Author: Marybeth Luczak

FRA on Nov. 6, 2023, reported awarding $16.4 billion for 25 passenger rail projects along the Northeast Corridor (NEC) through the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program. Amtrak was to receive nearly $10 billion for the 12 projects it will lead. (White House Graphic)

FRA Releases 2024 NEC Project Inventory

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has published the 2024 Northeast Corridor (NEC) Project Inventory—an updated NEC project pipeline for the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant Program (FSP-NEC). On Nov. 15, 2022, FRA

New Jersey Transit’s Board on April 10 unanimously approved a 15% fare hike starting July 1, with a 3% annual increase beginning July 1, 2025. (William C. Vantuono Photograph)

Transit Briefs: NC by Train, NJ Transit, TTC

Ridership for NC By Train—North Carolina-supported Amtrak service—marks a milestone. Also, the New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) Board approves a double-digit fare hike; and communications, electrical and signal workers at Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) will begin strike action on April 22 if a collective agreement is not reached.

Rob Free, President of MTA Long Island Rail Road and Julie Green, New York Transit and Mobility Group Director at HNTB.

High Profile: LIRR, HNTB

MTA Long Island Rail Road sets Rob Free as President, following six-months of service as Acting President. Also, Julie Green joins HNTB as New York Transit and Mobility Group Director.

(CHSRA Rendering)

CHSRA to Release High-Speed Trainset RFP

The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) on April 11 reported that it will solicit proposals for six high-speed trainsets, including two prototypes to support testing and trial running, from the two prequalified, shortlisted manufacturers:

The Port of Savannah moved more than 3 million tons of cargo in March, while handling 154 vessels between Garden City and Ocean terminals, according to GPA. (Photograph Courtesy of GPA)

Intermodal Briefs: GPA, ITS Logistics

March was the third consecutive month of growth for the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA), with rail volumes up 22%. Also, ITS Logistics releases its April forecast, reporting that the collapse of Baltimore Key Bridge has resulted in a “‘severe’ rating for Atlantic Ocean Region.”

According to Metrolink, between July and December 2023, passenger and freight trains operating on its service lines were involved in 53 vehicle and pedestrian strikes, a 39% increase from same period in 2022, with nearly half of all strikes in 2023 ruled as suicides. (Metrolink Photograph)

Metrolink to Pilot Track Intrusion Detection

Southern California’s Metrolink will use a $1.3 million federal grant for the development and demonstration of a track intrusion detection system that it said not only will improve the safety of its riders and crew, but also directly benefit pedestrians, cyclists, drivers and everyone else who interacts with the regional/ commuter rail system.