RAIL Magazine
@railmag.bsky.social
The most extensive coverage of North American passenger rail
MBTA, Keolis complete rail replacement on Fairmount Line in advance of battery-electric multiple unit (BEMU) operations, although the procurement process just began last January | Trains Magazine - www.trains.com/pro/maintena...
MBTA, Keolis complete rail replacement on Fairmount Line - Trains
BOSTON — The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority has completed over 28 miles of rail on its Fairmount Line, part of work in preparation for the eventual launch of battery-electric train service...
www.trains.com
November 25, 2025 at 12:39 PM
MBTA, Keolis complete rail replacement on Fairmount Line in advance of battery-electric multiple unit (BEMU) operations, although the procurement process just began last January | Trains Magazine - www.trains.com/pro/maintena...
Which of these historic railroads’ outpost locations was/is the most unfathomable?
A) Burlington Northern: Birmingham, AL
B) Chesapeake & Ohio: Petoskey, MI
C) Milwaukee Road: Disque, WA
D) Rock Island, Tucumcari, N.M.
A) Burlington Northern: Birmingham, AL
B) Chesapeake & Ohio: Petoskey, MI
C) Milwaukee Road: Disque, WA
D) Rock Island, Tucumcari, N.M.
November 23, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Which of these historic railroads’ outpost locations was/is the most unfathomable?
A) Burlington Northern: Birmingham, AL
B) Chesapeake & Ohio: Petoskey, MI
C) Milwaukee Road: Disque, WA
D) Rock Island, Tucumcari, N.M.
A) Burlington Northern: Birmingham, AL
B) Chesapeake & Ohio: Petoskey, MI
C) Milwaukee Road: Disque, WA
D) Rock Island, Tucumcari, N.M.
Lots of specific details on GO Train improvements across the Greater Toronto-Hamilton region in these documents shared by @glista.bsky.social on the other platform. Continued enhancement of service frequency continues but electrification scenarios are still a ways down the line…
November 22, 2025 at 2:14 PM
Lots of specific details on GO Train improvements across the Greater Toronto-Hamilton region in these documents shared by @glista.bsky.social on the other platform. Continued enhancement of service frequency continues but electrification scenarios are still a ways down the line…
Train Beer Friday: Commuter Rail Pale Ale by @skyrocbrewery in Attleboro, Mass., located about .4 miles from the Attleboro station on the MBTA’s Providence/Stoughton Line.🍻🛤️
November 21, 2025 at 10:36 PM
Train Beer Friday: Commuter Rail Pale Ale by @skyrocbrewery in Attleboro, Mass., located about .4 miles from the Attleboro station on the MBTA’s Providence/Stoughton Line.🍻🛤️
Over on the Lackawanna Cutoff FB discussion pages, Chuck Walsh shared this post from former Congressman Matt Cartwright that the 2024 CRISI grant to upgrade the PNRRA trackage in Pennsylvania (freight operated by Delaware-Lackawanna) are now out for disbursement by FRA.🛤️💵
November 21, 2025 at 5:53 PM
Over on the Lackawanna Cutoff FB discussion pages, Chuck Walsh shared this post from former Congressman Matt Cartwright that the 2024 CRISI grant to upgrade the PNRRA trackage in Pennsylvania (freight operated by Delaware-Lackawanna) are now out for disbursement by FRA.🛤️💵
Top Commuter Rail Cheat Line liveries:
1) MARC
2) ACE
3) MBTA (Bilevels only)
4) SEPTA (locomotive-hauled consists only)
1) MARC
2) ACE
3) MBTA (Bilevels only)
4) SEPTA (locomotive-hauled consists only)
November 21, 2025 at 2:56 PM
Top Commuter Rail Cheat Line liveries:
1) MARC
2) ACE
3) MBTA (Bilevels only)
4) SEPTA (locomotive-hauled consists only)
1) MARC
2) ACE
3) MBTA (Bilevels only)
4) SEPTA (locomotive-hauled consists only)
To allow work on the new Long Bridge project, beginning in January, VRE will significantly alter its schedule through 2030. No trips are being eliminated but mid-day trips (8:15 am–1:00 pm, MON-SAT) will terminate or originate in Alexandria, not DC.
Details: vrevip.squarespace.com/blog/how-to-...
