Siemens Mobility

Siemens Mobility, Sonda Win ETCS Signaling Project in Mexico

Siemens Mobility, in consortium with Sonda México SA de CV, announced March 26 that it has been awarded a contract to deliver the advanced signaling and rail infrastructure technology solution European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 1 for the Mexico City–Querétaro–Irapuato railway corridor.

Brightline on Feb. 16 hosted an inaugural ride on the Freedom Express between Orlando and Miami. (Screen grab from Brightline video)

First Look: Brightline Freedom Express

Brightline, Florida’s private-sector passenger railroad, on Feb. 16 debuted its 10-car Freedom Express trainset, in partnership with America250, the organization established by Congress to lead the nation’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

(Courtesy of Amtrak)

Watch: Amtrak Debuts Airo

Amtrak on Feb. 10 showcased the first new Airo trainset from Siemens Mobility at Union Station in Washington, D.C. It features the Amtrak Cascades evergreen, cream, and mocha color scheme and Cascade

“The Northlander is ‘on track’ to make its comeback!” reported Victor Fedeli, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade, via social media. (Courtesy of Victor Fedeli)

Transit Briefs: Ontario’s Northlander, CTA/Metra, BART, DEN/Alstom

Rail infrastructure upgrades are nearing completion for the revival of Northlander service in Ontario, Canada. Also, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and Metra post ridership gains in 2025; San Francisco Bay Area Transportation District (BART) launches free Wi-Fi at five stations in time for the Super Bowl; and Alstom completes base-order delivery of automated people-mover vehicles to Denver International Airport (DEN).

SFRTA Charges Ahead with Siemens Motive Power

Tri-Rail regional/commuter rail service operator South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA) has ordered seven Charger diesel-electric locomotives from Siemens Mobility as additions to its fleet. Expected to enter service in 2029, these

Rendering of next-generation S200s for Metro Transit’s MetroLink service in St. Louis. (Courtesy of Siemens Mobility)

Transit Briefs: Metro Transit, PATH, MBTA

Metro Transit, St. Louis, will begin taking delivery of new high-floor LRVs (light rail vehicles) in 2027. Also, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s (PANY/NJ) PATH regains ridership in November, reaching 76% of the pre-pandemic level; and Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) closes out 2025 with service delivery, accessibility and infrastructure progress.

Derailment demonstration during the 2025 TTC Conference & Tour. (Courtesy of TTC Operated by ENSCO)

Proving Ground for Progress

TTC OPERATED BY ENSCO, RAILWAY AGE DECEMBER 2025 ISSUE: Each year, leaders from across the rail industry gather in Pueblo, Colo., share innovations and learn how they are tested in the real world.

Amtrak’s twice-daily Mardi Gras between New Orleans and Mobile, Ala., has served more than 46,000 riders since its Aug. 18 launch. (Photograph Courtesy of Amtrak)

Transit Briefs: Amtrak, SEPTA, TriMet, NJT, TTC, MBTA

Amtrak’s newest service, the Mardi Gras, is seeing strong demand. Also, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is taking delivery of 10 leased coaches from MARC (Maryland Area Regional Commuter Rail); Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet) promotes Alan Lehto to Executive Director of Planning, a newly created position; New Jersey Transit (NJT) earns the 2025 Combating Human Trafficking in Transportation Impact Award; Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) considers advertising installations in subway tunnels; and Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and Keolis Commuter Services (Keolis) release a year-in-review report.