President Donald Trump says his administration has ended more unnecessary regulations than any previous administration. In response to his orders, the Transportation Department has withdrawn, repealed, delayed or put on the back burner at least a dozen significant safety rules, according to an Associated Press review of the department's regulatory actions over the past year.…
Posts published in February 2018
RSSB calls for a more scientific approach to train seat comfort 25 Feb 2018 UK: The Rail Safety & Standards Board has called for a more scientific approach to measuring train seat comfort, with the aim of developing specifications which manufacturers could use alongside requirements for crashworthiness and fire safety. This would take into account…
Zillertalbahn plans switch to hydrogen power 24 Feb 2018 AUSTRIA: Plans to convert the 760 mm gauge Zillertalbahn which links Jenbach with Mayrhofen from diesel to hydrogen fuel were announced by operator ZVB in February. The cost is estimated at €80m, with revenue hydrogen operations envisaged for 2022. Around 30% of the hydroelectric power generated in…
Rail News Home Federal Legislation & Regulation 2/23/2018 Rail News: Federal Legislation & Regulation Canadian panel OKs funds to improve access to CN line The Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) has awarded CA$847,378 in funds to develop a transshipment center in the regional county municipality (MRC) of Mekinac.The center will be located in…
Hydrogen is a technically feasible alternative to electrification, Toronto study finds 23 Feb 2018 CANADA: It be would technically and economically feasible to operate the Toronto area’s future Regional Express Rail passenger services using hydrogen fuel cells instead of conventional overhead electrification, a study has concluded. The lifetime costs would be similar, but the use…
Rail News Home Federal Legislation & Regulation 2/22/2018 Rail News: Federal Legislation & Regulation NTSB: Truck was on tracks, gates were down before Amtrak crash The front axle of the lead locomotive derailed as the train continued moving. Photo – NTSB A garbage truck involved in a fatal Amtrak accident late last month had entered…
(Recasts to focus on NAFTA, adds operating ratio) Jan 19 (Reuters) - Kansas City Southern, a U.S. railroad with extensive operations in Mexico, sought to ease investor fears on Friday over the future of the North American Free Trade Agreement, touting forecasts of solid freight volumes and a stronger economy in 2018. Uncertainty over the…
The locomotives previously were used on Amtrak's West Coast routes. Photo – Metra Metra's board yesterday approved the purchase of up to 21 used F59PHI locomotives for $1.3 million apiece. Built by General Motors' Electro-Motive Division (EMD) in 1998, the units will enable the railroad to quickly supplement its locomotive fleet and continue a longer-term…
Rail News Home Federal Legislation & Regulation 2/21/2018 Rail News: Federal Legislation & Regulation FTA: Commuter-rail corridor improvements may qualify for grants Commuter railroads may qualify for a portion of the $73 million in federal grant funding that the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) made available last week for positive train control (PTC), grade-crossing improvement and…