NJ Transit introduces first of new Alstom EMU cars

Interior of commuter railcar

KEARNY, N.J. — NJ Transit today introduced the first car from its next-generation order for 174 multilevel railcars being built by Alstom in an event at the agency’s Meadows Maintenance Complex in Kearny. The new electric multiple-unit cars will allow retirement of remaining single-level Arrow III cars that are more than 40 years old. They […]

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VIA retains existing Venture schedules despite delays

Cab car leads train into station

MONTREAL — Despite speed restrictions abruptly imposed by host railroad Canadian National as a safety measure on Oct. 11, VIA Rail Canada is not adjusting schedules on trips involving Venture trainsets to reflect slower running times. Instead, passengers are being given a revised delay estimate. And beginning the week of Nov. 4, the carrier is […]

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LCCA announces custom Lionel set and Brakeman car

black and orange passenger train set

LCCA announces custom Lionel set and Brakeman car: The Lionel Collectors Club of America (LCCA) announces some Lionel custom-run products. The LCCA announces a custom-run Southern Pacific train set with “Black Widow” livery (No. 2401200). The set includes an FT diesel and three passenger cars, (coach, dome, and Hopkins observation). Requires O-31 curves for operation. Price: […]

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MTA begins engineering process for Interborough Express project

Overhead-view illustration of light rail train at station

NEW YORK — The Metropolitan Transportation Authority on Tuesday began the engineering process for the proposed Interborough Express light rail line in Brooklyn and Queens. The MTA’s Request for Proposals for consultant bids for the preliminary engineering phase of the project begins a process expected to take approximately two years. The 14-mile Interborough Express, or […]

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FRA awards $2.4 billion in CRISI grants to 122 projects (updated)

Passenger train next to signal bungalow and signal worker's truck.

WASHINGTON — A total of 122 projects in 41 states and the District of Columbia have been selected for the Federal Railroad Administration’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant program, announced early today (Oct. 29, 2024). The selected projects will receive more than $2.4 billion in funding. “Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we’re […]

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Unifor opens negotiations with VIA Rail Canada

Logo of Canadian union Unifor

MONTREAL — Canadian union Unifor has opened contract negotiations with VIA Rail Canada, the union announced Monday, Oct. 28. The union’s Council 4000 represents 1,800 VIA employees in station services, headquarters, maintenance centers and onboard positions; Local 100 represents 700 employees working as diesel engine mechanics, electricians, railcar technicians, and general workers. “Our goal in […]

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More CRISI grants announced

Passenger train crossing bridge

WASHINGTON — Another group of awards were announced today (Monday, Oct. 28) under the Federal Railroad Administration’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements grant program, with the latest group led by more than $72 million for work in the Milwaukee area to reroute freight trains away from the city’s primary passenger station. The full list […]

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Transit Workers Union authorizes strike against SEPTA

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority logo

PHILADELPHIA — Members of the union representing more than 5,300 workers at the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority have voted to authorize a strike effective at midnight on Nov. 7, when their current contract expires. Members of Transport Workers Union Local 234, which represents subway, trolley, and bus operators, mechanics, and other workers, voted unanimously in […]

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California agency awards more than $850 million for 11 rail projects

Train passing retaining wall in beach area

SACRAMENTO — Eleven rail projects, including a new LA Metro light rail line and extension of service in Sonoma County by SMART commuter trail, have received more than $850 million in funding from the Calfiornia State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) in awards announced last week. “From new zero-emissions buses in the Central Valley to vital rail […]

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Projects in Illinois, Virginia receive CRISI grants

Logo for Federal Railroad Administration

WASHINGTON — Two more awards have been announced under the Federal Railroad Administration’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements, or CRISI, grant program. The first of what Washington state’s two senators said will be 122 grants totaling $2.477 billion were announced late last week [see “Announcements of 2024 CRISI grants begin,” Trains News Wire, Friday, […]

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