California Agencies Team on Intercity Rail Advocacy
An advocacy coalition has been formed by the three California agencies that manage the Amtrak-operated Capitol Corridor, Pacific Surfliner and San Joaquins intercity rail services.
Amtrak
NJ Transit Approves $1.56B Portal North Bridge Construction Contract
Gov. Phil Murphy has announced that the New Jersey Transit Board of Directors approved a $1.56 billion contract with Skanska/Traylor Bros Joint Venture for the construction of the new Portal North Bridge on the Northeast Corridor, crossing the Hackensack River in the New Jersey Meadowlands.
Commentary
Who Watches Out for the Watchman?
We, the railroads, have established certain principles of safe train operations that we wish were absolute, positive, inviolable. We apply one such principle in the enforcement of train separation: the principle that
Commentary
Decision Handed Down in UP-Metra Dispute
Judge pronounces common carrier obligation for “commuter rail” dead.
Virginia Expands Amtrak Service
Virginia has expanded daily Amtrak service from Richmond to the Northeast Corridor as part of its $3.7 billion initiative to improve passenger and freight rail capacity and relieve automotive traffic congestion in the commonwealth.
FTA Completes Environmental Review for Penn Station Access Project
The Federal Transit Administration has wrapped up an environmental review of the Metro-North Penn Station (New York) Access Project, issuing on Sept. 24 a formal Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI).
Amtrak Empire Builder Derailment Investigation Under Way, Montana Track Reopens (Updated Sept. 29)
Amtrak’s Empire Builder train 7/27 traveling westbound from Chicago to Seattle/Portland on Sept. 25 derailed near Joplin, Mont., at 3:55 p.m. MT. The passenger train was traveling between 75-78 mph, below the 79 mph speed limit, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported on Sept. 27 during its first media briefing.
Federal Railroad Administrator Nominee Addresses Senate Committee
Amit Bose, Deputy Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration, took on questions about automated track inspection, crew sizes, hazardous materials transportation, and port congestion, among other topics, during a Sept. 22 hearing on his nomination by President Biden to be the next Federal Railroad Administrator.
RPA: Amtrak Previews Plans for Infrastructure Bill Funding
Amtrak executives—including newly appointed Executive Vice President-Major Program Delivery Laura Mason—addressed plans for potential infrastructure bill funding and pandemic recovery during the Rail Passengers Association’s virtual conference this week.
Amtrak, PIP to Transform Philly’s Gray 30th Street Station by 2025 (Updated)
Amtrak has finalized a deal with the master developer for the William H. Gray III 30th Street Station Redevelopment Project in Philadelphia.