Weekly Digest Number 21 - May 23rd, 2023

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(Editor's Note: It is a breath of spring to see a major rail analyst and reporter actually refer to the U.S. rail system's performance over the course of the last decade as "dismal." while most have spent the last 10 years jumping for joy at the exorbitant profits and the Class One's propaganda. Hard to say if the rail industry can "bounce back" without public ownership. But if they can, they have a hard row to hoe after losing 21% of the freight traffic they moved in 2006.)

Analysis: Can U.S. Railroads Bounce Back from a Dismal Decade?

By Bill Stephens | May 15, 2023

New management incentives for service and growth are an encouraging sign

(Editor's Note: With the operating crafts reaching agreement on NS, the other Class Ones may soon follow suit. Is this to be a new day for rail employees? Will the operating crafts vote these TAs up or down? We will see in the coming weeks.)

Norfolk Southern Reaches Paid Sick Time Agreement with Engineers’ Union

May 18, 2023

Nearly all of railroad’s unionized workforce now has paid sick leave

USDA to STB: Move ‘Quickly to Strengthen Our Rail System’

Written by Marybeth Luczak, Executive Editor May 16th, 2023



“Unfortunately, while rail service has improved from its worst levels last year, it remains inadequate and unreliable for many agricultural shippers,” U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Thomas J. Vilsack told the five Surface Transportation Board (STB) members in identical letters dated May 12.

(Editor's Note: Here The Lever reports on the opposition that is building to this proposal that if approved could have devastating environmental consequences. There is an underlying story here. Colorado's mainlines have been largely void of traffic since the early days of the UP-SP "merger" as UP has diverted all traffic off of Tennessee Pass and most through freight off of the Moffit Road. Now the oil industry can step in as the savior of Colorado railroading.)

Biden Admin Boosts Big Oil’s Colorado River Scheme

By Julia Rock. The Lever May 19th, 2023

Permit approvals for oil trains came despite derailments. Now, Pete Buttigieg could subsidize the scheme with special tax breaks.

(Editor's Note: We wish the State of Maine best wishes in this endeavor. However, the chances are that even if such legislation is adopted, the rail carriers will effectively lobby the courts to rule such a law unconstitutional as pre-empted by the feds, etc. just like they attempt to do with single person crew legislation, train length limits legislation, etc.)

Maine Legislature Seeks to End Confidentiality for Rail Shipment of Hazardous Materials

May 20, 2023

Legislation is in response to April CPKC derailment

(Editor's Note: Now here is something we can ALL agree on - railroads, rail workers, motorists, and truck drivers!)

Rail Industry Fights New Bills Allowing Bigger Trucks on Highways

May 19th, 2023

A coalition of rail, municipal, labor and law enforcement groups are asking House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee members to oppose a measure that would allow heavier trucks on the nation’s highway system.

(Editor's Note: Once again, North Carolina passenger rail expansion proves the old adage, "build it and they will come" holds true when it comes to passenger rail. And things are starting to move forward in other states now as well, including Wisconsin - see button below.)

Amtrak, NC By Train To Expand Piedmont Service in July

May 22, 2023

Amtrak and NC by Train plan to add a daily roundtrip on the Piedmont passenger-rail service between Charlotte and Raleigh, North Carolina, beginning July 10.

(Editor's Note: RWU traditionally is not directly involved in lobbying. Part of the reason is bills like this one - which promises the moon and stars - but is full of loopholes, options for waivers for relief from the regulations, and deferred start times for implementation.)

Union Group Pushes for Passage of Rail Safety Bill

Transportation Trades Department (TTD) policy statement represents views of all US rail unions

Joanna Marsh ·Wednesday, May 17, 2023

(Editor's Note: While they might have only a snowball's chance in hell, perhaps they can win some restrictions on blocked crossings, train length, etc. that will benefit us all.)

Chicago Suburbs Appeal CPKC Merger Decision

May 15th, 2023

The Coalition to Stop CPKC, a group of eight Chicago suburbs that opposed the $31 billion merger of Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern, is appealing the Surface Transportation Board's approval of the Class Is' merger.

(Editor's Note: For years now, the MBTA has contracted out many of their operations to KEOLIS. How much of these track defects are due to this contracting out services needs to be investigated.)

MBTA Lines Plagued with Track Defects

Written by David C. Lester, Editor-in-Chief May 16th, 2023

The Boston Herald reported that MBTA is facing a heavy repair load if it aims to remove the numerous speed restrictions throughout its system.

(Editor's Note: Compared to Union Pacific's earlier lawsuit, this one might have some merit. Freight railroads in Chicago have not been kind in many cases to the city's commuter network. Metra has good reason to fear that their service could be placed in jeopardy by the increase in freight traffic without safeguards for passenger train operations.)

Metra Takes STB to Court Over CPKC Decision

By David Lassen | May 17, 2023

Appeals court asked to send decision back to board to ‘correct its legal deficiencies’

Intermodal Behind Rail Volume Slump in Week 19

U.S. rail volume fell 5.9% to 466,381 carloads and intermodal units for the week ending May 13 compared to a year ago, according to Association of American Railroads data.