The Long Bridge Rail Partners joint venture of Trumbull Corp. Fay, S&B Construction, and Wagman Heavy Civil Inc. has been selected for the Long Bridge Project-South Package. (Long Bridge Project Map Courtesy of VPRA)

Transit Briefs: VPRA, TriMet, Santa Clara VTA, SEPTA

The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) selects a construction partner for the Long Bridge Project-South Package. Also, Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet) rolls out its first two Type 6 MAX system light rail vehicles; Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is scheduling light rail rehabilitation projects for 2025; and Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) reports the largest one-year drop in serious crimes in its history.

The University of Virginia on Nov. 20 published a 105-page study evaluating the economic and social impact of Virginia Passenger Rail Authority’s Transforming Rail in Virginia initiative. (VPRA Photograph)

Transit Briefs: VPRA, Santa Clara VTA

A new study finds that the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority’s (VPRA) Transforming Rail in Virginia initiative could provide the commonwealth with a nearly $7 billion economic boost. Also, California’s Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) lands federal funding for a transit-oriented development project in Gilroy.

VRE, VPRA Mark $27.5MM Quantico Upgrade

The Virginia Railway Express (VRE) and Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) have completed a $27.5 million improvement project at the Quantico rail station “designed to improve safety, service and rail capacity” on

“Hey, Virginia and Rail Enthusiasts everywhere! We've officially broken ground on the Long Bridge Rail Project,” the U.S. Department of Transportation reported via social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Oct. 15. (Image Courtesy of USDOT)

Long Bridge Construction Kicks Off

A groundbreaking ceremony was held Oct. 15 for the $2.3 billion Long Bridge Project, which is slated to boost passenger rail capacity over the Potomac River between Arlington, Va., and Washington, D.C.,

N.C., VPRA Seek to Acquire NS Assets for Passenger Use (UPDATED, 9/10)

The City of Charlotte, N.C., and the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) each filed separate petitions for exemptions to the Surface Transportation Board (STB) to acquire and operate certain assets of Norfolk

NS, VPRA Cooperating on Passenger Service Expansion (Updated Sept. 6)

Norfolk Southern and the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) have finalized a deal to expand passenger rail service in the Commonwealth of Virginia without impacting freight operations. It involves, in part, a

Transit Briefs: Amtrak Virginia, Amtrak/NJ Transit, SEPTA, WMATA

Amtrak Virginia begins service to the Newport News Transportation Center. Also, Amtrak and NJ Transit announce a series of actions that both companies will take following a spike of service disruptions in New Jersey and New York Penn Station during May and June; the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) enhances safety measures for the new school year; and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA) Board of Directors approves a new four-year contract with Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 689.

“Thanks to Secretary Pete [Buttigieg], USDOT, the Federal Railroad Administration and all our partners for making the S-Line passenger rail a reality!!” NCDOT Secretary Joey Hopkins said in a July 1 LinkedIn post. “Thanks to the hard work of our NCDOT team we broke ground on the first construction project in the Raleigh to Wake Forest segment, a $19M project to grade separate Durant Road 7 months after the grant announcement!!” (Photograph Courtesy of Joey Hopkins)

S-Line Project Kicks Off in North Carolina

State and federal officials on July 1 participated in a groundbreaking ceremony in North Carolina for the S-Line Project, part of the Raleigh to Richmond Innovating Rail Program to create a faster passenger rail route between the two cities, according to Gov. Roy Cooper’s office.

Amtrak has completed accessibility upgrades worth $20.8 million at its Bay Area, Calif., stations, in partnership with the cities of Martinez, Hayward, Fremont and Oakland. (Amtrak Photograph)

Transit Briefs: Amtrak, VPRA, MoDOT

Amtrak debuts accessibility improvements at its four Bay Area, Calif., stations. Also, Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) and Norfolk Southern (NS) discuss a new rail agreement; and the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) advances the proposed St. Joseph-to-Kansas City passenger rail project.

Transit Briefs: Tri-Rail, CTA, Amtrak Virginia

Tri-Rail introduces new express train service. Also, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) announces “Refresh & Renew” work across the system and celebrates diversity and inclusiveness with the return of its Pride Train; and Amtrak Virginia rolls into summer with record ridership.

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