RAIL Magazine
@railmag.bsky.social
The most extensive coverage of North American passenger rail
Buffalo’s NFTA has opened the first Metro Rail revenue service expansion since 1985 with the debut of the new DL&W station, becoming the southern terminus. The facility is the former western terminal of the historic railroad of the same name, which once hosted trains to Hoboken.
December 8, 2025 at 8:57 PM
Buffalo’s NFTA has opened the first Metro Rail revenue service expansion since 1985 with the debut of the new DL&W station, becoming the southern terminus. The facility is the former western terminal of the historic railroad of the same name, which once hosted trains to Hoboken.
Good morning from ATX, where you wear your @capmetroatx.bsky.social socks 🧦
December 8, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Good morning from ATX, where you wear your @capmetroatx.bsky.social socks 🧦
Congrats to Sound Transit on the opening of the 7.8-mile (12.6 km) Link 1 Line extension to Federal Way yesterday and Metrolinx / @ttcalerts.bsky.social on the debut of the 11-kilometer (6.8 mi) Finch West LRT today!
December 7, 2025 at 3:28 PM
Congrats to Sound Transit on the opening of the 7.8-mile (12.6 km) Link 1 Line extension to Federal Way yesterday and Metrolinx / @ttcalerts.bsky.social on the debut of the 11-kilometer (6.8 mi) Finch West LRT today!
According to this MOA shared by MidwesternRPA on the other platform, Metra and the MARK (Milwaukee Area Racine Kenosha) Commuter Rail Commission are exploring Metra operating KRM service under contract to the Commission - the most obvious solution to connecting Kenosha-Racine-Milwaukee…🚆
December 6, 2025 at 4:56 PM
According to this MOA shared by MidwesternRPA on the other platform, Metra and the MARK (Milwaukee Area Racine Kenosha) Commuter Rail Commission are exploring Metra operating KRM service under contract to the Commission - the most obvious solution to connecting Kenosha-Racine-Milwaukee…🚆
On top of the 3+-month Mardi Gras ridership numbers at 46,000 (442 average riders/day, or about 110 per one-way trip; a 64% occupancy rate), Amtrak and the city of Mobile are moving forward with plans for a permanent platform canopy to open by the end of 2026. (Tents are in place currently)
Coming soon to Mobile – permanent Amtrak platform and covering
MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Amtrak’s Mardi Gras Service is off to a booming start, but some passengers have complained about a lack of covering in sweltering heat or pouring rain. That changes next year.
www.fox10tv.com
December 6, 2025 at 2:33 PM
On top of the 3+-month Mardi Gras ridership numbers at 46,000 (442 average riders/day, or about 110 per one-way trip; a 64% occupancy rate), Amtrak and the city of Mobile are moving forward with plans for a permanent platform canopy to open by the end of 2026. (Tents are in place currently)
For reference, these are my photos from Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor/MBTA Providence Line at Readville (left) and end of extant rails on the the CSX CH Spur in Lakeland, Florida (right; former Atlantic Coast Line) 🛤️
Tip for private photographers, influencers, pedestrians, rookie railfans & general public:
If train tracks you are near look like those at left (top of rail is shiny silver), don’t be on them at any time/place but for designated crossings.
Abandoned look like the at right: rusted on top, go nowhere.
If train tracks you are near look like those at left (top of rail is shiny silver), don’t be on them at any time/place but for designated crossings.
Abandoned look like the at right: rusted on top, go nowhere.
December 3, 2025 at 3:46 PM
For reference, these are my photos from Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor/MBTA Providence Line at Readville (left) and end of extant rails on the the CSX CH Spur in Lakeland, Florida (right; former Atlantic Coast Line) 🛤️
Tip for private photographers, influencers, pedestrians, rookie railfans & general public:
If train tracks you are near look like those at left (top of rail is shiny silver), don’t be on them at any time/place but for designated crossings.
Abandoned look like the at right: rusted on top, go nowhere.
If train tracks you are near look like those at left (top of rail is shiny silver), don’t be on them at any time/place but for designated crossings.
Abandoned look like the at right: rusted on top, go nowhere.
December 2, 2025 at 10:30 PM
Tip for private photographers, influencers, pedestrians, rookie railfans & general public:
If train tracks you are near look like those at left (top of rail is shiny silver), don’t be on them at any time/place but for designated crossings.
Abandoned look like the at right: rusted on top, go nowhere.
If train tracks you are near look like those at left (top of rail is shiny silver), don’t be on them at any time/place but for designated crossings.
Abandoned look like the at right: rusted on top, go nowhere.
Reposted by RAIL Magazine
The NFTA announced today that Buffalo Metro Rail will start serving the restored DL&W terminal on Dec. 8th, the system's first new station since 1986(!)
(cc: @railmag.bsky.social)
youtu.be/IqXRk1VoIG0?...
(cc: @railmag.bsky.social)
youtu.be/IqXRk1VoIG0?...
Restored DL&W station set to open December 8th
YouTube video by WGRZ-TV
youtu.be
December 2, 2025 at 6:36 AM
The NFTA announced today that Buffalo Metro Rail will start serving the restored DL&W terminal on Dec. 8th, the system's first new station since 1986(!)