Details: vrevip.squarespace.com/blog/how-to-...
How to Prepare for Schedule Changes — VRE | Very Important Passenger
What VRE Riders Need to Know
vrevip.squarespace.com
November 20, 2025 at 10:30 PM
To allow work on the new Long Bridge project, beginning in January, VRE will significantly alter its schedule through 2030. No trips are being eliminated but mid-day trips (8:15 am–1:00 pm, MON-SAT) will terminate or originate in Alexandria, not DC.
Details: vrevip.squarespace.com/blog/how-to-...
Details: vrevip.squarespace.com/blog/how-to-...
Universal’s proposed tunnel/transit system to parks and Epic Universe | @WFTV - youtu.be/GXHsW7PH9tM?... #Orlando #Florida #FL
EXCLUSIVE LOOK: Universal’s proposed tunnel/transit system to parks and Epic Universe!
YouTube video by WFTV Channel 9
youtu.be
November 20, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Universal’s proposed tunnel/transit system to parks and Epic Universe | @WFTV - youtu.be/GXHsW7PH9tM?... #Orlando #Florida #FL
It’s satisfying to see the full yard at the Glenridge Operations & Maintenance Facility after attending the ceremonial groundbreaking there in 2017.🚉🟣
All 28 Purple Line Light Rail Vehicles are now in Maryland! 🎉 From New Carrollton to Bethesda, 21 stations will make travel easier, strengthen neighborhoods, and promote a greener, more connected community. #PurpleLineProgress
November 20, 2025 at 3:30 PM
It’s satisfying to see the full yard at the Glenridge Operations & Maintenance Facility after attending the ceremonial groundbreaking there in 2017.🚉🟣
“The Northern Branch Project”from NJ Transit will bring the Light Rail tracks 10 miles further north to an anticipated terminal at Englewood Hospital
NJ Transit Announces Plans to Expand Hudson-Bergen Light Rail Service
The Hudson-Bergen Light Rail line will extend service into North Bergen with a proposed station at Englewood Hospital. Read more.
www.hobokengirl.com
November 19, 2025 at 9:16 PM
“The Northern Branch Project”from NJ Transit will bring the Light Rail tracks 10 miles further north to an anticipated terminal at Englewood Hospital
Charlotte Gateway station: funded; will serve 6 existing daily Amtrak roundtrips with 4 more planned by 2040, and newly-approved//funded Red Line regional Rail.🚆🚆🚆🚆🚞
Atlanta Five Points station: planning, would serve 1 daily Amtrak roundtrip. No other intercity or regional services approved/funded.🚆
Atlanta Five Points station: planning, would serve 1 daily Amtrak roundtrip. No other intercity or regional services approved/funded.🚆
Lastly, Charlotte Gateway Station will need to have its passenger station completed by the time service launches. An island platform at track level was completed in 2022, but all other elements of the project have yet to enter construction.
November 19, 2025 at 1:44 PM
Charlotte Gateway station: funded; will serve 6 existing daily Amtrak roundtrips with 4 more planned by 2040, and newly-approved//funded Red Line regional Rail.🚆🚆🚆🚆🚞
Atlanta Five Points station: planning, would serve 1 daily Amtrak roundtrip. No other intercity or regional services approved/funded.🚆
Atlanta Five Points station: planning, would serve 1 daily Amtrak roundtrip. No other intercity or regional services approved/funded.🚆
Details like this always lead me to share this reminder:
Just because a rail line is out of service or lightly used does not mean it’s necessarily a plug & play opportunity for new passenger rail service. 🛤️
Just because a rail line is out of service or lightly used does not mean it’s necessarily a plug & play opportunity for new passenger rail service. 🛤️
The portion of the former Norfolk Southern O Line from just north of Norris Ave to the wye with the NS Charlotte District (leading to the Charlotte Gateway Station location) has been out of service for some time and will need significant rehabilitation work.
November 18, 2025 at 10:25 PM
Details like this always lead me to share this reminder:
Just because a rail line is out of service or lightly used does not mean it’s necessarily a plug & play opportunity for new passenger rail service. 🛤️
Just because a rail line is out of service or lightly used does not mean it’s necessarily a plug & play opportunity for new passenger rail service. 🛤️
Reposted by RAIL Magazine
If passenger trains return to Madison, the city wants its Amtrak station built along existing rail lines close to Downtown, transit and parking.
