Latest news with #RegionalRail
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Regional Rail expands shortline roster, acquires Minnesota Commercial
Regional Rail, an owner and operator of shortline freight railroads, has expanded its network by acquiring the Minnesota Commercial Railway (MNNR). Based in St. Paul, Minnesota Commercial is an 86-mile railroad that serves the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, connecting directly with four Class I railroads and the Twin Cities & Western Railroad. It offers a range of services including freight-hauling, storage and transload to a diverse customer base in industries such as metals, fuel and oil, chemicals and plastics, food and agriculture, and lumber. Additionally, MNNR operates Commercial Transload of Minnesota, which provides warehousing, transloading and trucking services to local manufacturers. No terms were disclosed. The acquisition marks a significant growth in Regional Rail's operations, expanding its North American footprint to 17 railroads spanning nine U.S. states and two Canadian provinces. The company is headquartered in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. 'We are honored that Becky Gohmann has entrusted Regional Rail to continue the legacy established by the late John Gohmann at the Minnesota Commercial, and we are excited to partner with the team at the MNNR and CTM to expand these operations and strengthen the business for the future,' said Al Sauer, president and chief executive of Regional Rail, in a release. The acquisition is a strong strategic move, emphasized Rob Collins, managing partner and head of North American infrastructure at 3i (OTC: TGOPY), Regional Rail's backer. He remarked in the release, 'Minnesota Commercial is a great fit for Regional Rail's strategy of partnering with strong local operators, while preserving the legacy and history of its founder. We look forward to providing continued support to Regional Rail for all future opportunities.' Subscribe to FreightWaves' Rail e-newsletter and get the latest insights on rail freight right in your inbox. Find more articles by Stuart Chirls freight rail fueled a new luxury overnight train startup Cumberland & Knox runs first revenue train on Maine's Rockland Branch Norfolk Southern board chair Mongeau resigns BNSF stands up shortline rail team The post Regional Rail expands shortline roster, acquires Minnesota Commercial appeared first on FreightWaves. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
The Hindu
02-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
CM Revanth Reddy envisions State as a $3 trillion economy by 2047
Reiterating his government's commitment towards the development of the State, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy said that the 'Telangana Rising 2047' policy document had been drafted to position the State as a global leader by the time India marks 100 years of Independence in 2047, and urged for the public support in this endeavor. As part of the Telangana Formation Day celebrations on Monday (June 2, 2025), Mr. Reddy hoisted the national flag at Parade Ground and spoke about the welfare measures and development initiatives taken under his regime. Kazuhisa Takeuchi, mayor of Kitakyushu City from Japan, was a guest at the celebrations. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that the government aimed to contribute significantly to the national goal of becoming a $30 trillion economy by turning Telangana into a $3 trillion economy by 2047. On investments from both the domestic and foreign firms, Mr. Reddy said that the government had signed agreements worth over ₹3 lakh crore since he assumed the office. Regarding the development of Hyderabad, he said plans were in place to develop Hyderabad on par with major international cities. 'The Bharat Future City would be developed on 30,000 acres,' he said. Stating that the Outer Ring Road (ORR) had contributed immensely to Hyderabad's rapid development, he said that a Regional Ring Road (RRR) is underway, along with plans for radial roads connecting to the ORR. He said expansion of both the Metro and Regional Rail systems would commence soon. The Chief Minister said that airports at Warangal and Mamnoor would be developed soon, as the Centre had given its approval for the renovation. Stressing the government's commitment to social justice, the Chief Minister said that the Scheduled Castes in the State had been classified into three groups, and legal backing was provided for the same. 'February 4 would be observed annually as Telangana Social Justice Day,' he said adding that caste census conducted in the State had become a model for the nation. On youth employment, Mr. Reddy stated that over 60,000 government job vacancies were filled within 16 months of assuming the office. Reaffirming the government's support for farmers, he said that agricultural loans up to ₹2 lakh were waived. The government had also enacted the Bhu Bharati-2025 Act to resolve land disputes and ensure clear land ownership records. Referring to the state of affairs when he took charge in December 2023, the Chief Minister said Telangana's economy was in disarray. On the occasion, Mr. Reddy presented cash awards of ₹1 crore each to nine eminent personalities from the State for their contributions to the Telangana movement. Among the recipients were noted poets and cultural figures Ande Sri (poet), Suddala Ashok Teja (lyricist), Jayaraj (poet), Pasham Yadagiri (senior journalist), and Ekka Yadagiri Rao (sculptor). The awards were also presented posthumously to revolutionary balladeer Gaddar, poet-singer Guda Anjaiah, and Bandi Yadagiri. Noted poet and singer Goreti Venkanna, currently on a foreign tour, was represented by his daughter at the ceremony. Mr. Reddy also conferred the Kaloji Award on polyglot and poet Nalimela Bhaskar for his contributions to literature. In addition to the honours for cultural contributions, the Chief Minister presented the Medal for Gallantry to 19 police officers in recognition of their distinguished service. Another 11 officers received the Medal for Meritorious Service.
