Transit Briefs: BART, PANYNJ
Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) fares will increase 5.5% on Jan. 1, 2025. Also, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s (PANYNJ) PATH commuter rail sets new post-pandemic highs.
Author: Carolina Worrell
Lindsay Named New Metrolinx Interim President, CEO; Verster Steps Down (UPDATED 12/6)
The Ontario government has named Michael Lindsay as the new interim President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Metrolinx following the resignation of Phil Verster who has accepted a new position and will be moving on from the agency after seven years as early as Dec. 16.
G&W Launches Red Deer Railway
Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (G&W) on Dec. 2 celebrated the launch of Red Deer Railway Limited (RDR), the short line railroad holding company’s first railroad in western Canada. RDR acquired its assets and other rights from Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) as part of a previously announced transaction between G&W and CPKC.
Class I Briefs: CSX, CPKC, UP
CSX has the 82nd running of its Santa Train through Appalachia. Also, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) celebrates the grand opening of Fastfrate Group’s new facility in Rosser, Manitoba; and Union Pacific’s (UP) Response Management Communication Center (RMCC) and Police Department achieve the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) certification for the tenth consecutive year.
MassDOT Releases Northern Tier Passenger Rail Study Final Report
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) recently released the Northern Tier Passenger Rail Study Final Report, examining the benefits, costs, and investments necessary to implement passenger rail service from North Adams to Greenfield and Boston with the “speed, frequency, and reliability necessary to be a competitive option for travel along the corridor.”
RAC Announces 2024 Safety Award Winners
The Railway Association of Canada (RAC) on Nov. 27 announced the winners of the 2024 Safety Awards, recognizing the contributions of Canadian railroaders in advancing safety on the country’s rail network.
Class I Briefs: CN, CSX
CN releases its first Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan (IRAP). Also, CSX donates laptops to support STEM education at Twin Lakes Academy Middle School in Jacksonville, Fla.
Amtrak Names Mitchell Executive VP of Strategy and Planning
Amtrak on Nov. 26 announced that it has appointed Jennifer Mitchell as Executive Vice President of Strategy and Planning, effective Dec. 2. She will succeed Dennis Newman, who is retiring.
Caltrain Adopts 10-Year Capital Improvement Plan
The Caltrain Board of Directors on Nov. 26 voted to adopt a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) at its November Board meeting.
Commentary
Union Pacific Technical Training Breaks the Mold with 3D Printing
Union Pacific Railroad is leveraging technology to bolster its technical training program, using 3D printing to equip new hires with essential skills before they step foot into an active rail environment.