Union Pacific Norfolk Southern Merger Targets Late 2027
USA: The Union Pacific Norfolk Southern merger could close in the third or fourth quarter of 2027 as federal regulators advance the transaction’s merits review.
Passenger Rail News
Alabama rail capacity expands on Norfolk Southern route
Alabama rail capacity is set to expand after Norfolk Southern completed more than six infrastructure projects on its 3B Corridor, reinforcing freight links between northern and central Alabama and the Port of Mobile.
Amtrak System Expansion Committee Targets Rail Growth
USA: The newly formed Amtrak System Expansion Committee will guide new routes, additional frequencies and strategic investments needed to support passenger rail growth across the country.
CSX Queensgate Yard Upgrade Adds 42 Power Switches
The CSX Queensgate Yard upgrade in Cincinnati is approaching completion with 42 new power-operated switches designed to improve safety, efficiency and reliability at the busy freight hub.
Sounder Train Cancellations Disrupt Morning Commute
USA: Sounder train cancellations disrupted the morning commute in the Seattle area after connectivity problems affected a federally required railroad safety system used by Sound Transit services.
MARC Train Service Links Montgomery County and Baltimore
USA: MARC Train service will add a direct weekday link between Montgomery County and Baltimore on September 28, cutting several current journey times for passengers across central Maryland.
$1.5 Billion Transit Funding Accompanies NITA Launch
The Northern Illinois Transit Authority launch on Tuesday, Sept. 1, transferred regional oversight of the six-county Chicago transit system from the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA). NITA now oversees the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra and Pace, though passengers are unlikely to notice major changes in daily operations at first.
Chicago-Quad Cities Rail Project Receives Funding Extension
The Chicago-Quad Cities rail project has received an FRA-approved extension for its remaining federal funding. That allows the Illinois Department of Transportation to use the money to complete the planned Amtrak route between Chicago and Moline after more than a decade of planning.
Florence–Rome Line Reopens With Temporary Slowdowns
The Florence–Rome line has reopened across both the Direttissima and conventional routes after the suspension between Chiusi and Orvieto from August 10 to 28. Services resumed on the morning of August 29 following infrastructure maintenance and upgrade works.
Auckland City Rail Link Opens to Passengers September 13
The Auckland City Rail Link will begin carrying passengers on Sunday, 13 September, following public preview events and a programme of emergency response testing ahead of the start of operations.
Kalamaria Extension Opens With Five New Stations
The Kalamaria extension has opened for passenger service on the Thessaloniki Metro, extending Greece’s first fully automated, driverless metro network to additional parts of the city.
Brotherton Bridge Repairs Disrupt Yorkshire Rail Travel
Brotherton Bridge repairs will affect rail passengers in Yorkshire over the August bank holiday weekend as Network Rail carries out bridge work and track replacement near Knottingley.
