Commentary

FRA L-D Study Reveals ‘Interesting’ Numbers

The Federal Railroad Administration released the latest update of its Long-Distance Service Study in mid-June. While there is nothing definitive revealed as far as routes (if any) likely to be recommended for

(Southern Rail Commission illustration)

Indication for Amtrak Gulf Coast Service Looks Grim

What a difference a few days can make! Only one week ago, on June 20, Railway Age covered the latest developments concerning the proposed Gulf Coast service, which would consist of two daily

Transit Briefs: Govt. of Canada/Govt. of Quebec, Amtrak/NJ Transit, TransLink, MTA (Maryland)

The governments of Canada and Quebec invest C$163.5 million to plan a structuring public transit project in Gatineau. Also, Amtrak and NJ Transit execute a joint plan to “accelerate investigations of disruptions and improve reliability” between New York and New Jersey; TransLink releases a corporate cost-cutting plan to address its funding gap; and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore’s administration moves forward with plans for a new light rail project in Baltimore.

Amtrak will soon begin construction of a new, modern Connecticut River Bridge to replace the existing bridge, which opend in 1907. It is located on the Northeast Corridor between the towns of Old Saybrook and Old Lyme and used by Amtrak, CTRail’s Shore Line East and freight trains. (Amtrak Rendering)

Amtrak Awards Connecticut River Bridge Contract

Amtrak on June 28 reported awarding the O&G/Tutor Perini joint venture a construction contract to replace the existing Connecticut River Bridge, which opened in 1907 and links Old Saybrook and Old Lyme,

By spring 2026, Amtrak and CSX, in partnership with the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority, will install a PTC system on more than 100 miles of track to support Downeaster service. (Amtrak Photograph)

Transit Briefs: Amtrak, TTC, WMATA

Amtrak and CSX team on a Positive Train Control (PTC) installation between Haverhill, Mass., and Brunswick, Maine. Also, Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) addresses “systemic racism within the transit system”; and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA) Takoma Station is reopening early with new amenities and a rebuilt interlocking.

Phoenix Valley Metro will receive $16 million for the Rio East-Dobson Streetcar Study, which eyes a 4.35-mile extension from Tempe into Mesa, Ariz. (Valley Metro Photograph)

First Look: Rail-Related RAISE Grantees for FY24

More than $310 million in FY 2024 RAISE (Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity) program grants will be distributed to 23 freight and passenger rail-related projects in 19 states, according to a U.S. Department

A new Amtrak station in Brattleboro, Vt., is being built to improve accessibility; it will have the state’s first-ever level boarding train platform. (Rendering Courtesy of Amtrak)

Transit Briefs: Amtrak, MBTA, Metrolinx, Chicago RTA, Sound Transit, SEPTA, TriMet

Amtrak breaks ground on new Brattleboro, Vt., station and platform upgrades. Also, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) teams with Tufts University on a new university pass pilot; Metrolinx’s Eglinton Crosstown LRT in Toronto edges toward completion and Eglinton Crosstown West Extension marks a milestone; Chicago’s Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) advances the launch of an integrated day pass for Metra, CTA and Pace riders; Sound Transit riders in Seattle, Wash., can now add an ORCA fare card to their Google Wallet; and Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) and Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet) increase rules’ enforcement.

People News: ACTA, STV, AAR, NTSB

The Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority (ACTA) elects Tim McOsker as Board Chair. Also, STV elevates senior transportation leaders to support the growing Texas/Mountain Region; Union Pacific’s (UP) Sanjay Verna becomes the new Chairperson of the Association of American Railroads (AAR) Quality Assurance Committee; and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Member J. Todd Inman welcomes a new team to his staff.

Rogers Appointed NCTD Director of Rail Operations

The North County Transit District (NCTD) recently announced that it has appointed Maria Rogers to serve as the agency’s Director of Rail Operations, effective June 3, 2024.

(Southern Rail Commission illustration)

Filed: Latest Progress Report on Amtrak Gulf Coast Service (UPDATED 6/20)

What’s the status of the proposed Amtrak service between New Orleans, La., and Mobile, Ala.? Amtrak, CSX, Norfolk Southern (NS), and Alabama State Port Authority and its common carrier operating division, Terminal Railway Alabama State Docks, on June

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