Miami Herald
27-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Transit cuts would pose an ‘existential threat' to Philadelphia's Center City, business owners say
PHILADELPHIA - At Reading Terminal Market, CEO Annie Allman says, there's a common refrain among merchants during bad weather: "If SEPTA is running, the market is open." Now, Allman said, the phrase seems foreboding. What will happen if SEPTA reduces service, eliminating dozens of bus and Regional Rail lines? She is "horrified" by the possibility. "I've never used the phrase existential threat as much," said Allman, who is CEO and general manager of the nonprofit Reading Terminal Market Corp. "This would just cripple Philadelphia, and it also would crush the market." The proposed cuts, announced last month, would slash the transit agency's service by 45%, with reductions beginning this fall. Trains and buses would run less frequently, and 55 bus routes and five Regional Rail lines would be eliminated entirely. That could all be avoided if the Pennsylvania legislature manages to pass Gov. Josh Shapiro's latest proposal to increase state aid for mass transit systems. Last Monday was the first day of public budget hearings, and SEPTA users lined up to testify. The state budget deadline is June 30. Philadelphia leaders, commuters, and even the city's pro sports teams have expressed "deep concerns" about the planned cuts. Traffic projections have shown the move would result in longer commutes, with about 275,000 more people driving into Philadelphia daily. Several employers and business leaders said they worry there is not enough parking in the city to accommodate them. Inside the largely empty concourse at Suburban Station, SEPTA's potential cuts loom over the few remaining business owners, who say foot traffic and sales are a fraction of what they were pre-pandemic. And in the office buildings that tower over Center City, the possibility complicates the debate around return-to-office policies. "We don't need any more deterrence to come into the city," said Brenton Hutchinson, chair of the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) of Philadelphia. "We want to see something resolved, and sooner the better, so that there's no disruptions." The impact of the proposed cuts would be "so far-reaching and so deep," said Chellie Cameron, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia. SEPTA connects suburban residents to their jobs in the city, and city dwellers to suburban offices, Cameron said. Consumers, patients, and students also rely on SEPTA. If cuts are implemented, "it's gonna fracture the connections that we have between the city and the suburbs," she said, "and that's really the underpinning of the success of our economy." "When we start to talk about bigger issues like upward economic mobility, and how we continue to create good-paying jobs for people," she added, "how are we gonna do that if [the system] we actually rely upon to connect our region together is fractured?" Philly workers would be 'tremendously affected' Scores of Philadelphia workers would have their daily lives upended by SEPTA cuts. "You will be adding hours to people's commutes every week," Cameron said, "and that doesn't just impact their ability to get into work. It impacts their ability to access childcare, to pick their kids up from school." Businesses are afraid of losing employees because of these ancillary impacts, she said. Employees of Philadelphia libraries, water and sanitation departments, and other municipal services will be "tremendously affected," by the proposed cuts, said Greg Boulware, president of their union, AFSCME District Council 33. "This will impact their ability to get to and from work and provide the services that the city of Philadelphia needs for all its residents," said Boulware, who represents around 10,000 workers. DC33 members are feeling "a huge amount of frustration," he said. Some are talking about using Uber or Lyft to get to work, but Boulware calls that an added expense "for workers that don't make enough money as it is." At Comcast, leaders are "discussing the challenges the planned cuts could bring," spokesperson John Demming said. And at Philadelphia International Airport, "Reliable mass transit makes working at the airport a viable option for many individuals," airport officials said in a statement shared by a PHL spokesperson. A setback to return-to-office policies Five years after COVID-19 shutdowns forced many professionals to work from home, some Philadelphia employers are still pushing to get their employees back in the office more often. SEPTA's woes are another hurdle for those ambitions. Although some workers have argued in favor of continued remote or hybrid work for myriad reasons, dramatic reductions in SEPTA service are seen by employers as the most reasonable argument against return-to-office efforts. Brandywine Realty Trust, one of the region's predominant office owners, reports