News photos: Former Metrolink diesels set to join GO Transit

TORONTO — A group of F59 locomotives from LA-area commuter operator Metrolink will be used for operational support for GO Transit and as spare parts for GO Transit’s existing F59 fleet, provincial transit agency Metrolinx has announced. Ontario Northland will refurbish the locomotives, Metrolinx said in a press release that focused primarily on planned renovations […]

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California legislator seeks to block state funding for high speed rail project

Aerial view of large bridge project

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A California state legislator has introduced a bill seeking to halt funding for California’s high speed rail project from the state’s greenhouse gas program and direct $1 billion annually to wildfire prevention and water projects. Assembly Bill 267 was introduced by Assemblywoman Alexandra Macedo (R-Tulare, Calif.) on Jan. 17. It calls for […]

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Southern California rail service to resume after power-line disruptions

Damaged rail next to electric line across track

LOS ANGELES — After two days of disruptions, train service interrupted by downed power lines between Los Angeles and the City of Commerce is set to resume. Amtrak is showing that the eastbound Southwest Chief departing LA today (Jan. 28) will serve its stops at Fullerton and Riverside, Calif., after two days in which trains […]

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Caltrain continues to see ridership rise following electrification

High-angle view of Caltrain commuter train running near water

SAN CARLOS, Calif. — Caltrain continues to see a ridership boost following the shift to electrified operation, with service up 41% in December compared to the same month a year earlier. The commuter rail operator recorded more than 588,000 riders in December, up from 416,000 in December 2023. The average weekday ridership of just over […]

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Brightline West now expecting to launch in December 2028

Illustration of high speed train in desert

LAS VEGAS — Brightline West no longer expects to launch operations in time to capitalize on visitors to the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, according to a company bond offering. KTNV-TV reports that the 1,200 pages of documents related to that bond offering indicate that passenger service is now likely to begin in December […]

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California high speed project targets spring for trainset decision; “committed and aggressive” on continuing construction

Large concrete bridge

FRESNO, Calif. — Despite federal funding uncertainty, California High-Speed Rail Authority officials say they “remain committed and aggressive in moving this historic project forward while actively pursuing additional funding.” The authority made that assertion in a statement to Trains News Wire following a board of directors meeting Thursday (Jan. 23, 2025) at the authority’s Fresno […]

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Efficiency of Caltrain electric equipment leads operator to lower estimate of electric costs

People on platform taking photos of new train

SAN CARLOS, Calif. — Caltrain’s electrified equipment is performing far more efficiently than expected, the agency announced at its month board meeting, which could result in $3 million annually in electric savings. The regenerative braking on Caltrain’s Stadler trainsets is sending approximately 23% of the energy consumed by the system. Electric use is averaging 207 […]

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Renderings envision private, luxury LA-San Francisco sleeper train

Illustration of sleeping compartment with queen bed and large seating area

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — Dreamstar Lines, which hopes to launch luxury overnight train service between San Francisco and Los Angeles, has released conceptual renderings of Art Deco-inspired interiors for its equipment. The company commissioned Designworks, a BMW Group company, to create initial concepts for its plan to retrofit cars with four types of accommodations, in […]

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Metrolink offering free-ride vouchers for those affected by Southern California fires

Silver, teal, and black locomotive pushes train out of station

LOS ANGELES — Commuter rail agency Metrolink has begun offering free-ride vouchers for those impacted by Southern California’s wildfires. The Metrolink effort joins one by Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner, which is offering $10 fares between any two locations on the San Luis Obispo-San Diego LOSSAN corridor. Metrolink is working with local aid groups and elected officials […]

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LA’s Metrolink to adjust San Bernardino Line schedule to address timekeeping issues

Commuter train rounds curve

LOS ANGELES — Metrolink will adjust schedules on its San Bernardino Line as of Jan. 27 in an effort to address on-time issues that led the agency to offer discounts to monthly pass holders in January and February. The commuter agency’s CEO, Darren Kettle, said in a year-end message to riders that Metrolink’s efforts to […]

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