House Republicans propose 64% cut to Amtrak budget for fiscal 2024

Passenger train with electric locomotive

WASHINGTON — U.S. House Republicans have released a proposed budget for fiscal 2024 that would effectively force Amtrak “to radically reduce or suspend service on various routes across the nation,” according to Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner. The legislation marked up Wednesday also calls for substantial reductions in infrastructure programs benefitting passenger rail. Its release begins […]

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A look at the Atlas P42 locomotive

blue and silver model locomotive

The latest Premier locomotive from Atlas has hit the shelves! The P42 Genesis locomotive was developed from a previous MTH tooling that Atlas O acquired during the MTH tooling sale three or so years ago. This O gauge Premier line model sports some great Amtrak paint schemes The P42 was expected to be announced in […]

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VRE service still limited after Amtrak derailment in Washington

Two commuter trains side by side

WASHINGTON — Virginia Railway Express service remains limited for the morning commute as a result of Tuesday’s Amtrak derailment at Washington Union Station, VRE reported in a service alert. “Traffic is still suspended going into and out of Union Station,” the alert reads, “and we are still unable to retrieve our equipment from the coachyard […]

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Surfliner, Metrolink to resume service though San Clemente July 17

Passenger train departs station, as seen from bridge

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. — Metrolink commuter rail service and Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner will resume operation through San Clemente on Monday, July 17, Metrolink and the LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency have announced. The announcement comes a day after the board of directors of the Orange County Transportation Authority, which has been overseeing work at a landslide […]

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Proposal would require Madison Square Garden to work with Penn Station remodeling in return for new permit

Exterior view of Penn Station entrance with Madison Square Garden in the background

NEW YORK — Madison Square Garden would receive a new 10-year special permit to continue operations, but would be required to assist with improvements to Penn Station, under a proposal outlined by New York City officials on Monday. The website Gothamist reports the Department of City Planning wants to require the arena to make aesthetic […]

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Metro-North reopens Hudson line; Upper Harlem Line service to resume Wednesday (updated)

Hi-Rail vehicle on flooded track

NEW YORK — Limited service has resumed on Metro-North Railroad’s Hudson Line between Poughkeepsie, N.Y., and Grand Central Terminal as of this evening (July 11), with near-regular operations slated on that line and a full schedule on the Upper Harlem Line for Wednesday, July 12. The first northbound train to Poughkeepsie departed Grand Central at […]

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STB announces investigation on Sunset Limited timekeeping, sets procedure

Passenger cars at station with baggage being unloaded onto trailer and passengers walking on platform. Image of the Sunset Limited.

WASHINGTON — Responding to an Amtrak request from late last year, the Surface Transportation Board announced today (July 11) it will open an investigation into Sunset Limited timekeeping issues. Today’s board decision also outlines the framework for the process — a detailed procedure that will continue well into 2024. Establishment of that framework is necessary […]

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Minor Amtrak derailment disrupts service south from Washington

WASHINGTON — Amtrak service between Washington Union Station and Alexandria, Va., has been suspended following the low-speed derailment this morning in a tunnel to the station, the Washington Post reports. The derailment of the locomotive and a coach of Northeast Regional train No. 86 from Norfolk, Va., occurred at 8:47 a.m. One Amtrak employee was […]

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Progress on wall means rail service through San Clemente could return next week

Aerial view of landslide above railroad tracks

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. — Pacific Surfliner and Metrolink rail service through San Clemente could resume next week, based on progress in construction of a wall to protect both rail services from a landslide. The San Clemente Times reports that the wall beneath the Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens is nearing completion, according to an […]

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Metro-North to restore some Hudson Line service Tuesday; Amtrak still halted (updated)

Rocks being dumped along rail line

NEW YORK — Some Metro-North service will resume on the Hudson line on Tuesday, July 11, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced this afternoon (July 10). At least one train per hour will operate between Peekskill and Grand Central Terminal. This extends service two stations farther north than was available today, when damage from heavy rains […]

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Flooding halts Amtrak, Metro-North, CSX operations in Hudson Valley

Water rushing down hillside behind undermined railroad tracks

CROTON-HARMON, N.Y. — Flooding in New York’s Hudson River Valley has disrupted Amtrak, Metro-North, and CSX Transportation operations today (Monday, July 10). An alert on the Amtrak website says service between New York and Albany is suspended for at least the remainder of today as the Metro-North Railroad repairs tracks damaged by flooding. The New […]

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Federal government commits $6.88 billion to Hudson tunnel project

An Amtrak train emerges from the West Portal of the Hudson River tunnels.

WASHINGTON — The federal government has committed $6.88 billion to the Hudson River Tunnel project, the long-discussed additional connection between New York and New Jersey that will eventually double capacity into and out of New York’s Penn Station. News of the funding commitment was tucked somewhat innocuously into a Federal Transportation Administration press release announcing […]

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