Following “robust public outreach and technical and business case analysis,” the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) Board of Directors voted to advance the Link21 Program as a standard-gauge rail project that is part of the California State Rail Plan and a series of projects to be advanced by the state, while seeking federal funding. The program will also be considered by the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA) Board on June 18, 2025.
VIA Rail Canada (VIA Rail) launches Requests for Qualification (RFQ) for locomotives and cars to replace its Long-Distance, Regional and Remote fleet. Also, Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) advances its study on Phoenix-to-Tucson passenger rail service; Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) reports system-wide ridership for November; and San Diego (Calif.) Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) teams with a research firm to develop an equity statement and policy.
The Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit District (SMART) announced Dec. 18 that its east-west rail corridor, connecting the City of Novato to Suisun City, has been designated for inclusion under the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Corridor Identification and Development (Corridor ID) program.
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) on Dec. 8 announced that it has awarded $8.2 billion for 10 passenger rail projects across the country while announcing corridor planning activities that will “impact every region nationwide.”
The Federal Railroad Administration on Dec. 20 issued a Notice of Solicitation and Funding Opportunity to solicit project proposals for intercity passenger rail corridors for the Corridor Identification and Development (ID) Program.