that 50% to 60% of its tenants' workers use mass transit, even as public transportation usage never fully recovered from the pandemic. "If mass transit schedules are impacted, the issue is: Can they bring people back into work?" said Jerry Sweeney, CEO of Brandywine. In the event of cuts, Sweeney said, some of Brandywine's tenants are considering reserving additional parking, or modifying work hours so employees could commute at off-peak times. "The world of business today is already complicated with the macroeconomic climate," Sweeney said. "This is something that no business needs." Philadelphia's office market took a blow during the pandemic, and it has not recovered. The number of workers in offices in the core West Market Street district at the end of 2024 was only 63% of what it was in 2019. (That's 11% higher than 2023.) A report from real estate brokerage Colliers showed that in the first quarter of 2025, office vacancy ticked up in both Philadelphia and the suburbs, although it remains higher outside the city. Some office market analysts speculate that the proposed SEPTA cuts could make suburban office buildings more appealing, because it would be easier for workers who live in the suburbs to drive to locations outside Center City, where parking is more plentiful. Impact on Reading Terminal Market Some businesses with deep roots in Philadelphia will be left to deal with the fallout of SEPTA cuts if they occur. Reading Terminal Market sits atop SEPTA's Jefferson Station, where Regional Rail passengers catch trains, walking distance from several bus stops and subway stations. Monday through Thursday, Reading Terminal serves about 16,000 customers on average, said Allman, the CEO. That's up from 14,500 at this time last year, before the city implemented its return-to-office mandate. And "the bulk" of the market's 600 employees rely on public transit, she said. Allman does not know yet how the market would respond to SEPTA cuts. It may have to adjust operating hours. "Between all the good news of rising egg prices, and tariffs, and lack of international visitors this summer, I haven't really gotten to forecasting," she said with a laugh. For now, however, Reading Terminal is thriving, with nearly full occupancy, Allman said. Across the street at the Fashion District, occupancy is lower, but dozens of businesses are humming along, fueled by steady foot traffic. Suburban Station business owners worry A few blocks away at Suburban Station, the scene is different, with more at stake for business owners if transit is cut. The sprawling underground concourse, a bustling corridor on weekdays pre-pandemic, now has more closed storefronts than operating businesses. On a recent Thursday morning, foot traffic was light, and conversations with about half a dozen business owners and managers painted a grim picture of their potential future. More than 6,200 square feet of retail space is for lease, while several other large storefronts simply sit vacant, apparently not on the market. Business owners said sales are 20% to 50% of what they were before the pandemic. The concourse is so bleak, one business owner said, that commuters are increasingly exiting at the first opportunity, instead of walking farther underground and passing the stores as they once did. Some owners expressed concern that SEPTA cuts could worsen their situations, both by decimating the already-thin foot traffic and by making it harder for their employees to get to work. It would be just the latest blow. "We survived, kind of," said Michael Choi, manager of Penn Center Beauty Supply, referring to the pandemic. But business now is "slow, very slow." "It hasn't been good ever since COVID," said Kris Kim, owner of DBA Happy Jewelry. Pre-pandemic, the store would see more than 50 customers a day. Now, Kim said, they're lucky if a dozen people come in. When it comes to the future, "we're worried." Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
CBS News
19-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Public hearings begin Monday in Philadelphia about SEPTA's plan to cut service, raise fares
Public hearings on SEPTA's proposal to cut service and raise fares to fill a more than $200 million budget gap begin Monday morning in Philadelphia. SEPTA has proposed to cut services by 45% and raise fares by 21.5% to help fill a $213 million structural deficit. But some experts warn these moves would cause irreparable damage to the Philadelphia region, economy and people. "There is not a way for our region to function physically without public transportation," said Connor Descheemaker, statewide campaign manager for Transit For All PA, a coalition of transit riders, workers and businesses who rely on public transportation. Descheemaker also said the cost of not funding SEPTA in full far outweighs any investment to keep it running. "For every $1 in public transportation, up to $5 returns in economic activity," Descheemaker