MBTA announces March 24 start date for South Coast Rail

Map of rail lines in southeastern Massachusetts

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority will launch South Coast Rail operations —  serving a group of southeastern Massachusetts communities that have been without passenger rail for 65 years — on March 24, 2025, the agency announced today. The start date — two months ahead of the most recent timeline, which called for service […]

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MTA names Vonashek as new president of Metro-North Railroad

Man in suit on balcony at Grand Central Terminal

NEW YORK — Justin Vonashek will become president of the Metro-North Railroad, succeeding Catherine Rinaldi, who will retire after almost seven years in the position. The change will be effective April 1. Metropolitan Transportation Authority CEO Janno Lieber announced the succession plans on Thursday, Feb. 7. Vonashek joined Metro-North as vice president of system safety […]

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Service resumes on SEPTA line after fire

Fire trucks on street with train in background

RIDLEY PARK, Pa. — Service on the Southeastern Pennysylvania Transportation Authority’s Wilmington-Newark line resumed late Thursday after a fire that caused significant damage to a train and led to the evacuation of an estimated 350 passengers. WPVI-TV reports service resumed about 11 p.m. ET. The fire occurred about 6 p.m., with one car of a […]

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Pop Up Metro under consideration for Philadelphia riverfront operation

Map of area along Delaware River waterfront in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA — Pop Up Metro has another potential customer, this time in Philadelphia. KYW Radio reports the Delaware River Waterfront Corp. is considering the concept of operating Pop Up Metro’s battery-electric trainsets along existing tracks on Columbus Boulevard, paralleling the Delaware River. Karen Thompson, DRWC director of planning, policy, and engagement,told KYW the exact route […]

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Fire engulfs SEPTA railcar; no injuries reported (updated)

Image of railcar on fire. For use only as featured image

SEPTA train goes up in flames in Delaware County; 350 passengers evacuated https://t.co/W8mvALli43 — Action News on 6abc (@6abc) February 7, 2025 RIDLEY PARK, Pa. — No injuries were reported when at least one car of a Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority Regional Rail train was destroyed by fire this evening (Feb. 6, 2025). An image […]

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Lawsuit blames seven deaths on East Palestine derailment

Black cloud of smoke above town

EAST PALESTINE, Ohio — A new lawsuit blames the East Palestine derailment and toxic-chemical release for seven deaths, including that of a week-old infant. The suit was announced Monday — two years after the Feb. 3, 2023, Norfolk Southern derailment — by a trio of law firms on behalf of some 744 plaintiffs. It names […]

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Bill calls for Connecticut to establish rail service to Hartford-area airport

Exterior of airport building

HARTFORD, Conn. — A Connecticut legislator has introduced a bill that would require the state’s Department of Transportation to develop rail service to Bradley International Airport, the Hartford-area facility in Windsor Locks, Conn. General Assembly Bill 5061, introduced by state Rep. Christopher Rosario (D-Bridgeport), would require service from Hartford Union Station to the airport with […]

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British investor buys Pennsylvania short line

End-cab switchers moving double-stack railcars

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Seeing “significant opportunities to grow,” independent infrastructure manager Ancala and Arkadia Rail Partners have formed Phoenix Rail following the acquisition of short line rail company Lehigh Valley Rail Management. Terms were not disclosed. Lehigh Valley Rail Management owns and operates a 61-mile freight rail network and is headquartered in Bethlehem, Pa., where […]

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