Amtrak has released its 10th Sustainability Report, disclosing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) activities during FY 2023, from Oct. 1, 2022, through Sept. 30, 2023 (Photograph by Mike Armstrong for Amtrak)

Transit Briefs: Amtrak, MARTA, MBTA

Amtrak issues a Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Sustainability Report, detailing its progress to Net-Zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2045. Also, Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) adopts FY 2025 operating and capital budgets; and Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) delays the launch of South Coast Rail.

Amtrak Siemens Mobility-built ALC42 321, pulling Train 90, the northbound Palmetto, at Richmond, Va. (William C. Vantuono Photograph)

T&I Republicans Double Down on Amtrak (Updated With Commentary)

The House Transportation & Infrastructure (T&I) Committee on June 11 reported two new member bills that it said will increase Amtrak “transparency and accountability.” The legislation was announced ahead of a June

Amtrak has completed accessibility upgrades worth $20.8 million at its Bay Area, Calif., stations, in partnership with the cities of Martinez, Hayward, Fremont and Oakland. (Amtrak Photograph)

Transit Briefs: Amtrak, VPRA, MoDOT

Amtrak debuts accessibility improvements at its four Bay Area, Calif., stations. Also, Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) and Norfolk Southern (NS) discuss a new rail agreement; and the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) advances the proposed St. Joseph-to-Kansas City passenger rail project.

“Receiving the EMAP accreditation for the second time reaffirms our dedication to maintaining the highest emergency preparedness and response standards,” said Mary Carlson Bis, Amtrak AVP of Response and Resilience and one of Railway Age’s 2022 Women in Rail honorees. (Amtrak Photograph)

Transit Briefs: Amtrak, MARTA, City of Peoria, Ill.

Amtrak achieves emergency management accreditation. Also, Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) this summer is beginning a $230 million renovation of Five Points Station; and the City of Peoria, Ill., advances the Peoria-Chicago passenger rail corridor project.

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Commentary

RUN Conference Calls for More Amtrak L-D

When Amtrak began operations in 1971, two-thirds of the long-distance and corridor-length trains that had previously run in the United States were discontinued. Amtrak’s original long-distance network consisted of only 14 routes.

Commentary

Does South Dakota Really Need Amtrak?

In his May 16, 2024 Railway Age commentary, South Dakotan Dan Bilka is proud to say “People Live Here” when referencing his home state. And as such, according to his reasoning, South Dakota should

Amtrak recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of accessibility upgrades worth $3.5 million at the Newbern-Dyersburg Station in west Tennessee. (Amtrak Photograph)

Transit Briefs: Amtrak, NYMTA, PANY/NJ, TriMet

Amtrak debuts station accessibility upgrades in west Tennessee and an updated Cafe Acela menu. Also, New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) marks progress on the reduction of subway fare evasion; Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s (PANY/NJ) PATH tap-and-go fare payment system is now available systemwide; and Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet) adopts a $1.84 billion budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025.

Transit Briefs: LA Metro, Amtrak, TTC, VRE

LA Metro launches TAP to exit pilot at its North Hollywood B Line station. Also, Amtrak’s Borealis service makes its inaugural trip between St. Paul, Miss., and Chicago, Ill.; the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) provides an update on its ongoing labor negotiations with the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATC) Local 113; and Virginia Railway Express (VRE) cuts the ribbon on improvements to Fredericksburg Station.

The six-week closure of MARTA’s Airport Station for concourse and platform renovations reduced overall construction time by 17 months. (MARTA Photograph)

Transit Briefs: MARTA, NYMTA, Amtrak

Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) reopens its Airport Station following a six-week renovation project. Also, the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) highlights upcoming milestones in its transition from MetroCard to OMNY, the contactless fare payment system; and Amtrak seasonal service to Old Orchard Beach, Maine, resumes.

(Union Pacific Photograph)

FRA Finalizes Dispatcher, Signal Employee Certification Rules

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) on May 20 announced two final rules requiring freight railroads, Amtrak and commuter railroads to develop certification and training programs for train dispatchers and signal employees.

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