said. "Los Angeles has put in entire new rail lines and tons of new public buildings in advance of the 2028 Olympics. You look at the kinds of global events that happen internationally, and all of them create new infrastructure. They don't absolutely destroy the infrastructure that they have," Descheemaker added. The proposed fare increase would go into effect on Sept. 1, which is when SEPTA would also freeze hiring. Then, come Jan. 1, 2026, SEPTA says more changes would begin, including cuts to five Regional Rail routes and several bus lines. SEPTA also has proposed a 9 p.m. curfew on all rail services. Riders said they are concerned. "There's no way less money is going to help anything," said rider Alex Gebeyan, who was visiting Philadelphia on Sunday. Mary Campion, of North Philly, said, "I just think it will mean more traffic congestion within the city, more cars." "The Regional Rail is already spotty, so if they are going to talk about a 9 p.m. curfew and they're reducing service to every hour and stuff like that, that's bad," said Marcel LaVar, who relies on SEPTA. The SEPTA hearings come as negotiations continue in Harrisburg on a statewide transit funding plan introduced in February by Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro. SEPTA will hold four public hearings at its headquarters Monday and Tuesday to review its budget proposal and hear public comments. The Monday sessions are at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Sessions on Tuesday are at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Those who wish to speak will be taken in their order of arrival.
Chicago Tribune
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Letters: To save mass transit in the Chicago region, we must think long term
The Regional Transportation Authority's new ad campaign has people fuming. There's a lot to criticize about transit management. We think the RTA is missing the mark on the scale of reforms needed to improve transit, but the agency is right about one thing: Funding is urgent. If lawmakers kick the can down the road, we'll see a lot more public money wasted, economic opportunity squandered, riders ghosted and city streets gridlocked. If we hit summer with no solution, the agencies would immediately roll back service improvements that are currently underway, including Metra's Regional Rail plan, Pace's Pulse bus rapid transit and the CTA's new 10-minute frequent bus network. Instead of making things better, staff members would have to devote their summer and fall to planning for funding cuts, mass layoffs and 40% service cuts by early 2026. Transit is the backbone of our economy, so this would affect millions of people who never set foot on a bus or train. In just the first year, our region could lose $2.6 billion in gross domestic product, and 500,000 bus riders would be cut off from their local stops. Putting that figure in perspective: The Kennedy Expressway carries only 250,000 cars a day! Travel needs have changed since COVID-19, but cities around the world have increased transit ridership by serving many trips outside work: school, doctor, family, recreation, etc. That's how transit used to work in Chicago too, before austerity dwindled capacity to a focus on commuters. Resilient systems diversify! Fast, frequent, safe service throughout the day and week would connect communities across the region, while unified schedules, fares and service planning would save money and improve the rider experience. To make these shifts, we need governance reform, time and stable finances. Public transportation serves the public good. It is in our collective interest to ensure it works well. Every day we delay in finding a fiscal solution is another day wasted planning cuts instead of planning improvements. The RTA is not alone in calling for a funding fix. Environmental, business and labor leaders agree. At the Environmental Law & Policy Center, we can see the stakes for our air quality and climate impact if we pushed thousands of people into driving more. We must think long term about what's best for the region, and that means saving transit. — Lena Guerrero Reynolds, communications and policy advocate, Environmental Law & Policy Center, Chicago Transforming Chicago The 'abundance' movement is taking U.S. politics by storm. Named after the recently released book by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson, its advocates argue that America has the capacity to provide housing, health care and transportation for all, but is held back by regulatory barriers, institutional inertia and a scarcity mindset. More controversially, Klein and Thompson argue that fixing these issues is the key to reviving healthy governance in blue states — and thereby winning back the trust of voters who have gone over to Donald Trump. The diagnosis could not be more spot-on here in Chicago, where Trump surged in 2024 relative to 2020. So what do these ideas mean here? First