MBTA, partners launch annual CapeFlyer summer service

Passenger train running next to water

BOSTON — Spring-like weather remains elusive for much of the northern U.S. But operationally, summer has arrived for commuter rail systems. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority and its contract commuter operator, Keolis, on Friday (May 23) launched the seasonal CapeFlyer train between Boston and Cape Cod. The first day of Friday-Saturday-Sunday-holiday service came a day […]

Read More…

A sign of summer: LIRR launches annual ‘Cannonball’ service

Train at platform of underground station

NEW YORK — The Long Island Rail Road launched its “Cannonball” summer service from Penn Station to Montauk, N.Y., on Thursday (May 22), marking a key change in the railroad’s summer schedule that took effect on Monday, May 19. The 4:07 p.m. “Cannonball” train, long a Friday-only operation, added a Thursday train last year. Those […]

Read More…

New York governor, Amtrak meet on East River tunnel project

Interior of railroad tunnel

NEW YORK — Amtrak will shut down one tube of the East River Tunnel for major rehabilitation as planned on Friday night, but has agreed to some measures sought by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul during the project, Hochul said in a statement following a meeting today (May 22, 2025) with Amtrak and Metropolitan Transportation […]

Read More…

Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway marks 20th anniversary

Passenger train with diesel locomotives at each end on curved bridge

JIM THORPE, Pa. — Memorial Day weekend marks the 20th anniversary of the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, the excursion operation of the Reading & Northern from Jim Thorpe to Lehigh Gorge State Park. Hour-long train rides from Jim Thorpe debuted on the holiday weekend in 2005, with three trips per day at 11 a.m., 1 […]

Read More…

MBTA meeting on South Coast Rail is postponed

Commuter train at station

FALL RIVER, Mass. — A public meeting scheduled by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority to address issues with its new South Coast Rail commuter service has been postponed because of weather concerns. The meeting, which had been scheduled for this evening at Morton Middle School, will now be held June 5 at a location yet […]

Read More…

MBTA board approves $9.8 billion capital spending plan

Commuter train at station platform

BOSTON — New equipment for the commuter rail fleet is among the major projects planned under the 2026-30 Capital Improvement Plan approved on Tuesday, May 20, by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority board. The plan, which calls for $9.8 billion in capital expenditures over the next five fiscal years, includes more than 660 projects, the […]

Read More…