(NTSB illustration courtesy of Lehigh County Emergency Management.)

NTSB Determines Probable Cause for NS Three-Train Accident

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released the final report for its investigation of the March 2, 2024, collision and derailment of three Norfolk Southern (NS) trains near Easton, Pa. The accident, it

OLI Awards $219,155 in Rail Safety Awareness Grants to 11 States

Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI), in partnership with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and the Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh, on April 24 announced $219,155 in competitive rail safety awareness grants to OLI programs

Transit Briefs: MARTA, Metra

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) unveils a new online trip planner. Also, Metra schedules 40 safety blitzes in 2025.

Commentary

Texas HSR: Amtrak Out! New Investor In? Thirteenth of a Series (UPDATED)

This does not appear to be a good time for high-speed rail (HSR) projects in the United States. USDOT Secretary Sean Duffy has called for an investigation into the California HSR project,

Transit Briefs: NJ Transit, Denver RTD, SFMTA, Metrolink

NJ Transit President and CEO Kris Kolluri provides a statement regarding the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen (BLET) vote on a tentative agreement. Also, Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD) launches a third round of Partnership Program funding; a new fare compliance strategy results in more San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) riders paying fares; and new “smart” technology at Metrolink’s Juniper Avenue crossing provides long-awaited relief for the Fontana community.

Amtrak, NJ Transit Present Progress Report Highlighting Infrastructure and Equipment Improvements

Amtrak and NJ Transit on April 15 joined New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy for a working summit ahead of the 2025 summer travel season in New Jersey. Amtrak and NJ Transit presented a new progress report on the joint inspection, maintenance, and improvement program for Amtrak’s infrastructure and NJ Transit’s trains.

ASLRRA Adds Wi-Tronix to Member Discount Program, Names Recipients of 2025 Business Development Awards

The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) adds Wi-Tronix as its newest Member Discount Program preferred provider and names Belpre Industrial Parkersburg Railroad, South Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad, and Union County Industry Railroad as the winners of its 2025 Business Development Award.

Transit Briefs: SEPTA, NCDOT, North Texas Commuter Rail, Santa Clara VTA

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) average daily ridership in February 2025 increases from last year. Also, North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) considers a temporary station at Charlotte Gateway Station; three North Texas agencies could combine commuter rail operations; and the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is denied a bid for a temporary restraining order to stop an ongoing strike.

Rendering of the Siemens Mobility AP 220 high-speed trainset for Brightline West. (Courtesy of Siemens Mobility)

Transit Briefs: Brightline West, LACMTA, Calgary Transit, NYMTA

Brightline West’s private activity bond sale “exceeds expectations.” Also, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) readies for expanded Foothill Gold Line light rail service; Calgary Transit is launching a two-car train service pilot; and New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) completes more than 50% of a system-wide subway-lighting upgrade project and reports on Reduced-Fare rider use of its new contactless tap-and-go fare payment method.

(Image Courtesy of the Union Station Redevelopment Corporation)

Report: Amtrak to Control Washington Union Station Leasehold (UPDATED 3/13)

Amtrak has agreed to pay real estate firm Rexmark $505 million to control Washington Union Station’s commercial spaces, according to a Feb. 7 report by The Washington Post, which said that if the move is approved by a D.C. federal court judge, it would end a years-long dispute.

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