Wilson Street chosen as preferred location for Madison Amtrak station
If passenger trains return to Madison, the city wants its Amtrak station built along existing rail lines close to Downtown, transit and parking.
madison.com
November 18, 2025 at 11:46 AM
If passenger trains return to Madison, the city wants its Amtrak station built along existing rail lines close to Downtown, transit and parking.
Thoughts on Charlotte's Red Line following voters passing the PAVE Act:
*City of Charlotte purchased the corridor from NS in Sept. 2024. Thankfully the measure passed...
*For hope of securing federal $s, service must be planned for no less than hourly, bi-directional frequency👇
*City of Charlotte purchased the corridor from NS in Sept. 2024. Thankfully the measure passed...
*For hope of securing federal $s, service must be planned for no less than hourly, bi-directional frequency👇
November 18, 2025 at 3:36 PM
Thoughts on Charlotte's Red Line following voters passing the PAVE Act:
*City of Charlotte purchased the corridor from NS in Sept. 2024. Thankfully the measure passed...
*For hope of securing federal $s, service must be planned for no less than hourly, bi-directional frequency👇
*City of Charlotte purchased the corridor from NS in Sept. 2024. Thankfully the measure passed...
*For hope of securing federal $s, service must be planned for no less than hourly, bi-directional frequency👇
There are no official plans for this flyover so far related to New Orleans-Baton Rouge service, and only 2 daily RTs don’t need or warrant it. Probably 5 or more RTs reach that level.
But, regardless, what other flyovers could make other new/expanded service possible? Share your ideas 💡
But, regardless, what other flyovers could make other new/expanded service possible? Share your ideas 💡
East Bridge Junction in Metairie crams connections by multiple Class 1 RRs (UP, BNSF, CN, CPKC) across a single connecting track and impedes reliability of the City of New Orleans and Sunset Limited currently and makes frequent service to Baton Rouge in the future challenging.
November 17, 2025 at 1:47 PM
There are no official plans for this flyover so far related to New Orleans-Baton Rouge service, and only 2 daily RTs don’t need or warrant it. Probably 5 or more RTs reach that level.
But, regardless, what other flyovers could make other new/expanded service possible? Share your ideas 💡
But, regardless, what other flyovers could make other new/expanded service possible? Share your ideas 💡
Throwback photos from my 2003 ride on the Deux-Montagnes AMT Line, the only electrified standard railroad line in Canada then. Since the line closed for conversion to REM, no⚡️standard railroads remain in Canada.
2 Bombardier MD-90 EMUs are preserved at Exporail in Saint-Constant
2 Bombardier MD-90 EMUs are preserved at Exporail in Saint-Constant
November 16, 2025 at 4:20 PM
Throwback photos from my 2003 ride on the Deux-Montagnes AMT Line, the only electrified standard railroad line in Canada then. Since the line closed for conversion to REM, no⚡️standard railroads remain in Canada.
2 Bombardier MD-90 EMUs are preserved at Exporail in Saint-Constant
2 Bombardier MD-90 EMUs are preserved at Exporail in Saint-Constant
After Montreal’s REM Deux Montagnes line debut yesterday, GO Transit opened its new Mount Dennis GO/UPE infill station this morning, which will also serve as the western terminus of TTC Line 5 (Eglinton) whenever it actually opens…
Today Mount Dennis GO Station opened, with trains between Downtown Toronto, Brampton-Kitchener and Pearson Airport on average every 10 minutes.
This is one of many regional rail stations coming to the City of Toronto over the next decade, as GO Transit continues to expand.
This is one of many regional rail stations coming to the City of Toronto over the next decade, as GO Transit continues to expand.
