Commentary

Sixth of a Series: What Does ‘Through-Running’ Mean in New York?

Throughout this series so far, I have looked at the concept of through-running as applied or envisioned in several different cities: Philadelphia, Toronto and Los Angeles. It was not applied in Boston,

the Canadian government late last year “requested an extension on bids” to construct a dedicated HFR corridor between Toronto and Quebec, according to The Canadian Press.

Transit Briefs: HFR Corridor, SacRT, Brightline, LIRR, TTL

Will the High Frequency Rail (HFR) in Canada be delayed? Also, Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) receives the final funding needed to construct the Dos Rios Station; Brightline, Florida’s private-sector passenger railroad, will boost capacity between Miami and West Palm Beach; MTA Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) reports the strongest year in its nearly 200-year history; and applications are now being accepted for Transit Tech Lab’s challenges with the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANY/NJ), New Jersey Transit (NJT), and New York City Department of Transportation (DOT).

“The NJ TRANSIT Board of Directors today advanced the construction of the new Raritan River Bridge on the North Jersey Coast Line (NJCL) by awarding the second construction contract, which encompasses the lift portion of the bridge,” NJT reported via social media on Dec. 11. (NJT Photograph)

NJT Awards Second Raritan River Bridge Construction Contract

Skanska Koch Inc. has landed a construction contract for the new Raritan River Bridge on the North Jersey Coast Line, New Jersey Transit (NJT) reported Dec. 11.

MTA Metro-North Railroad will run its first-ever Holiday Lights Train on all three commuter rail lines from Nov. 29 through New Year’s. (Photo: MTA / Emily Moser)

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.

(William C. Vantuono Photograph)

Biden Orders Second PEB in NJ Transit-BLET Contract Dispute

The years-long collective bargaining dispute between New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLET) continues with the recent appointment of a second Presidential Emergency Board (PEB).

Amtrak, NJT Report Progress Fixing NEC Catenary Problems

Major New Jersey Transit summer 2024 service disruptions created by a crippling combination of Amtrak’s “questionable maintenance” on its largely 1930s-designed Northeast Corridor variable tension catenary system (according to sources Railway Age

(Courtesy of GCRTA)

Transit Briefs: GCRTA, CTA, MBTA, NJT, SFMTA

Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) celebrates 50 years of service. Also, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) signs a new two-year agreement for expanded social service outreach; Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) releases its Strategic Plan Update detailing progress on fiscal and infrastructure improvements; New Jersey Transit (NJT) lands federal grant to study transit-oriented development in Paterson; and San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) launches an official Muni merchandise store.

NJ Transit Adds Conrail to Heritage Fleet

NJ Transit recently introduced its latest heritage locomotive—the GP40PH-2B No. 4208, freshly painted in Conrail livery.

FLX Solutions worked with 28 MTA and NJT employees to determine the best maintenance tasks for its FLX BOT, which is described as a “handheld robot that enables maintenance and inspection in hard-to-reach locations.” (Photograph Courtesy of Transit Tech Lab)

Transit Tech Lab Releases Latest Challenge Results

The Transit Tech Lab, a joint initiative of the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and the Partnership Fund for New York City, has released the proof-of-concept results for its three latest challenges.

Trinity Metro plans to spend $1.1 million in FY 2025 on improvements to Trinity Railway Express’ Centreport station, near Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. It recently opened the Trinity Lakes Station in east Fort Worth (pictured). (Trinity Metro Photograph)

Transit Briefs: Trinity Metro, TWC, NJT, MARTA

Trinity Metro Board approves a $163.7 million operating budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. Also, the Transit Workforce Center (TWC) launches an interactive apprenticeship map; New Jersey Transit (NJT) and the U.S. Army Reserve join forces to create employment opportunities for soldiers and their family members; and Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) teams with the Atlanta United professional soccer club on a custom retail collection.

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