A look at Tuesday morning rail news:
— Problems with overhead wires led to about five hours of significant delays for trains in and out of New York’s Penn Station on Monday, WABC-TV reports, beginning about 4:30 p.m. Amtrak and NJ Transit trains were delayed for up to two hours. Schedules finally returned to normal or near normal for this morning’s commute, NJ.com reports.
— The Mobile, Ala., city council is expected to vote this morning on possible financial support for the return of Amtrak service to the Gulf Coast, a vote it has already delayed twice. AI.com reports polls show strong public support for the train service, but the outcome of the vote is uncertain.
— The New York Times takes an in-depth look at the resignation of New York City Transit head Andy Byford, widely praised for improvements in the subway system, because of a feud with Gov. Andrew Cuomo — as well as why it matters beyond the New York area.
— A bill introduced in the Utah legislature would authorize a study on expanding and improving the state’s network. KSTU-TV reports it could be the first step in increasing commuter rail serviced in the Salt Lake City area and expanding passenger rail elsewhere in the state.
— London, Ontario, mayor Ed Holder is asking the Canadian government to support increased regional rail service, saying the area’s economic potential continues to be “held back by a lock of options to move between London and Toronto, as well as Longdon and Windsor-Detroit,” the CBC reports. London has the fourth-busiest station in the VIA Rail Canada system.
