SNR Debuts HFC ZE Switcher
Now in service at Class II Sierra Northern Railway (SNR) is the first of four HFC (hydrogen fuel cell)-powered, ZE (zero-emission) four-axle switcher locomotives. Developed with SNR subsidiary Railpower Technologies and
California State Transportation Agency
High Desert Corridor Project Lands Labor Agreements (UPDATED 6/24)
Representatives from the High Desert Corridor Joint Powers Agency (HDC JPA) Board and labor unions signed workforce agreements in summer 2024 for the 54-mile high-speed rail project from Palmdale to Victorville, Calif., that will serve to link the California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) and Brightline West lines now under development (see map above). Now, the HDC JPA has selected HDR to provide engineering, design, and advisory services for the project.
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.
SJJPA/SJRRC: $71MM TIRCP Funding for BRITE
The San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA) and San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (SJRRC) have been awarded $71 million from the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) Cycle 7 Transit and Intercity Rail
Patriot Rail Advances Castle Rail District Expansion Efforts
Patriot Rail, in partnership with Merced County, Calif., on Oct. 31 marked the grand opening of a new loading dock at the Castle Commerce Center (Castle) in Atwater, which it said, “lays
Madera High-Speed Rail Station Project Lands $54.5MM Grant
The San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA) and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) on Oct. 30 reported securing $54.5 million through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Mega (National Infrastructure Project Assistance)
CalSTA: $1.3B for 27 Rail and Transit Projects
The California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) recently announced that $1.3 billion from the Transit and Intercity Capital Rail Program (TIRCP) funded by the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (cap-and-trade) will go to 27 projects following a statewide competitive grant application process for Cycle 7, according to a Streetsblog California report.
Transit Briefs: DART, SBCTA
Dallas Area Rapid Transit’s (DART) Orange Line celebrates a decade of providing service to DFW Airport. Also, state and federal leaders join the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA), Stadler and Metrolink to celebrate the technology behind the Zero Emission Multiple Unit (ZEMU).
CHSRA, CalSTA Renew Environmental Review Agreement With FRA
The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) and the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) on July 23 reported renewing an agreement with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to continue assuming the federal agency’s environmental review responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
CalSTA: Nearly $2B for Public Transit
California Governor Gavin Newsom on July 8 announced the approval of more than $1.9 billion to support public transportation agencies. The funding, which was approved by the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) is the first wave of funding from the transit recovery package in the 2023-24 state budget, which the state had promised to deliver by April 30 but that had “suddenly been delayed by the administration on May 1,” according to a Streetsblog California report.