“Better public transit means Torontonians can spend less time commuting and more time with family, staying connected to work, school, and traveling safely,” reported Canada’s Deputy Prime Minister, Chrystia Freeland, via X on Nov. 29. “That’s why we’re investing in new subway cars for the TTC—to make life in Toronto easier, faster, and more affordable.” (Photograph Courtesy of Chrystia Freeland)

Ontario-Toronto ‘Deal’ to Support Rail Transit

The government of Ontario, Canada, on Nov. 27 reported that it will provide the city of Toronto up to C$1.2 billion in provincial operating support over three years (2024-26) and up to C$7.6 billion in “significant capital relief” over ten years (2024-35) as part of a proposed “new deal.” Among the beneficiaries are Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and the Eglinton Crosstown LRT, Finch West LRT, Scarborough Subway Extension, and Yonge North Subway Extension projects.

(OL Canada Image)

OL Canada Presents Roger Cyr Awards

Operation Lifesaver Canada (OL Canada) on Nov. 27 presented its annual Roger Cyr Awards recognizing one individual and one community for “exemplary and extraordinary contributions to enhancing rail safety in Canada.” Constable Trevor

MTA Metro-North Railroad will run its first-ever Holiday Lights Train on all three commuter rail lines from Nov. 29 through New Year’s. (Photo: MTA / Emily Moser)

Transit Briefs: Caltrans, NJ Transit, Metro-North, UTA, MDOT MTA

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) receives a federal grant to improve passenger rail service and freight movement in the San Joaquin Valley. Also, New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) earns a spot on the Forbes 2025 America’s Dream Employers list; MTA Metro-North Railroad debuts its Holiday Lights Train; Utah Transit Authority (UTA) celebrates 25 years of TRAX light rail service; and Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) launches an online merchandise store.

(Norfolk Southern Photograph)

Week 47: U.S. Carloads, Intermodal Register Double-Digit Gains

U.S. rail traffic for the week ending Nov. 23, 2024 (Week 47), came in at 520,798 carloads and intermodal units, rising 25.6% from the same week last year (which included the Thanksgiving holiday), based on 230,036 carloads—up 17.6% from 2023—and intermodal volume of 290,762 containers and trailers—up 32.8%, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported Nov. 27.

“The sale of Velocity is a pivotal step in our journey to integrate our business, focusing our resources and expertise on the strength of our consolidated portfolio to better serve our customers,” Stucki CEO Ron Port said Nov. 27. (Photograph Courtesy of Stucki)

Stucki Sells Velocity Rail Solutions

Rail components and services provider A. Stucki Company (Stucki) on Nov. 27 reported completing the sale of Velocity Rail Solutions (Velocity) to private equity firm Wind Point Partners (Wind Point). Financial terms

(William C. Vantuono Photograph)

Biden Orders Second PEB in NJ Transit-BLET Contract Dispute

The years-long collective bargaining dispute between New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLET) continues with the recent appointment of a second Presidential Emergency Board (PEB).

(Image Courtesy of Virginia DRPT)

Virginia DRPT: Grant Applications Welcome

The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) on Dec. 1 will begin accepting rail, transit, and commuter assistance grant applications for the 2026 Fiscal Year.

FGA operates 430 miles of track, running east/west along the I-10 corridor between Baldwin, Fla., and Pensacola, Fla., with a branch line that runs between Tallahassee, Fla., and Attapulgus, Ga. It interchanges daily with CSX in Baldwin and Pensacola, as well as with AN Railway in Chattahoochee, Fla. (Map Courtesy of Pinsly Railroad Company)

FGA Ratifies First BLET Contract

More than two dozen Florida Gulf & Atlantic (FGA) railroaders who earlier this year voted to join the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) have ratified their first union contract. The

(Image Courtesy of FTA)

FTA Issues Advisory on Street-Running Rail Collisions

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) on Nov. 25 issued Safety Advisory 24-2 in an aim to reduce fatalities and injuries caused by street-running rail vehicle collisions.

Amtrak announces the restoration of Empire Service in time for the holiday season. (Photograph Courtesy of the New York Governor’s Office)

Transit Briefs: Amtrak, MBTA, Metrolinx

Amtrak restores Empire Service. Also, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is acquiring more Hyundai Rotem bilevels and taking delivery, on schedule, of new Orange and Red line railcars from CRRC; and Metrolinx advances the Ontario Line project in Toronto.

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