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 Names Mitchell Executive VP of Strategy and Planning

Amtrak on Nov. 26 announced that it has appointed Jennifer Mitchell as Executive Vice President of Strategy and Planning, effective Dec. 2. She will succeed Dennis Newman, who is retiring.

(Photograph Courtesy of BNSF)
Commentary

Fall and BNSF Go Together Like Pumpkin and Pie—So Here’s a Railroad Recipe From Days Gone By

As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, there’s no denying that fall has arrived, and with the season comes the beloved flavor of pumpkin in all its forms. So, as

First Arch Arrives at Portal North Bridge Construction Site

The first of three arches was delivered for the Portal North Bridge in New Jersey.

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)

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.

Amtrak, NJT Report Progress Fixing NEC Catenary Problems

Major New Jersey Transit summer 2024 service disruptions created by a crippling combination of Amtrak’s “questionable maintenance” on its largely 1930s-designed Northeast Corridor variable tension catenary system (according to sources Railway Age

OneRail Coalition Names Nissenbaum, Morales Winners of 2024 Canby Awards

OneRail Coalition Director Devon Barnhart announced that Paul Nissenbaum of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Mariah Morales of Amtrak are the recipients of the 2024 Canby Awards. The awards, named for

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.

Commentary

The Future of High-Speed Rail in America—and How Freight Can Benefit

As demand for high-speed rail (HSR) continues to grow, the U.S. rail industry stands at the precipice of a transformative era. While many are familiar with HSR’s potential to revolutionize travel, fewer

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