Report recommends combining VRE, MARC commuter rail operations A new report recommends integrating Washington, D.C., commuter railroads Virginia Railway Express and MARC into a single operation, to reduce travel times and improve economic development. The website Inside NoVa reports the Greater Washington Partnership’s “Capital Region Rail Vision” report makes the recommendation; in a news conference […]
Nine transit agencies participate in ‘virtual rally’ seeking COVID-19 relief funds Officials from nine transit agencies held a “virtual rally” on Wednesday, trying once again to stir Congress to provide COVID-19 relief funding to operations facing significant deficits and contemplating major service cuts. Taking part were New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the New Orleans Regional […]
FBI seeks man who fired rifle on Metra platform The Federal Bureau of Investigation is seeking a man who allegedly fired a rifle on the Metra platform at Chicago’s McCormick Place Convention Center. The FBI website report on the incident includes video showing a man removing a collapsible rifle from a backpack and firing one […]
Amtrak, Metra propose schedule to STB for Union Station dispute; will provide information on remaining issues Dec. 15 Attorneys for Amtrak and Metra will inform the Surface Transportation Board on Dec. 15 of unresolved issues in their dispute over Metra’s lease at Chicago Union Station under a proposed schedule to address those issues presented to […]
Ann Arbor Railroad photographs are among the tens of thousands housed in the David P. Morgan Library at Kalmbach Media. This week’s selection highlights the short and fairly short distance passenger trains that zipped across the Ann Arbor’s lines. Please enjoy this gallery, only from Classic Trains! […]
Suspect charged for allegedly firing rifle on Metra platform A suspect has been charged with three felonies after allegedly firing a rifle on the platform of the McCormick Place station on the Metra Electric line earlier this month. In a press release, Metra reports Shawn A. Kimbrough, 40, of Chicago was charged with aggravated unlawful […]
Amtrak, Metra end mediation; Union Station dispute to return to STB Mediation of Amtrak’s dispute with Metra over Metra’s lease at Chicago Union Station has ended with some issues still unresolved. In a letter to the Surface Transportation Board, representatives of STB and Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service said the two parties had met nine […]
Utah’s FrontRunner may be in line for double tracking, other improvements Utah’s budget situation looks better than expected for 2021, which may make room for a long-sought double-track project for FrontRunner commuter rail service. The Salt Lake Tribune reports improvements for the commuter operation include double-track segments between Ogden and Provo, which would allow trains […]
Amtrak adds digital payment options Amtrak is adding new digital payment options on Amtrak.com and the Amtrak smartphone apps, including Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal. Each can be used for tickets and other purchases, and can be saved on customer profiles as a preferred payment option. “We know every minute counts for our customers […]
BOSTON — The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority has delayed a vote on a much-criticized for budget cuts that would include significant service reductions and layoffs, deferring a presentation on the proposal for a week. The Associated Press reports MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak recommended the delay to the Fiscal and Management Control Board, citing developments of COVID-19 […]
Monday morning rail news: Phoenix light rail project lands $638 million in federal funds The Phoenix Valley Metro light rail system will receive $638 million in federal funding for its South Central extension. KTAR Radio reports $530 million will come from the Federal Transit Administration’s Capital Investment Grants Program, with the remaining $108 million from the Federal […]
Additional Monday rail news: Metra extends sale of $10 one-day pass Metra is extending sale of its $10 All-Day Pass through Jan. 31, 2020. The pass, introduced June 1, allows unlimited Metra rides on a given day through 3 a.m. the following morning, and in most cases is less than the cost of two one-way […]
