Brightline partners with Porter Airlines to offer travelers a special promotion. Also, Central Florida municipalities are now paying for SunRail operations; Calgary releases its preferred route for the proposed Calgary Airport Rail Connection; and Premier Doug Ford directs Metrolinx to study expanding GO Transit service along the Kitchner and Milton lines by diverting freight rail lines.
RAILWAY AGE JANUARY 2025 ISSUE: Should we welcome—or dread—2025?
![“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)](https://www.old.railwayage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LEAD-GandW-315x168.png)
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.
Brightline, Florida’s private-sector passenger railroad, eyes an extension to Tampa. Also, the Board of Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority (CapMetro) in Austin, Tex., approves next year’s budget; and New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) launches a data challenge.
A new Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD) study confirms Boulder train’s high costs. Also, Sound Transit’s West Seattle light rail estimate soars past $6 billion; the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) shares updates on the South Coast Rail project; NJ Transit advances a railcar “safe haven” storage and inspection facility project; Brightline celebrates one year of Orlando service; and TransLink converts its West Coast Express fleet to renewable diesel.
The City of Stuart backs out of a station deal with Brightline, Florida’s private-sector passenger railroad. Also, Caltrain plans a launch party for electric service between San Francisco and San Jose, Calif.; weekend-pass sales were up 40% this summer for Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Commuter Rail; and the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) rolls out a “Connects Communities” campaign.
San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) is forming a working group to address projected deficits for Municipal Railway (Muni). Also, Transport Canada is requiring VIA Rail to update its emergency management action plan after riders were stranded on an intercity passenger train; Brightline, Florida’s private-sector passenger railroad, now allows travel agents and others to book its rail service with flights; Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority’s (MARTA) Atlanta headquarters earns Energy Star Certification by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); and Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation’s (HART) CEO receives a new multi-year contract.
The Transport Workers Union of America (TWU) announced Aug. 8 that it is helping to organize on-board rail workers at Brightline Florida, with an “overwhelming majority” filing for recognition with the National Mediation Board.
Railway Age and Railway Track & Structures are returning to Chicago for our second-annual in-person Women in Rail Conference featuring trailblazing women and their allies who are significantly influencing today’s freight, passenger
New Jersey Transit (NJT) and Amtrak’s Portal North Bridge project on the Northeast Corridor is 50% complete. Also, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) advances Red Line track work, removing 13 speed restrictions; Caltrain launches Bay Area transit “discord server”; and Assured Guaranty Municipal Corporation insures $1.134 billion of bonds for Brightline, Florida’s private-sector passenger railroad.