From The Detroit News

From WKAR

Supporters of passenger train service are trying to get more state funding for Amtrak and expand its operation in the state.

Michigan by Rail is holding a series of public forums across the state to garner support for a state-wide passenger train network. The group was in East Lansing Thursday night.

John DeLora is chairman of the Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers. He says Amtrak’s passenger service is running near full capacity in the state.

DeLora says increased state spending on passenger rail service would create jobs.

A study conducted for the Michigan Transportation department shows Amtrak saves Michigan Communities $60 million a year. The state spends about $7 million a year on Amtrak.

Original source:
http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wkar/news.newsmain/article/0/0/1673201/reWorking.Michigan/Group.tries.to.drum-up.support.for.more.passenger.rail.service

From The Sudbury Star

The “historic and unprecedented leadership” by the city is resulting in the continuation of the short line railway between Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury, one Sault councillor says.

City council received an update Monday describing “the little engine that could and would” and will see the closure of a deal that will see Huron Central Railway running the rail line for years to come.

Bill Therriault, a committee member involved in the negotiations that has resulted to an agreement in principal said he anticipates the Ontario Canada territorial base agreement to be signed shortly, paving the way for much needed infrastructure improvements on the railway.

“The finalization of the agreement is dependent on the agreement with the federal and provincial government. The agreements between the parties are in the hands of lawyers,” Therriault said.

The one-year agreement that was signed to buy time for the committee to find long term infrastructure funding expires Aug. 14.

The railway is of major importance to large industries like Essar Steel Algoma and Domtar, who are the two most important customers for the railway.

Read more:
http://sudburystar.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2646465

Via Rail press release

Strike Averted

Montreal, Saturday, June 26, 2010 – VIA Rail Canada has announced that a tentative three-year agreement has been reached with the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW), and that there will be no work stoppage. The agreement must be ratified by union members. 

This latest round of negotiations between VIA and the CAW, which represents some 2,200 employees working on board, in stations, telephone sales offices, maintenance centres, and administrative offices, began on June 21, 2010. 

“VIA is pleased that the parties have come to an agreement and that there will be no service disruption,” said Marc Laliberté, VIA’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “This is good news for our customers, our employees and Canadians.” 

VIA thanks the federally-appointed mediators for their assistance and sincerely regrets any inconvenience that the uncertainty surrounding the current negotiations may have caused for the travelling public.