BLET News
New study says railroads could save $94 billion in two decades by converting to batteries
(Source: American Journal of Transportation, November 30, 2021) WASHINGTON, D.C. — If U.S. Class I railroads convert from diesel locomotives to battery power, they can save $94 billion over 20 years “while consuming half the energy consumed by diesel trains,” according to a Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory report. The report, “Economic, environmental and grid-resilience benefits…
Read MoreSTB grants Amtrak access to CSX yard in Mobile, Ala.
(Source: Trains Magazine, November 30, 2021) WASHINGTON, D.C. — Score one small win for Amtrak in its ongoing effort to restore its Gulf Coast service. The Surface Transportation Board on Monday issued a decision honoring Amtrak’s request for an order allowing it access to CSX Transportation’s Choctaw Yard in Mobile, Ala., to conduct a survey…
Read MoreU.S. intermodal drop-off spans 15 consecutive weeks
(Source: Railway Age, November 24, 2021) NEW YORK — For the week ending Nov. 20, 2021, U.S. Class I railroads hauled 237,244 carloads, up 1.6% from the same point last year, but the 271,065 intermodal containers and trailers they moved fell 10% from 2020, the Association of American Railroads reported on Nov. 24. This is…
Read MoreMedicare Part B Premiums for 2022
(Source: Railroad Retirement Board press release, November 19, 2021) CHICAGO — The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced that the standard monthly Part B premium will be $170.10 in 2022, an increase of $21.60 from $148.50 in 2021. Some Medicare beneficiaries may pay less than this amount because, by law, Part B…
Read MoreCP-KCS merger application with STB is “incomplete,” UP says
(Source: Progressive Railroading, November 22, 2021) The Surface Transportation Board (STB) should reject as “incomplete” the application for Canadian Pacific to take over Kansas City Southern, Union Pacific Railroad officials said in a filing last week. Full story: Progressive Railroading Tuesday, November 23, 2021
Read More