California lawmakers announce deal on transit funding

New transit train with mountains in background

SACRAMENTO — California legislators have reached a deal to provide almost $2 billion in funding for the state’s public transit that was not part of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposed budget. The deal announced by state Sens. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and Jesse Arreguin (D-Berkeley) restores a $1.1 billion transit cut included in Newsom’s budget, and […]

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Santa Cruz, Calif., rail project could cost $4.3 billion

Blue and white passenger trainset

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. — Construction of the long-discussed, much-debated rail line to Santa Cruz using a former Southern Pacific branch line could cost up to $4.3 billion, according to a document released Friday (June 6, 2025). The draft version of the executive summary of an upcoming report on the project, known as the Zero Emission […]

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Light rail station serving LA airport opens

People mover cars at station over street

LOS ANGELES — Direct rail service to and from Los Angeles International Airport is a step closer to reality after the opening of the LAX/Metro Transit Center on Friday, June 6. The long-awaited bus and light rail terminal, east of the airport will eventually provide connection to an automated people mover system serving airport terminals. […]

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Ballard to provide hydrogen fuel cell engines for Sierra Northern

Blue, green, and yellow locomotive moving two freight cars

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Ballard Power Systems will supply 12 hydrogen fuel cell engines to Sierra Northern Railway for Sierra Northern’s hydrogen locomotive project, Ballard announced on Thursday (June 5). The engines, capable of generating 1.5 megawatts, will be used to convert three diesel switchers to hydrogen power. Sierra Northern held the initial test for […]

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Santa Clara VTA workers approve new contract

White light rail train at station

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Members of the Amalgamated Transit Union have approved a new contract with the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, ending a contract dispute that included a 17-day strike in March. Local 265 of the union reports that members voted 689-298 in favor of the new contract in balloting on Tuesday, June 3. […]

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Talks break off between VIA Rail Canada, Unifor

New passenger equipment in shop building

MONTREAL — Talks have broken off between VIA Rail Canada and Unifor, the union representing 2,500 workers including onboard attendants and mechanical workers, the union said today (June 2, 2025). The end of negotiations comes with a potential strike as little as three weeks away. Employees could walk out as soon as June 22 following […]

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SMART to launch service to Windsor, Calif., station

Map of Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit

PETALUMA, Calif. — Northern California commuter rail service Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit is set to launch service on its northern extension to Windsor, Calif., on Saturday (May 31). The North Bay Business Journal reports that SMART received final clearance from the Federal Railroad Administration to begin operation on Thursday, according to SMART General Manager Eddy […]

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