Passenger Train Journal

09/01/2025

WRP LABOR DAY SALE! Shop our big Labor Day Sale and save 25–30% off your favorite railroad books—now through September 2, 2025! (Some exclusions apply.)

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🔥Bonus Offer: Subscribe or renew any of our print publications and score a FREE 1-month trial to our complete digital collection! Offer valid for online orders only.

Visit https://shop.whiteriverproductions.com/collections/2025-labor-day-sale

08/27/2025

THIRD QUARTER 2025: Known originally as Acela II and more recently branded as NextGen Acela, Amtrak’s new Alstom high-speed trainsets are now poised to enter revenue service on the Northeast Corridor, replacing first-generation trains that entered service in 2000. Ralcon Wagner looks back at the passenger trains of Tennessee Central, a regional carrier that fought the good fight for passenger business until its last scheduled trains came off in 1955, and then burnished a reputation as a charter and excursion operator until reaching the corporate end of the line in 1968. Jonathan Boyle, Sr., recalls the post-presidential rail travels of Ike and Mamie Eisenhower, who had a particular fondness for travel aboard Santa Fe’s business cars. All this, plus insightful columns, the Journal and Rush Hour news digests, great photography, and more in the Third Quarter 2025 issue of Passenger Train Journal.

08/27/2025

Amtrak Next Generation Acela trains rolling out today for invited media and officials, regular service starts August 28th!

08/12/2025

The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum is proud to debut the restoration of PCC 1713, "The Terrible Trolley" today! Car 1713 was built in 1949 by St. Louis Car Company. The car originally ran on Pittsburgh Railways’ Charleroi and Washington interurban lines. In 1980 it was painted in the signature black and gold colors of the Pittsburgh Steelers football team to celebrate their string of Super Bowl championships. The name comes from the team's "Terrible Towel" mascot. Successor Port Authority Transit rebuilt the car in 1989, extending its service life. It was retired in 1998 and purchased by a private owner who moved it to a warehouse in Ohio where it has sat for the last 25 years. The car was acquired in 2023 and was subject to an extensive restoration inside and out. Thanks to a partnership with the NFL, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Eamon Foundation, this car has been restored to its former glory celebrating a storied football franchise and its connection to the city and surrounding communities. Look for this car to be in service at the Museum throughout the rest of the season.

08/11/2025

Your webmaster spent the day riding Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority Red Line. Opened in 1955 and extended to the airport in 1968, this heavy rail rapid transit line shares some tracks and stations through downtown with the Green and Blue light rail lines. The current Red Line fleet was built by Tokyu between 1984-1985, and we're rebuilt in-house 10 years ago. The GCRTA is purchasing new Siemens S200 light rail vehicles to upgrade the fleet. These vehicles have features like dual-height doors to accommodate both high and low platforms, which will replace the heavy rail transit cars in a few years.

07/07/2025

Visit https://shop.whiteriverproductions.com/ for great deals and free shipping to U.S. addresses through July 7!

05/30/2025

NJ TRANSIT new multi-level electric multiple unit cars are testing in Pueblo.

05/19/2025

NJ TRANSIT commuter rail service will resume Tuesday, May 20.

NJ TRANSIT & the BLET have announced a tentative agreement.

NJ TRANSIT train service will resume on Tuesday, May 20, as it takes approximately 24 hours to inspect and prepare the infrastructure before returning to full scheduled service.

Details at njtransit.com/restart

05/18/2025

Your webmaster visiting the famed Burlington Racetrack at Hinsdale, Ill., catching some afternoon Metra action.

05/16/2025

Riding in Amcoach 25000 this morning, the class leader of 150 Amfleet II cars built between 1980 and 1983, and the last passenger cars built by Budd. -omv

05/16/2025

Your webmaster riding Amtrak Lake Shore Limited Tr 49/449 overnight from Rochester, NY, to Chicago Union Station.

05/16/2025

It appears NJ TRANSIT engineers will be going on strike Friday, crippling the nation's third-largest commuter rail system.

Due to a potential rail stoppage, NJ TRANSIT strongly advises all train customers to complete their travels and arrive at their final destination no later than 11:59 PM tonight. Details at https://bit.ly/43xJa2s