Amtrak Update: Most L-D Trains Back on Track

As part of our continuing coverage of the effects of the COVID-19 virus on the rail scene since it first struck the world in March 2020, we have been presenting semi-annual updates

More than 2,500 new employees have joined Amtrak this year.

Amtrak, DelDOT to Develop ‘Railroading 101’ Program

The U.S. Department of Labor is awarding the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), in partnership with Amtrak, an $11 million grant to fund a pre-employment training program that will prepare participants for railroad industry jobs, Amtrak reported on Oct. 6.

The station at San Clemente shows the vulnerability of the railway to the elements. (Photo Credit: Shutterstock)

Irvine-San Diego Main Line Closed Until November (UPDATED)

Amtrak and Metrolink suspend operations following an issue at San Clemente, Calif.

Amtrak unveiled its second series of installations at New York Penn Station for its Art at Amtrak initiative in September. (Amtrak photo)

Transit Briefs: Amtrak, MARTA, USDOT, SkyTrain

Amtrak unveils second series of art installations at New York Penn Station. Also, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) announces another transaction of greater Atlanta transit-oriented affordable housing preservation fund; the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) expands its financing program to help infrastructure projects move forward; and the Province of British Columbia launches a second procurement for the Surrey Langley SkyTrain project.

Virginia Issues Draft 2022 Statewide Rail Plan

The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) has released a draft rail plan for public comment.

BART Add Fare Machines inside stations, which also serve as parking payment machines, now accept credit and debit cards.

Transit Briefs: BART, Amtrak, SEPTA, HART, MTC, NJ Transit

Bay Area Rapid Transit’s (BART) Add Fare machines undergo major upgrades to improve customer experience. Also, Amtrak trains could be coming into the Miami Intermodal Center; the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) breaks ground on new accessibility project at Tasker-Morris Station; the Honolulu Authority for Rail Transportation (HART) and Hitachi Rail run small-scale exercise drills in partnership with the city’s first responders; the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) adopts a new Transit-Oriented Communities Policy to promote commercial development near transit stations; and NJ Transit rolls out two initiatives as part of its ongoing Safety Education Program.

Business Class riders will now be treated to reclining leather seats and other amenities onboard Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner. (Photograph Courtesy of Amtrak Pacific Surfliner)

Transit Briefs: Amtrak, CTDOT, CTA, MARTA, Metrolinx, SacRT, Tri-Rail

Amtrak® Pacific Surfliner® trains now include upgraded Business Class equipment. Also, Shore Line East, Connecticut Department of Transportation’s (CTDOT) commuter rail service between New London and New Haven, may be expanded to Rhode Island; Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has installed security camera monitors in all rail station customer service booths; Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) marked the official opening of StationSoccer and released a Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Request for Proposals (RFP); Metrolinx’s GO expansion is progressing along the Barrie Line; Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) offers tips to “help clear the air” in recognition of California Clean Air Day (Oct. 5); and Tri-Rail, South Florida’s regional passenger railroad, will not reach downtown Miami in 2022.

More than 100,000 people have tapped their credit card to pay for GO, Brampton, MiWay and Oakville Transit since Metrolinx's new fare payment launched on Aug. 11.

Transit Briefs: Metrolinx, Amtrak, SEPTA, MBTA, WMATA

Metrolinx’s contactless payment hits milestone after recent launch. Also, Idaho leaders want Amtrak rail service to return to the Mountain West; the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) offers new way for customers to report cleanliness issues on system; the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) launches online applications for TAP and blind access customers; and a D.C. Council committee advances bill that would give D.C. residents $100 a month to ride the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA) Metrorail and Metrobus.

(Photo Credit: Keith Fender)

California Orders 29 HFC Trains for Intercity Services (UPDATED)

Stadler, the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the design and delivery of four zero-emission HFC (hydrogen fuel cell)

Amtrak says it aims to achieve zero GHG emissions by 2045.

Transit Briefs: Amtrak, SEPTA, TransLink, MDOT

Amtrak aims to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2045. Also, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) advances two major initiatives; TransLink opens Customer Service Center at Waterfront Station; and the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) recruits colleges, trade schools to help Marylanders seize career opportunities.

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