The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit upheld the FRA's two‑person crew rule in a 93‑page, 2‑1 decision on Aug. 11, rejecting challenges from major railroad groups. Amtrak expanded cancellations on several Midwest routes, including Carbondale, citing a locomotive shortage and arranging charter buses where possible. The NTSB is investigating a CSX conductor injury in Fairburn, Ga.; Norfolk Southern experienced a 12‑car derailment at Horseshoe Curve with no injuries. The DOT awarded $56.58 million toward a new Brightline station in Cocoa, Fla., joining local funding for a project estimated at more than $80 million.
Rail Roundup — Aug. 14, 2026: 11th Circuit Upholds FRA Two‑Person Rule; Amtrak Cancellations, NTSB Probe, Horseshoe Curve Derailment, Cocoa Gets Brightline Funding
A crew van delivers a new set of crew members for a BNSF intermodal train and picks up others in Chicago on March 3, 2024. The Federal Railroad Adminstration issued a rule requiring two-person crews in April, a regulation facing challenges in the courts and from a change of presidential administrations. David Lassen
Wondering what you might have missed in the rail industry this week? Here are the top stories selected by the editors of TrainsPRO, covering legal, operational and funding developments affecting U.S. freight and passenger railroads.
FRA Two‑Person Crew Rule Upheld By Appeals Court
ATLANTA, Ga. — A federal appeals court on Aug. 11 rejected legal challenges to the Federal Railroad Administration's two‑person crew requirement, preserving a regulation adopted in 2024. In a 93‑page, 2‑1 opinion the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit dismissed a suit brought by the Association of American Railroads, the American Short Line & Regional Railroad Association and six railroads, finding that the railroads' arguments lacked merit.
SMART Transportation Division hailed the ruling as a major victory for safety. SMART General President Michael Coleman said the decision 'reinforces what SMART‑TD members and rail workers already know: having two qualified workers on a train crew is just common sense. It's about safety, security and the well‑being of workers and communities nationwide.'
Amtrak Adds Carbondale And Other Midwest Cancellations
CHICAGO — Amtrak has expanded cancellations on several Midwest corridors over the next two weeks, adding Carbondale and other departures. The additional removals follow cancellations that began Aug. 4 and were attributed to a shortage of serviceable locomotives.
An internal advisory reviewed by Trains indicates the newly affected departures appear as 'sold out' on Amtrak's booking site. An Amtrak spokesperson said the railroad is arranging chartered buses to substitute where possible and is working to minimize disruption for affected passengers.
NTSB Investigates CSX Conductor Injury Near Atlanta
WASHINGTON — The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating an incident that injured a CSX conductor on Aug. 6 in Fairburn, Ga., at a Coca‑Cola facility, the agency confirmed. Parties involved have limited ability to comment while the probe continues; CSX says it is cooperating fully with investigators and providing on‑site support.
Norfolk Southern Derailment At Horseshoe Curve
ALTOONA, Pa. — Twelve cars of a Norfolk Southern train derailed at Horseshoe Curve on the afternoon of Aug. 11. The derailment, which occurred about 3:30 p.m., was captured by a railcam affiliated with Virtual Railfan. No injuries were reported and no hazardous materials were involved. The accident temporarily blocked two of the three tracks at the National Historic Site; as of 6:50 p.m. that day one track remained closed while crews cleared wreckage and inspected infrastructure.
DOT Awards $56.58M For Brightline Station In Cocoa, Fla.
COCOA, Fla. — The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded a $56.58 million grant from the Federal‑State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program to build a new Brightline station in Cocoa. The project is estimated to cost more than $80 million.
Local funding commitments listed by city and regional officials include $15.5 million from the Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization, $5 million from the Brevard County Tourism Development Council, $5 million from the City of Cocoa and a $2 million state allocation for an access road. U.S. Rep. Mike Haridopolos (R‑Melbourne) announced the federal grant in a social post on Aug. 11.
How to report news or errors: [email protected]
Help us improve.
