Digest: Amtrak Capitol Corridor service to increase June 7

Passenger train approaches camera location.

Capitol Corridor increases service for the first time since June 2020 California’s Capitol Corridor Amtrak service will increase as of Monday, June 7, with San Jose-Sacramento service going from 16 to 22 trips daily, while Oakland-San Jose service will return to the pre-pandemic level of 14 trips daily. Also, the Richmond Standard reports, Café Car […]

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Digest: FBI agent charged in shooting onboard DC Metro train

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FBI agent faces attempted murder charge for shooting on Metrorail train An FBI agent has been charged with second-degree attempted murder as a result of a 2020 shooting aboard a DC Metro subway train. The Washington Post reports Eduardo Valdivia, 37, was also charged with first-degree assault, reckless endangerment, and use of a firearm in […]

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VIA Rail Canada annual meeting offers few forward-looking details

New blue, yellow, and silver locomotive

MONTREAL— Against a backdrop assuring continued service interruptions, VIA Rail Canada released its annual pre-recorded public meeting last week, with brief reports from Chairman Francoise Bertrand, President and CEO Cynthia Garneau, and Chief Financial Officer Marie-Claude Cardin. The meeting came as the Canada-U.S. border remains closed through at least June 21, Canadian vaccinations are lagging, […]

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Digest: Transport Canada issues new rules on track maintenance

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Transport Canada issues series of new rules on track maintenance Transport Canada issued new rules on track inspection and management on Monday updating the agency’s Rules Respecting Track Safety on a number of fronts, to be addressed in three stages. As outlined in a ministerial order, the first stage addresses training, verification, and record-keeping for […]

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Digest: FRA, FTA release key documents on Gateway tunnel project

Amtrak train coming out of tunnel

Release of environmental report, Record of Decision allows Gateway tunnel project to move forward The Federal Railroad Administration and Federal Transit Administration have issued the final Final Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision on the Gateway tunnel project under the Hudson River, which clears the way for the project to receive federal funding.  “This […]

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Canadian contrasts

Streamlined steam locomotive in front of box-like diesel locomotive

Canadian contrasts Canadian National U-4-a 6404’s rounded contours contrast with the angular lines of a nearby SW1200RS diesel switcher, although the 4-8-4’s traditional-style signal/marker lamps, boxy numberboards, and spoked engine-truck wheels detract from its streamlined appearance. Jim Shaughnessy photo […]

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Digest: Pacific Surfliner to require reservations on peak summer weekends

Blue and silver-painted locomotive at a station platform surrounding by brown steel work and palm trees. Amtrak Pacific Surfliner renewable diesel.

Pacific Surfliners to require reservations on four weekends; more could be added Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner will require reservations for travel on peak weekends this suffer, a move to manage capacity when more travelers are anticipated. Four weekends have been designated for the reservation requirement — Memorial Day weekend (May 28-June 1), Fourth of July weekend […]

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Digest: South Shore Double Track project seeks ways to reduce cost

SouthShore_MichCity_Lassen

South Shore agency studying ways to reduce cost of Double Track project The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District is studying options for lowering the cost of its Double Track project to add a second main for South Shore Line service between Gary, Ind., and Michigan City. The Times of Northwest Indiana reports that South Shore […]

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Digest: Canadian government announces $21 million in rail safety funding

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Canadian government announces $21 million in funding for rail safety projects The Canadian government announced it would spend more tha C$21 million to help fund 135 projects across Canada under the Rail Safety Improvement Program — Infrastructure, Technology, and Research. The funds will address grade crossing improvements, small projects such as fencing and pedestrian crossings, […]

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