“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.

Transit Briefs: South Florida Coastal Link, KC Streetcar, Trinity Metro, Alstom

South Florida Coastal Link seeks an operating agency. Also, KC Streetcar #807 is ready for passenger service; Trinity Metro adds four new Stadler DMU FLIRT vehicles to its fleet; and Alstom renews its contract to operate and maintain the Automated People Mover (APM) system at Denver International Airport.

(Metra Photograph, Via X)

Progress Rail Completes SD70-MACH Deliveries to Metra

Chicago’s Metra has taken delivery of all 15 SD70-MACH locomotives that it ordered from Progress Rail in 2019. The commuter railroad made the announcement in the fourth-quarter 2024 edition of its MyMetra

(Logos Courtesy of NS and Alstom)

NS, Alstom Team on Hybrid Locomotive Project

Norfolk Southern (NS) and Alstom have partnered to convert two 50-year-old GP 38/40 locomotives to hybrid technology.

NTSB Issues Report on Preliminary Oct. 14 NJ Transit Collision

The National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) ongoing investigation of the Oct. 14, 2024, accident involving an Alstom employee operating the southbound NJ Transit light rail vehicle (LRV) 207 who was killed will focus on “NJ Transit’s right-of-way maintenance and inspection practices, dispatcher reporting procedures, and the crashworthiness of the LRV’s design,” the agency reported Nov. 7 during the release of its preliminary report.

(Shutterstock/ tong patong)

2024 WOMEN IN RAIL: Industry Trailblazers (Part 1 of 2)

Railway Age is celebrating eight years of recognizing women who not only excel at leadership but also serve the community and drive industry change, paving the way for the next generation. This

Transit Briefs: BART, Amtrak, MBTA, MDOT MTA, SCVTA

Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) receives a $544.6 million loan from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Build America Bureau for 775 new passenger railcars. Also, funding is secured through the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant program to begin construction for the Amtrak passenger rail service between Scranton, Pa., and New York City; the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) showcases the future Green Line Type 10 vehicle mockup at Boston City Hall Plaza; Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) riders can now purchase CharmPass fares directly through the agency’s Transit app; and Santa Clara County community-based organizations and local agencies receive Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (SCVTA) funding through the agency’s program to enhance transit-oriented communities.

(Photograph Courtesy of RSI)
Commentary

An Optimistic Outlook on Rail at InnoTrans 2024

I recently had the privilege of attending InnoTrans in Berlin, the world’s largest trade fair for transport technology, for a second time. As a leading voice of the North American rail supply industry with a growing presence in the passenger space, RSI’s participation at this global event was more important than ever.

Kansas City Streetcar on Oct. 17 welcomed the fifth of eight new CAF USA-built streetcars to Missouri. (Kansas City Streetcar Photograph)

Transit Briefs: KC Streetcar, San Diego MTS, Alstom

Kansas City (Mo.) Streetcar takes delivery of the fifth new CAF USA-built vehicle that will support two extension projects. Also, San Diego (Calif.) Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) modifies its Fare Enforcement Diversion Program; and the Alstom Foundation funds youth programming at the New York Transit Museum.

(Image Courtesy of Alstom)

Alstom, Centech to Pursue Rail Transport ‘Innovations’

Mobility solutions provider Alstom on Oct. 16 reported formalizing a two-year partnership with Montreal-based technology incubator Centech to “accelerate the development of innovative and sustainable rail solutions by working with promising start-ups in

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