Watch: Brightline Train Testing Video Feast
Brightline has been conducting high-speed testing on its new line to Orlando for the past several weeks.
Safety
NTSB To Short Lines – Keep A Close Eye on Weather
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recently issued a safety recommendation to the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association about the importance of maintaining dynamic weather alert criteria in railroad operations.
NTSB Releases Initial Report on PATCO Contractor Fatalities
On Oct. 17, RT&S reported that a PATCO train killed two workers on the Benjamin Franklin Bridge in New Jersey. The National Transportation Safety Board has released a preliminary report on this accident.
HART planning to open first line of rail soon, but concerns remain over column cracks
Back in August, RT&S reported on column cracks the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) was experiencing, which were found four years ago. The rail line will be opening soon, and the cracks still remain a concern.
Brightline continues high-speed testing on Orlando line
Brightline is continuing high-speed testing on its new line to Orlando. Here are some details from their press release.
MBTA Orange Line still facing speed restrictions
RT&S reported on Oct. 10 that data from TransitMatters, a transit advocacy agency, indicated speeds on the MBTA Orange Line were slower than before a work shutdown occurred. Looks like speed restrictions will now last into December.
WMATA Silver Line extension operationally ready to open soon
Date for opening now rests with the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission concurrence on both Silver Line certification and new 7K Return to Service Plan.
Bells & Whistles—Sen. Warren wants to see MBTA leadership gone
The top news stories RT&S was following the week ending Oct. 21.
Sen. Warren calls for a change in MBTA leadership
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) believes the only way the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) can fix safety shortcomings is to bring in new leadership.
Ben Franklin Bridge was supposed to be shut down when two workers were killed
RT&S reported Monday that a PATCO train hit and killed two workers on the Ben Franklin Bridge. Now, we learn that the bridge was supposed to have been shut down.
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad closes tracks due to river erosion
The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad has been plagued with erosion problems this year and is again having trouble.
MBTA troubles still on FTA radar
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has been in hot water with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for months.
Fatal Amtrak derailment was enough as MoDOT asks for major increase in state money
The state of Missouri does not want another fatal Amtrak derailment, but prevention is going to take money.
PATCO train hits and kills two workers on Ben Franklin Bridge
Two workers were hit and killed by a Port Authority Transit Corp. (PATCO) train on the Ben Franklin Bridge Friday night.
NJ Transit’s AquaTrack cleans the rails
NJ Transit has begun its annual battle against leaves on the rails.
MBTA Orange Line is allegedly slower after 30-day shutdown
The MBTA Orange Line may be slower than it was this summer.
Ohio public utilities commission pitches in money for grade crossing improvements
Grade crossing safety improvements are at top of mind for most railroad planners, whether in the government or private sector.
Rail Group On Air: 2022 RT&S Engineer of the Year John Cech
RT&S Managing Editor David Lester talks with the 2022 RT&S Engineer of the Year John Cech from BNSF about challenging projects, the technological movement, what it takes to work in the rail industry, and what it will take to recruit the younger generation.
Brightline to begin track speed testing on Orlando line later this month
After many months of laying track and building grade crossings, Brightline will begin testing trains running up to 110 m.p.h. on sections of the newly constructed line.
LIRR Third Track project finishes $100 million under budget
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul celebrated completion of the Long Island Rail Road’s historic Third Track project on time and under budget on Oct. 3.