Passenger

Amtrak names Stadtler operations VP

Amtrak named DJ Stadtler the new vice president of operations, overseeing the railroad’s transportation, engineering and mechanical departments, effective immediately.

LYNX Blue Line Extension Project celebrates dedicated state funding

The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), The University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte) and state and local leaders will “Stake their Claim” at a State Full Funding Grant Agreement ceremony for the LYNX Blue Line Light Rail Extension Project, on Thursday, April 19. The event will take place on the campus of UNC Charlotte at its Bioinformatics Building.

FTA unveils new environmental benefits website

The Federal Transit Administration celebrated Earth Day by unveiling a new environmental benefits website highlighting a commitment to investing in affordable, innovative and sustainable public transit alternatives that reduce the nation’s carbon footprint and help secure an independent energy future.

TSA recognizes Amtrak’s BASE security program as Gold Standard

Amtrak is being recognized by the Transportation Security Administration for earning the agency’s Gold Standard on the railroad’s most recent Baseline Assessment for Security Enhancements (BASE). This designation recognizes Amtrak’s dedication to building a strong security program.

Tucson Streetcar Project breaks ground

Construction began on a new 3.9-mile modern streetcar line project that will directly connect thousands of commuters with Tucson, Ariz.’s major downtown employers, health care facilities, the University of Arizona and regional attraction.

CHSRA Board passes revised business plan

The California High-Speed Rail Authority Board passed a 2012 revised business plan that will provide for high-speed rail service within a decade, connect the state’s major metropolitan areas, utilize existing rail infrastructure in northern and southern California and provide earlier statewide benefits to commuters in the Bay Area and Los Angeles at a cost of $68.4 billion.

WSDOT, ODOT work toward continuous rail corridor goal

Washington and Oregon are creating a new partnership and will develop a plan for managing passenger-rail service between Eugene, Ore., and Vancouver, B.C., Canada, as one continuous rail corridor rather than two separate state operations. Transportation officials for each state signed an agreement as another step toward offering faster, more frequent Amtrak Cascades service.