Rail Product Highlights
A look at some of the latest offerings in the transit rail industry.

Plasser American

Multi-Function Dual Rail Spike Puller
Harsco Rail’s Multi-Function Dual Rail Spike Puller (MSPA1) integrates the latest technology and multiple functions into one machine. It can pull up to eight spikes simultaneously, even when operating on tracks where line spikes and anchor spikes are present. Vision systems, paint recognition, collision avoidance, and tie mapping help automate the machines. Features such as gauge measurement, paint marking, dust suppression, and material reclamation can be added to allow for more versatility.
Harsco Rail
www.harscorail.com

Speed Swing 445FS
Designed to be versatile for multiple railroad service applications, the Speed Swing 445F offers precise hydraulic engineering and ample power to lay rails, set ties, and perform numerous other tasks. Powered by a 163-horsepower Cummins QSB4.5 Tier 4 diesel engine, the 445F features a Dana T20000 three-speed transmission with twist-grip electric shift control. The machine has a front-load capacity of 10,000 pounds and side-load capacity up to 8,000 pounds. Providing 180-degree boom rotation, the 445F is primarily used to thread out old rail and thread in new rail. An optional magnet package quickly cleans up old plates, spikes, and small pieces of rail. The unit can also tow rail carts, move railcars, and supply air or hydraulics for hand tools.
Pettibone
www.gopettibone.com

Metro 4X4 Tamper
Plasser American understands the stringent requirements of high-density transit and commuter lines and builds many machines specifically to meet these needs. One example is the Plasser Metro 4X4 Tamper, a heavy-duty, high-performance switch-and-production tamping machine. It is a multi-function tamping machine and has fully automatic track lifting, lining, and cross-leveling capabilities. The Plasser Metro 4X4 Tamper is designed to fit within the tight clearance envelopes and work the sharp curves and steep grades of all transit systems, as well as being offered in a variety of track gauges.
Plasser American
www.plasseramerican.com
More Rail

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Approved by the Commonwealth Transportation Board, the program supports ongoing infrastructure projects while providing new investments in transit, state of good repair and transportation alternatives.
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Safety improvements funded through a $25 million federal investment are credited with reducing trespassing and train-vehicle collisions along the Brightline Florida corridor.
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D Line Expansion Fuels Growth Across LA Metro's Rail System
Weekend rail ridership was especially strong, soaring 18% as riders embraced expanded access to jobs, entertainment, dining, and cultural destinations, said the agency. Total system ridership for May, including bus and rail, was 26,966,657.
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Southern California's Metrolink Debuts Contactless Fare Payment Pilot
Customers traveling between Redlands and Los Angeles can now tap their preferred payment method, including a credit or debit card, mobile wallet, or wearable device, at station validators before boarding and again while exiting.
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California's BART Approves FY27 Budget While Maintaining Service Levels
The budget covers July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, a period when pandemic emergency funds run out, the District faces a structural deficit of $375 million, and a regional transit funding measure may appear on the November ballot.
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Penn Station Transformation Advances with Design Unveiling
The historic redesign will transform the busiest transit hub in the Western Hemisphere from the tracks to the street level, creating a more efficient, cleaner, and functional experience for more than 600,000 daily commuters and millions of visitors.
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Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 Advances into Major Construction Stage
New York Governor Kathy Hochul joined leadership from the MTA, elected officials, and Harlem community leaders to break ground on the major construction stage of the transformative Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 project.
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The Invisible Infrastructure of Passenger Flow
What a seat reservation system on Austria’s Railjet trains reveals about the future of rider experience, and why U.S. agencies should pay attention.
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Caltrain Board Approves FY27 Budget, Endorses Efficiency Measures
The move ensures Caltrain service will continue operating as usual in the near term, but long-term financial challenges remain for the rail agency absent a new revenue source.
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