(cc: @railmag.bsky.social)
youtu.be/IqXRk1VoIG0?...
(cc: @railmag.bsky.social)
youtu.be/IqXRk1VoIG0?...
A bugaboo for me has been that there should be a use for the original Acela coaches once the Avelias are all in service. But examples like this show most of them will just be too shoddy to do much with aside from stationary displays at RR museums…
December 1, 2025 at 2:11 PM
A bugaboo for me has been that there should be a use for the original Acela coaches once the Avelias are all in service. But examples like this show most of them will just be too shoddy to do much with aside from stationary displays at RR museums…
“So, never mind the darkness
We still can find a way
Nothin' lasts forever
Even cold November rain…”
(Rose photo from our rose garden here in drizzly Baton Rouge this last day of November; being from Buffalo, I miss snow but roses in late fall are a nice consolation prize…)
We still can find a way
Nothin' lasts forever
Even cold November rain…”
(Rose photo from our rose garden here in drizzly Baton Rouge this last day of November; being from Buffalo, I miss snow but roses in late fall are a nice consolation prize…)
November 30, 2025 at 7:18 PM
“So, never mind the darkness
We still can find a way
Nothin' lasts forever
Even cold November rain…”
(Rose photo from our rose garden here in drizzly Baton Rouge this last day of November; being from Buffalo, I miss snow but roses in late fall are a nice consolation prize…)
We still can find a way
Nothin' lasts forever
Even cold November rain…”
(Rose photo from our rose garden here in drizzly Baton Rouge this last day of November; being from Buffalo, I miss snow but roses in late fall are a nice consolation prize…)
Mini Wishlist:
1) Add Batavia stop to Amtrak Empire Service 🚆
2) Restore the A&A to Attica🚂
3) Rebuild the former Erie/NYC corridor from Attica to Batavia🛤️
4) Run Batavia-Olean service via Attica, Arcade & Machias
1) Add Batavia stop to Amtrak Empire Service 🚆
2) Restore the A&A to Attica🚂
3) Rebuild the former Erie/NYC corridor from Attica to Batavia🛤️
4) Run Batavia-Olean service via Attica, Arcade & Machias
In Western New York, excursion trains don’t take dainty strolls through the snowflakes. They obliterate snowdrifts to smithereens. This is the Arcade & Africa’s GE 65-Ton Switcher #112. Photo by Jackson Henneberry-Gregoire.
📸❄️🛤️
📸❄️🛤️
November 30, 2025 at 2:26 PM
Mini Wishlist:
1) Add Batavia stop to Amtrak Empire Service 🚆
2) Restore the A&A to Attica🚂
3) Rebuild the former Erie/NYC corridor from Attica to Batavia🛤️
4) Run Batavia-Olean service via Attica, Arcade & Machias
1) Add Batavia stop to Amtrak Empire Service 🚆
2) Restore the A&A to Attica🚂
3) Rebuild the former Erie/NYC corridor from Attica to Batavia🛤️
4) Run Batavia-Olean service via Attica, Arcade & Machias
In Western New York, excursion trains don’t take dainty strolls through the snowflakes. They obliterate snowdrifts to smithereens. This is the Arcade & Africa’s GE 65-Ton Switcher #112. Photo by Jackson Henneberry-Gregoire.
📸❄️🛤️
📸❄️🛤️
November 29, 2025 at 6:52 PM
In Western New York, excursion trains don’t take dainty strolls through the snowflakes. They obliterate snowdrifts to smithereens. This is the Arcade & Africa’s GE 65-Ton Switcher #112. Photo by Jackson Henneberry-Gregoire.
📸❄️🛤️
📸❄️🛤️
In Central Florida visiting relatives for the holiday. This is the end of extant track of CSX’s CH Spur in Lakeland at the intersection of Bartow & Combee roads. The former Atlantic Coast Line branch once continued from Lakeland to Bartow & ultimately all the way to Fort Myers.
November 29, 2025 at 12:25 PM
In Central Florida visiting relatives for the holiday. This is the end of extant track of CSX’s CH Spur in Lakeland at the intersection of Bartow & Combee roads. The former Atlantic Coast Line branch once continued from Lakeland to Bartow & ultimately all the way to Fort Myers.
“Along with track construction, the project will include the catenary electrical system, train control, and communications system.”
California high speed project issues request for proposals for track construction - Trains
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California High Speed Rail Authority this week issued a Request For Proposals for the contract to build track and related systems for the 119-mile first segment of the project...
www.trains.com
November 28, 2025 at 4:48 PM
“Along with track construction, the project will include the catenary electrical system, train control, and communications system.”
Today, I’m grateful for all the passenger rail & transit professionals making mobility happen every day, including those responsible for these trips I took this year. Happy Thanksgiving to you & your’s! 🦃🍁
November 27, 2025 at 2:54 PM
Today, I’m grateful for all the passenger rail & transit professionals making mobility happen every day, including those responsible for these trips I took this year. Happy Thanksgiving to you & your’s! 🦃🍁
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-...