued two Notices of Proposed Rulemakings (NPRMs), one updating current Track Safety Standards (TSS), the other updating existing Brake System Safety (BSS) requirements. FRA said the proposed rules changes are designed “to promote safety innovation and reduce unnecessary…
Read MoreDisney and Brightline confirm advanced talks over theme park station
(Source: Orlando Sentinel, December 17, 2019) ORLANDO, Fla. — Brightline and Walt Disney Co. officials have confirmed advanced talks about a station on or near theme-park property as part of a route to Tampa proposed by the passenger-rail system being renamed as Virgin Trains USA. Full story: Orlando Sentinel Wednesday, December 18, 2019
Read More