No injuries reported in MBTA low-speed derailment (updated)

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority logo

BEVERLY, Mass. — A Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority commuter train suffered what the agency called a “low-speed upright derailment” on Wednesday afternoon, leading to delays during the Wednesday evening and Thursday morning rush hours. The Boston Globe reports 10 passengers were on board the inbound train when it derailed about 4 p.m. near the Beverly […]

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Metra, CTA, Pace combine for new regional pass

Commuter train passes end of intermodal train

CHICAGO — Metra, the Chicago Transit Authority, and bus operator Pace have announced a new “Regional Connect” pass for buyers of the new Metra monthly pass unveiled earlier this month. The $30 Regional Connect pass, available to those who buy Metra’s new $100 Super Saver monthly pass, will combine to give holders of both passes […]

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Sound Transit committee recommends Timm as new CEO

Woman with short hair and black coat

SEATTLE — Julie Timm, currently CEO of the Greater Richmond (Va.) Transit Co., has been recommended by a selection committee for the CEO position of Sound Transit. The full Sound Transit board will vote on the nomination June 23, after the board’s committee made its recommendation last week. Timm was selected from a group of […]

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90200 isn’t just any former locomotive

Passenger train about to pass over water on a bridge in a city landscape.

CHICAGO—Non-powered control unit 90200 isn’t just any former locomotive that lost its prime mover and traction motors when converted to a glorified baggage car with cab controls. Seen here outside Amtrak’s Chicago locomotive shop on June 2, 2022, coupled to an Illinois-owned Siemens SC-44 Charger, the carbody once was number 200. It is the first […]

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Amtrak adds Capitol Limited bike capacity

Amtrak logo.

WASHINGTON—Effective immediately, each departure of the Chicago-Washington, D.C. Capitol Limited is accepting reservations for up to 12 full-size bicycles along the route of a train that parallels popular trails through Maryland, West Virginia, and southern Pennsylvania. Last Friday, Amtrak announced increased capacity through mid-September, “due to high demand.” For $20, passengers can check a bike […]

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Rail unions again request arbitration as contract talks remain stuck

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Rail unions negotiating new national contracts with Class I railroads have again requested arbitration as talks remain stalled. Labor and the National Carriers Conference Committee have been working on joint mediated negotiations under the direction of the National Mediation Board. The talks had resulted from the unions’ request to be released from mediation after more […]

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FRA announces CRISI grants for 46 rail improvement projects in 32 states

Susquehanna

WASHINGTON – The Federal Railroad Administration on Thursday announced more than $368 million in Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant program funds to 46 projects in 32 states and the District of Columbia. The grants were awarded to passenger and freight projects, as well as several technology and safety development programs. The Bipartisan […]

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Florida receives $15.875 million engineering grant for Brightline route

platforms with train in distance

ORLANDO, Fla. — Brightline’s plan to extend its passenger route past the Orlando Convention Center, Disney World, and down the wide median of Interstate 4 to Tampa got a public boost Wednesday with the announcement that the U.S. Department of Transportation would release a $15.875 million Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement (CRISI) grant. The […]

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