November 16, 2025 at 1:22 PM
After Montreal’s REM Deux Montagnes line debut yesterday, GO Transit opened its new Mount Dennis GO/UPE infill station this morning, which will also serve as the western terminus of TTC Line 5 (Eglinton) whenever it actually opens…
Congrats to Montreal, with its REM Deux Montagnes (Two Mountains) Branch opening today! Adding 20.5 miles (33 km) via the ROW of the former electrified commuter rail line of the same name under CN, AMT & exo, the fully-automated REM light metro now serves an additions 14 stations
November 15, 2025 at 8:43 PM
Congrats to Montreal, with its REM Deux Montagnes (Two Mountains) Branch opening today! Adding 20.5 miles (33 km) via the ROW of the former electrified commuter rail line of the same name under CN, AMT & exo, the fully-automated REM light metro now serves an additions 14 stations
Rail Infra Projects Wish List:
Mega/Improbable: Allegheny Base Tunnel (Central Pennsylvania)
Mega/Possible: North-South Connector (Boston)
Moderate/Achievable: CHIP/South of the Lake (Chicago)
Simple/Affordable: East Bridge Jct Flyover (New Orleans/Metairie)
How about your’s…?
Mega/Improbable: Allegheny Base Tunnel (Central Pennsylvania)
Mega/Possible: North-South Connector (Boston)
Moderate/Achievable: CHIP/South of the Lake (Chicago)
Simple/Affordable: East Bridge Jct Flyover (New Orleans/Metairie)
How about your’s…?
November 15, 2025 at 1:58 PM
Rail Infra Projects Wish List:
Mega/Improbable: Allegheny Base Tunnel (Central Pennsylvania)
Mega/Possible: North-South Connector (Boston)
Moderate/Achievable: CHIP/South of the Lake (Chicago)
Simple/Affordable: East Bridge Jct Flyover (New Orleans/Metairie)
How about your’s…?
Mega/Improbable: Allegheny Base Tunnel (Central Pennsylvania)
Mega/Possible: North-South Connector (Boston)
Moderate/Achievable: CHIP/South of the Lake (Chicago)
Simple/Affordable: East Bridge Jct Flyover (New Orleans/Metairie)
How about your’s…?
Train Beer Friday: Montpelier Train Station Porter by Final Gravity Brewing in Richmond, VA. While the historic station that once served James Monroe’s estate is more than an hour away from the brewery, Amtrak’s busy Staple Mill station is only about 2 miles away.🍻🛤️
November 14, 2025 at 11:24 PM
Train Beer Friday: Montpelier Train Station Porter by Final Gravity Brewing in Richmond, VA. While the historic station that once served James Monroe’s estate is more than an hour away from the brewery, Amtrak’s busy Staple Mill station is only about 2 miles away.🍻🛤️
QLine: Moving Detroit | @railfanandrailroad.bsky.social - railfan.com/qline-moving...
QLine: Moving Detroit
The first new rail transit in Detroit since streetcars vanished in 1956, the new QLine has found its way on Woodward Avenue.
railfan.com
November 14, 2025 at 9:36 PM
QLine: Moving Detroit | @railfanandrailroad.bsky.social - railfan.com/qline-moving...
NS and UP shareholders overwhelmingly approve $85 billion merger | Trains Magazine - www.trains.com/pro/freight/... #rail #trains #NorfolkSouthern #UnionPacific #freight
NS and UP shareholders overwhelmingly approve $85 billion merger - Trains
ATLANTA — Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern today cleared their first merger hurdle as shareholders overwhelmingly backed their deal to create the first transcontinental railroad. In separate votes, ...
www.trains.com
November 14, 2025 at 3:52 PM
NS and UP shareholders overwhelmingly approve $85 billion merger | Trains Magazine - www.trains.com/pro/freight/... #rail #trains #NorfolkSouthern #UnionPacific #freight
All Aboard Amtrak’s Mardi Gras Line | @oxfordamerican.bsky.social - oxfordamerican.org/oa-now/all-a...
#trains #rail #Mobile #NewOrleans #NOLA #GulfCoast #Louisiana #Mississippi #Alabama
#trains #rail #Mobile #NewOrleans #NOLA #GulfCoast #Louisiana #Mississippi #Alabama
All Aboard the Mardi Gras Line
oxfordamerican.org
November 13, 2025 at 6:31 PM
All Aboard Amtrak’s Mardi Gras Line | @oxfordamerican.bsky.social - oxfordamerican.org/oa-now/all-a...
#trains #rail #Mobile #NewOrleans #NOLA #GulfCoast #Louisiana #Mississippi #Alabama
#trains #rail #Mobile #NewOrleans #NOLA #GulfCoast #Louisiana #Mississippi #Alabama