RRB: Medicare Part B premiums for 2017

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has announced that the standard monthly Part B premium will be $134.00 in 2017. However, most Medicare beneficiaries will not pay this amount. By law, Part B premiums for current enrollees cannot increase by more than the amount of the cost-of-living adjustment for social security (railroad retirement tier…


December 1st 2016
TTD statement re: Chao nomination for Transportation Secretary

Ed Wytkind, president of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), issued a statement regarding Trump’s recent nomination of Elaine Chao as Secretary of Transportation. Read the complete statement here.


November 30th 2016
NYC commuter rail lags behind in PTC technology

ABCNews.go.com reported that federal regulators are concerned about the lack of progress from NYC commuter rail in implementing potentially lifesaving Positive Train Control (PTC) technology.  “The nation’s three busiest commuter railroads — which together serve nearly 1 million riders in the New York City area each day — continue to lag behind their smaller West Coast…


November 28th 2016
FRA proposes safety updates for high-speed rail

Provides new path for passenger safety to be evaluated and achieved; Agency invites comments on proposal  WASHINGTON – The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) proposed updates for the passenger train safety standards used in the United States as the country looks to add high-speed trains that can travel up to 220 miles per hour and replace its…


November 21st 2016
Rail inspection cars used in Toys for Tots collection

‘Tis the season of giving, and in southwest Pennsylvania, historic rail cars rolled through hills and valleys to collect generous donations for the Marine Corps Toys for Tots campaign. Nineteen railroad inspection vehicles, decorated for the holidays, covered 40 miles to collect toys and other donations at designated rail crossings and rail stops. The North American…