Amtrak

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.

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.

“G&W is pleased to be at this year's Railway Age [and RT&S] Women in Rail Conference!” the company reported via social media during the event. “Our CEO, Michael Miller, was a featured speaker today on a panel for passenger and freight rail technology and innovation. #womeninrail #railinnovation #railtechnology” (Photograph Courtesy of G&W)
  • News

Railway Age/RT&S Women in Rail 2024 Conference Roundup

Railway Age and Railway Track & Structures on Nov. 5-6 returned to Chicago for our second-annual in-person Women in Rail Conference featuring trailblazing women and their allies, who are influencing today’s freight, passenger and transit rail industry.

The University of Virginia on Nov. 20 published a 105-page study evaluating the economic and social impact of Virginia Passenger Rail Authority’s Transforming Rail in Virginia initiative. (VPRA Photograph)

Transit Briefs: VPRA, Santa Clara VTA

A new study finds that the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority’s (VPRA) Transforming Rail in Virginia initiative could provide the commonwealth with a nearly $7 billion economic boost. Also, California’s Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) lands federal funding for a transit-oriented development project in Gilroy.