and foremost, abundance means building housing. A lot more housing. Chicago's restrictive zoning rules and high construction costs have led to a virtual collapse in housing development. The results: Rents are spiking, with some outlets reporting a 12% increase in average rents between 2024 and 2025. If the city had trouble retaining people before, a major increase in rents might tip it into serious population loss. Simply building more homes would keep rents down and generate more tax revenue for the city, but our politicians refuse to make obvious changes. At a minimum, Chicago must eliminate its parking minimums — as cities like San Francisco; Austin, Texas; and Minneapolis have done — and permit four-flats in all residential areas. Beyond that, we should permit larger developments by right in neighborhoods with the transportation infrastructure to support them. Beyond changes to zoning rules, an abundance approach to land use would move away from the grubby, small-scale thinking of City Hall culture. Arbitrary decision-making among aldermen makes business unpredictable and difficult. Rather than have officials negotiate every little point with individual businesses, the abundance approach would be to simplify the rules, allow more things by default and not make exceptions. The biggest idea in the abundance movement is that for government to be trustworthy, it has to deliver. Chicago is clearly falling short of that goal — but it doesn't have to. — Lionel Barrow, Chicago Austin versus Chicago In his op-ed ('Austin, Texas, figures out affordable housing while Chicago postures,' May 1), Micky Horstman writes, 'This year, rents in Austin (Texas) dropped again to $1,436 per month. How?' Could it possibly be because of the recent surplus in rental properties and the slowdown in population growth in Austin? Austin sits on 325 square miles of land and has about 980,000 residents, and Chicago sits on 234 square miles of land and has 2.7 million residents. Could it possibly be because Austin has 40% more land to build on and 37% of Chicago's population? Could it possibly be because of supply and demand, i.e., simple economics? Definitely has to be policy, right? — Brian Collins, Orland Park The tax wagon returns With respect to the editorial 'Believe it or not, Springfield is mulling a jobs tax' (May 1), I can't believe state Sen. Ram Villivalam. This is the same person who recently pushed for exploring a miles-driven tax. I seem to recall him saying, in typical politician speak, something such as this won't affect anyone since it's a study. Sure, and if the tax passes into law, we are all getting hit with more taxes. Well, here he is again suggesting more taxes. Sure, he, along with other politicians, will play it off as a 'small' 1% fee, insignificant. We are already one of the highest taxed states in the union. Government's job is not charity, and this sure smells like forced charity. He has only been in office since 2019, but I think he needs to go already. If all he can offer is more taxes, his vision is limited. Anybody can roll out the tax wagon. Time for new leadership that offer ideas other than taxing the people who are already being taxed into oblivion in Illinois. — Keith Mockenhaupt, Chicago Thank a nurse this week Regardless of their specialty or where they practice, nurses play critical roles in treating injuries and illness, as well as keeping people healthy and safe. They are often at the front line of health care, at the stretcherside delivering expert care while comforting and advocating for their patients and families. Throughout my years in emergency nursing, I have had the privilege of meeting and working with nurses across many aspects of our profession. My career has taken me through the intensive care unit, the emergency department, flight nursing, hospital leadership, research, advocacy and as a leader at many levels of the Emergency Nurses Association. Throughout this time, I have learned from and been inspired by nurses from all walks of life, who each traveled a unique path into nursing and have riveting stories to tell about their journeys. I also love presenting at student nursing events and sharing in the excitement of young people who are getting ready to dive into this rewarding, challenging, humbling and amazing profession. During National Nurses Week, May 6 through 12, I want to express appreciation on behalf of myself and the Emergency Nurses Association for all nurses and the work they do. Nurses use their expertise to respond to the most traumatic injuries and care for patients in all fields — from oncology to obstetrics to orthopedics. They educate the public about illness and injury prevention, conduct research that leads to better patient outcomes, and teach today's students who are working to be tomorrow's nurses. I encourage everyone, when they have an opportunity, to thank their nurses for all they do to make communities healthier and safer.
