CORRECTION: Ottawa transit line subcontractor, Hardrock Concrete Inc., never fined for work done

In the article “Lawsuits mounting against Ottawa’s Confederation Line” RT&S incorrectly stated that Hardrock received a $3 million fine for delays, even though it faced numerous obstacles out of the company’s control. 

Amtrak needs a bailout fast; Metro Transit cancels overnight service; S.F. transit does not alter much during lockdown

Amtrak and other passenger rail services say $1 billion is needed to help recover from the coronavirus pandemic sweeping through the U.S.

UPDATED MARCH 16: Rail Group Staff Report: Global railway industry response to the COVID-19 pandemic

The World Health Organization has declared COVID-19, otherwise known as the coronavirus, a pandemic, and the U.S. has declared a National Emergency. The global railway industry is ramping-up its response. Following is

Connecting new track with old track taking longer than expected for Sound Transit

When old meets new there is almost always an adjustment period. For Sound Transit, that adjustment period is going a little longer than expected.

Bells & Whistles Special—Saturday news update

Transit agencies suffer drop in ridership due to coronavirus fears. GoTriangle takes another angle with new commuter line. New transit line in Austin would cost taxpayers big time. Ottawa’s Confederation Line faces

Transit ridership drops significantly across the country amid coronavirus fears; some agencies cut service

With the coronavirus continuing to spread fear across the U.S., transit agencies are now starting to feel the effects of more people working from home and more people simply avoiding public gatherings.

Rail Group Staff Report: Global railway industry response to the COVID-19 pandemic

MARCH 12, 2020: The World Health Organization has declared COVID-19, otherwise known as the coronavirus, a pandemic, and the global railway industry is ramping-up its response. Following is a staff report from

short line railroad

Talk of Gold Line extension in California takes several turns

There is yet to be an approved line of thinking when it comes to extending the Gold Line in San Bernardino County, Calif. The San Bernardino Country Transportation Authority (SBCTA) says it

Watch video: CTA shows how it is sanitizing cars and stations during coronavirus outbreak

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) released a video on how crews are sanitizing trains and stations during the coronavirus outbreak. 

Mesa, Ariz., light rail project recognized for innovation, working with the community

The Gilbert Road Light Rail Extension project in Mesa, Ariz., has received the Associated General Contractors of America’s Construction Risk Partners Build America Merit Award for best new highway and transportation project.

Watch video: Time-lapse of demolition and construction of Travis Spur Rail Bridge

The Travis Spur Rail Bridge demolition and reconstruction was done in October 2016, but RT&S has just received video of the 60-hour project. This accelerated bridge construction job will be featured in

RT&S announces 2020 Top Projects winners

Railway Track & Structures magazine has determined the winners of the 2020 RT&S Top Projects competition. A total of 16 projects were determined worthy enough for the 2020 RT&S Top Projects title.

Progress Rail

GoTriangle has new approach to a commuter rail line in North Carolina

GoTriangle is circling back on a new commuter rail line that would serve Durham and Johnston counties in North Carolina. GoTriangle tried to move forward with an 18-mile line last year, but

Capital Metro

New transit line in Austin could require voters to approve 22.5 percent tax rate increase

Called a once-in-a-generation investment, the proposed new rail line for the city of Austin, Texas, will most likely have one crack to sway voters in 2020. State law calls for taxing bodies

Lawsuits mounting against Ottawa’s Confederation Line; subcontractor claims it dealt with trash and delays

The city of Ottawa’s light rail system, the Confederation Line, continues to take on heat … and lawsuits.

Bells & Whistles—3/6/20

Austin’s Capital Metro has big plans, including subway running through downtown. Ottawa’s Confederation Line faces harsh criticism. Transit agencies respond to coronavirus. Norfolk Southern introduces autonomous inspection technology.

SOGR backlog

Late recap: Amtrak might be able to sue freight carriers for delays; short liner receives CRISI grant

A measure working its way through a Senate committee would allow Amtrak to sue freight railroad companies for delays.

Metro Transit

Minnesota’s Metro Transit suffers decline in ridership in 2019

Overall transit riders took fewer trips on Metro Transit in 2019, but there is plenty of blame to go around.

Capital Metro

Austin’s Capital Metro gearing up for massive light rail system

Some think big, but Austin’s Capital Metro is thinking massive.

BART system upgrade

Measure would provide low-interest loans for passenger rail projects across the country

States might have some help when it comes to financing rail projects. U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas and U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster have introduced legislation that would give states low-interest loans for passenger

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