An inbound Metra train approaches the site where preparations are under way to add a third track on the Union Pacific West line near River Forest, Ill., in December 2018. Metra has agreed to built a soundwall at the site in response to concerns from adjacent homeowners. TRAINS: David Lassen RIVER FOREST, Ill. — Responding […]
A Perris-bound Metrolink train climbs out of Riverside in February 2019. Metrolink schedule changes today include an additional Los Angeles round trip on the 91/Perris line. TRAINS: David Lassen LOS ANGELES — Commuter railroad Metrolink will introduce new schedules today, increasing service to Los Angeles on its Orange County and 91/Perris Valley lines and making […]
A VIA crew member offers food-cart service on a Montreal-Toronto train in 2012. VIA is planning to eliminate cash payments on its eastern corridor trains and the long-distance Ocean. Bob Johnston MONTREAL — Starting Oct. 29, only regular and prepaid credit cards and VIA Rail gift cards will be accepted to pay for food on […]
A TEXRail train, offering service between Fort Worth and DFW Airport, passes the station in Grapevine, Texas shortly after the line’s opening in January. Officials from the transit agencies overseeing TEXRail and Dallas Area Rapid Transit are exploring the possibility of offering single-seat service between Fort Worth and Plano, a distance of almost 60 miles, […]
Amtrak’s new chief of long distance business development, Larry Chestler, poses aboard the cafe car of the Cardinal on Oct. 1. Bob Johnston The Cardinal arrives Chicago on Oct. 5 with one Viewliner sleeper and no Viewliner II diner. Introduction of the diner has been delayed because, according to Chestler, Amfleet II lounge cars are, […]
NJ Transit uses this AquaTrack equipment to clear rails of falling leaves and their residue during the fall. The trains begin around-the-clock operation on Sunday. Ralph Spielman The AquaTrack equipment sprays the rails with water at a pressure of up to 20,000 pounds per square inch. Ralph Spielman LITTLE FALLS, N.J. — As autumn arrives […]
A San Diego-bound Pacific Surfliner departs Los Angeles in February 2017. Amtrak is adding a 13th San Diego-LA Surfliner round trip beginning Monday. TRAINS: David Lassen ORANGE, Calif. — Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner will add a 13th round trip between San Diego and Los Angeles beginning Monday, Oct. 14. The new southbound train No. 578 will […]
A Gold Line light rail train bound for L.A. Union Station starts in Azusa. A committee of San Bernardino County’s transportation authority has voted to pursue commuter rail service between Pomona and Montclair, Calif., rather an an extension of the Gold Line between those cities. Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — A […]
OTTAWA, Ontario — Ottawa’s recently opened light rail Confederation Line experienced major operating issues because of jammed doors on Wednesday, with some passengers reportedly walking more than two miles to reach work as they abandoned the backed-up rail system. It was the second straight day the rail line was plagued by jammed doors on the […]
A Metrolink train departs the Burbank, Calif., station in February 2019. The Los Angeles Times reports Metrolink is proposing the use of California high speed rail funds to electrify its route between Burbank and Anaheim. TRAINS: David Lassen LOS ANGELES — Commuter railroad Metrolink is proposing electrification of its route between Burbank and Anaheim for […]
MBTA MPI HSP-46 No. 2028 pushes a Worcester, Mass.-Boston train as it departs Yawkey station (since renamed Lansdowne) in the Kenmore Square section of Boston. The MBTA may consider extending its current contract with commuter operator Keolis. Scott A. Hartley BOSTON — Massachusetts Department of Transportation Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack said this week that […]
Metra’s capital budget funds continued in-house rebuilding of the railroad’s MP-36PH locomotives (at right), as well as a new program for the former Amtrak F59PHI locomotives (at left). TRAINS: David Lassen Stations to receive major upgrades as part of Metra’s proposed 2020 budget include the Davis Street station in Evanston, on the UP North line. […]
