AFL-CIO President Richard L. Trumka Dead at 72
Richard L. Trumka, 12-year leader of the 12.5-million-member AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations), died Aug. 5. He was 72.
Amtrak
Will Amtrak Service Link Tucson and Phoenix?
Eleven Arizona mayors—led by Tucson Mayor Regina Romero and Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego—have released a joint letter to the state’s congressional delegation supporting Amtrak’s vision to bring passenger rail service to the Tucson-Phoenix corridor.
How Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal Impacts Rail, Transit
The U.S. Senate has voted 67-32 to consider a nearly $1 trillion national infrastructure package, following a compromise by President Joe Biden and a bipartisan group of senators on key provisions, including $39 billion for public transit and $66 billion for passenger and freight rail.
Caroline Decker Joins WSP USA
Caroline Decker, former Amtrak Vice President for the Northeast Corridor, has joined WSP USA as Vice President of Federal Affairs. Decker succeeds Cathy Connor, who retired in June after 32 years with WSP.
Amtrak, Scranton to New York City?
The Pennsylvania Northeast Regional Railroad Authority (PNRRA) has signed a Joint Planning Agreement with Amtrak for proposed operation of new intercity service between Scranton, Pa., and New York Penn Station, using the long-dormant, State of New Jersey- and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania-owned Lackawanna Cut-Off. The service is one of the new routes in Amtrak’s 2035 system plan.
Video: Designing Amtrak’s Liveries – Amtrak 50th Anniversary
Three noted Amtrak industrial designers, past and present — Ralph Dolinger, Blair Slaughter and Cesar Vergara — describe the history of locomotive and passenger car liveries in this video produced for the company’s 50th anniversary.
Commentary
Amtrak: New Equipment Brings New Challenges
Having worked into Washington D.C. Union Station from the South my entire Amtrak career as a locomotive engineer, I’m excited yet apprehensive about the acquisition of dual-power and battery-hybrid motive power and integrated trainsets from Siemens Mobility, because it’s going to require the type of commitment to maintenance and service that’s historically been haphazard at Amtrak, at best.
Amtrak Seeks Expedited STB Treatment for Gulf Coast
Amtrak on July 8 said it will renew its request that the Surface Transportation Board (STB) intervene on its behalf if CSX and Norfolk Southern (NS) don’t cooperate on hosting new passenger service between New Orleans and Mobile.
From Siemens: Amtrak’s Next-Gen Trainsets
Amtrak has awarded Siemens Mobility $3.4 billion in contracts to design, manufacture and provide technical support services and maintenance for 83 trainsets of two power configurations, with options for up to 130 additional trainsets. For Siemens, it is the company’s largest North American contract in history. For Amtrak, its total investment, with a long-term parts supply and service agreement, facility modifications and upgrades, and contingencies, is $7.3 billion. Deliveries are slated to commence in 2024.
Commentary
VIA HFR: How Viable? How Close?
A glimpse of actual progress teased the passenger rail industry July 6 when the Canadian government unveiled previously obscure details of its long-running High Frequency Rail (HFR) program.