Forbes names Amtrak as a top employer for diversity

Amtrak logo.

WASHINGTON — Amtrak has been named one of America’s Best Employers for Diversity in 2023 according to Forbes, which released its list ranking the top 500 companies on Tuesday. The rail passenger operator placed 341st, eighth among transportation and logistics firms. New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority was the only other rail-related organization to make the […]

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LA’s Metrolink receives state funding for two projects

Commuter train next to ornate former station

LOS ANGELES — Commuter rail operator Metrolink will receive more than $25 million for a pair of projects — $10 million for projects to improve locomotive fuel efficiency and $15.5 million for double tracking of a route in Riverside County — under state funding awarded Monday. The funding, announced by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, come […]

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Alstom to build light rail vehicles for Quebec City system

Rendering of light rail trainset running in center divider of street

  QUEBEC CITY — Alstom will build and 34 light rail trainsets for Quebec City’s tramway project and provide maintenance for 30 years under a C$1.34 billion contract announced today (Tuesday, April 25) by the manufacturer. The contract also includes an option for construction and maintenance of five additional trainsets. The equipment will be versions […]

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Nevada, California legislators back federal funding for Brightline West

Illustration of high-speed Brightline West train

LAS VEGAS — Members of Congress from Nevada and California are backing Nevada’s effort to land federal funding for the Brightline West high speed rail project, writing U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to express “strong support” for the state’s grant application. Brightline West and the Nevada Department of Transportation applied for up to $3.75 billion […]

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New Haven Union Station deals with bed bugs

Ornate, high-ceiling train station waiting room

NEW HAVEN, Conn. — Seating areas at New Haven Union Station are expected to be reopened today (Tuesday, April 25) after being shut down Monday following a report of bed bugs in the waiting room. The New Haven Parking Authority, which operates the station, conducted a deep cleaning with chemicals and compounds on Sunday night […]

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New and old on the Atlantic & East Carolina

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The newness of green-and-yellow F2 No. 401 contrasts with the antiquity of the wooden cars as the Atlantic & Eastern Carolina’s daily passenger train crosses the Trent River at New Bern, N.C., in 1946. The 96-mile A&EC had two F units, both F2s. A&EC photo […]

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Trails and Rails offerings on Amtrak routes set for 2023

Man speaking into microphone on train

WASHINGTON — Eleven Amtrak routes in 2023 will again feature commentary about the regions the trains are passing through. The program, staffed regionally with volunteers sponsored by National Park Service historical sites, monuments, and national parks, began in 2000 and has enriched journeys aboard many long-distance trains. There were cutbacks in 2018 when Amtrak stopped […]

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Miami exploring effort to expand commuter rail service

Map of rail lines in Miami area

MIAMI — Miami-Dade County officials are attempting to revive a long-dormant proposal for commuter rail service west and south of downtown using existing CSX Transportation tracks, the Miami Herald reports. The western line would run from Miami International Airport — the current terminus of Tri-Rail service north to West Palm Beach — to the Doral […]

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Montreal light rail plans summer opening, promises no more delays

Two light rail trains running on track in center divider of highway

  MONTREAL — The first segment of the much-delayed Réseau express métropolitain light rail system will open this summer, says the head of operations for the company building the 42-mile, 26-station system. The Montreal Gazette reports Denis Andlauer, vice-president of operations for CDPQ Infra, promised there will not be another delay in opening during a […]

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