BLET News
Montana Rail Link to end operations, with BNSF taking over
(Source: Billings Gazette, January 10, 2022) BILLINGS, Mont. — BNSF Railway announced plans Monday to take over Montana Rail Link and its 900 miles of track in Montana and Idaho. BNSF has committed to retain all union and non-union employees of MRL in their current jobs with similar pay, benefits, seniority, and other terms of…
Read MoreRRB names new Director of Retirement and Survivor Benefits
(Source: Railroad Retirement Board press release, January 4, 2022) CHICAGO — The U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) has selected Letitia C. Carthans as the agency’s next Director of Retirement and Survivor Benefits, effective January 3, 2022. She will replace Valerie Allen, who is retiring after more than 31 years of RRB service. In her new position,…
Read MoreOfficials say recent STB decision on Utah rail project “pours gasoline” on climate emergency
(Source: Railway Track & Structures, January 5, 2022) NEW YORK — The Surface Transportation Board recently approved a new rail line in Utah, and officials can’t say enough against it. Full story: Railway Track & Structures Thursday, January 6, 2022
Read MoreFor 2021, intermodal “record” collapses in second half
(Source: Railway Age, January 5, 2021) NEW YORK — In 2021, U.S. intermodal’s “record-setting” first half gave way to a lower second half as supply chain challenges persisted, reported the Association of American Railroads on Jan. 5; December volumes continued the downward trend, coming in 8.2% lower than the prior-year period, according to AAR figures.…
Read MoreColorado legislator “deeply concerned” about oil trains from Utah project
(Source: Colorado Times Recorder, January 3, 2022) DENVER — The prospect of up to 350,000 barrels of oil a day rolling through Colorado on trains has caught the attention of Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet following the Dec. 15 U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) approval of the Uinta Basin Railway in northeastern Utah. Full story: Colorado Times…
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