The NRC is resilient, relevant, and well-positioned for the future
When I took over as chairman of the NRC in January 2020, no one could have envisioned how dramatically conditions would change in just a couple of months.
Passenger
Los Angeles Metro to receive $1.24 billion federal grant
U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced a $1.24 billion award of American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds to the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro).
Scranton-to-NYC passenger rail route looks like it could be revived
The momentum for the return of a Scranton (Pa.)-to-New York City rail route continues to build.
Brightline to begin crew training and qualification runs between West Palm Beach and Cocoa
Brightline is beginning the new year with a critical step toward the completion of its intercity rail system connecting Miami and Orlando.
Metrolink is newest Commuter Rail Coalition member
For those not familiar with the Commuter Rail Coalition (CRC), it is an association of commuter rail agencies, operators, and other interested parties acting together to engage and eductate stakeholders on the value commuter railroads bring to the communities they serve.
Transactions closed, land to be transferred for Northern Indiana Double Track Project
The Chicago South Shore & South Bend Railroad (CSS) and Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD) closed transactions with Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) to add 17 miles of double-track main line to improve CSS freight and NICTD commuter operations in northern Indiana.
California High-Speed Rail Authority meets federal grant match requirement a year ahead of schedule
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has notified the California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) that it has fully met its state funding match requirements for federal dollars one year ahead of schedule.
Surge in COVID-19 cases, worker shortage affecting RTD service
A surge of new coronavirus cases and an existing need for frontline workers are having adverse impacts on RTD’s ability to provide its scheduled service.
New York governor calls for construction of Interborough Express
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced plans to move forward with the Interborough Express as part of her 2022 State of the State.
Metro takes measures to combat Omicron variant; Announces service adjustments and protections for customers and employees
Metro’s Pandemic Taskforce is taking swift actions to protect the health and safety of its customers and employees against the recent surge in COVID-19 variants.
Transit agencies concerned about impact of Omicron variant
Transit agencies are feeling the effects of and concerned about the future impact of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 as the virus blankets North America and many parts of the world.
Dallas Area Rapid Transit reviews accomplishments of 2021
Despite a very challenging 2021, Dallas Area Rapid Transit accomplished a number of projects, both in the construction arena and the social arena.
BART undertaking critical cable replacement work in Lafayette
BART is replacing electrical lines and other support components that are critical for maintaining reliable train service through Lafayette.
Rail cybersecurity with Shift5’s Josh Lospinoso
In December 2021, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration deployed a Security Directive that shined a spotlight on rail cybersecurity following a series of global cyberattacks that occurred at the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Class I CSX and short-line operator OmniTRAX, as well as several rail companies around the globe.
Metra will initiate significant hiring in January
Metra is planning a major hiring effort in early January to make sure it has enough personnel for schedule adjustments in the first quarter of 2022.
SFMTA Central Subway revenue service update
SFMTA Central Subway construction team is working aggressively to have line open by October 2022.
Just for fun: the restoration of Chesapeake & Ohio 2-6-6-2 #1309
Much of the recent steam locomotive restoration news focuses on Union Pacific’s 4-8-8-4 “Big Boy” #4014, which has been operating periodically for the past couple of years.
Port Authority Board of Commissioners approves 2022 operating and capital budgets
Following a month-long public comment period, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Board of Commissioners approved the agency’s $7.9 billion 2022 budget. The 2022 budget consists of $3.4 billion for operating expenses, $2.7 billion for annual capital spending, and $1.8 billion for debt service and deferred expenses.
TriMet appoints Andrew Wilson as new Executive Director of Safety and Security
TriMet General Manager Sam Desue Jr. has promoted Andrew Wilson to Executive Director of the Safety and Security Division.
TTC’s 2022 budget returns service to pre-pandemic levels with no fare increase
The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) Board approved next year’s operating and capital budgets. The new budgets will return service to pre-pandemic levels without a fare increase and fund longer-term projects aimed at modernizing the TTC and addressing the city’s future transit needs.