Industry Update

• NS receives positive feedback on business relationships
  Norfolk Southern has been instrumental in transforming Reading & Northern into an efficient short-line railroad in Pennsylvania because of its remarkable way of keeping close business relationships, said Andrew Muller Jr., Reading & Northern chairman and CEO. "Our interaction with NS Operations has been good for so long that I almost take it for granted," Muller said. "NS helps us to meet our customer's service expectations, and as we raise the bar on our own performance, NS is there to help us exceed expectations." RailwayAge.com (12/21)     

• GWI's acquisition of RailAmerica receives STB approval
  Genesee & Wyoming's plan to acquire RailAmerica's 45 regional and short line railroads recently gained approval from the Surface Transportation Board. The approval came after STB ruled that GWI's acquisition plan will not reduce competition significantly, lead to a monopoly, hamper interstate commerce or improve market power. The agency's decision is scheduled to take effect on Friday. ProgressiveRailroading.com (12/21), RT&S online (12/21)     

• Other News

• Mudslides delay return of passenger traffic on Seattle line
  SeattlePI.com/The Associated Press (12/22)     

• Matt Hardison appointed as new chief marketing, sales officer at Amtrak
  RailwayAge.com (12/21)     

• Mike Engel new senior VP and CFO at Indiana Rail Road
  ProgressiveRailroading.com (12/21)     

Infrastructure & Economic Spotlight

• Focus of "fiscal cliff" debate shifts to U.S. Senate
  Efforts in the U.S. Senate to avert the "fiscal cliff" are getting attention after the Republican leadership in the House of Representatives failed to garner enough votes to pass its own proposal. Some Senate Republicans support President Barack Obama's proposal for at least a partial budget deal before January. The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (12/23), Reuters (12/23)     

• Rep. Mica's chairmanship of House T&I achieved "impressive" feats
  Rep. John Mica, R-Fla., detailed how his leadership of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee was a success, writes Keith Laing. "I am proud of the hard work of Committee members and the impressive record we all have achieved in helping to improve our infrastructure, reform federal programs, and put people back to work," Mica said. Meanwhile, 10 House Democrats were appointed as new members of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The Hill/Transportation blog (12/21), The Hill/Transportation blog (12/20)     

• Ore. port grants contract extension for coal terminal project
  A request to prolong an exclusive negotiating deal between the Port of Coos Bay, Ore., and project developers of a coal terminal project has been approved to give more time in resolving issues. "Project Mainstay continues to explore bulk commodity markets, specifically export steam coal, and discuss rail transportation issues with Western U.S. Class I railroads," according to a report. SNL Financial (free content) (12/21)     

• Other News

• Crossing upgrade projects of 2 railroads gain approval from Ohio commission
  ProgressiveRailroading.com (12/21)     

Hot Topics

Top five news stories selected by AAR SmartBrief readers in the past week.

• Joe Boardman and his Amtrak plans (Bloomberg Television)

• Class I executives speak out (RailwayAge.com)

• CSX makes organizational changes with 3 new appointments (RTT News)

• Railcar makes $543 million offer for Greenbrier (Reuters)

• FRA picks route of HSR between Chicago, St. Louis (KTVI-TV (St. Louis))

• Results based on number of times each story was clicked by readers.

Editor's Note

• AAR SmartBrief will not publish Tuesday
  In observance of Christmas, AAR SmartBrief will not publish Tuesday. Publication will resume Wednesday. Enjoy the holiday!     

SmartQuote

In seed time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy." --William Blake, British poet and painter