Eng, former LIRR president, to become new MBTA general manager

Man in white shirt at podium

BOSTON — Former Long Island Rail Road President Phillip Eng will become the new general manager of the problem-plagued Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey announced Eng’s selection in a statement today, saying Eng “is the proven leader the MBTA needs to improve safety and reliability across the system and restore the public’s […]

Read More…

Metrorail safety commission investigating improper use of automated operating system

Rapid-transit train arrives at above-ground station

WASHINGTON — The independent body which oversees safety matters for the DC Metrorail system is investigating an incident in which a train operator improperly used Metrorail’s automated operating system, and is working to determine if other operators have done so, as well. The Washington Post reports the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission is looking into a […]

Read More…

MBTA sets April service outages for track repairs

Workmen repair track

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority has announced a significant number of service disruptions in April for track work to address speed restrictions on its rail rapid transit network, as well as some commuter rail work. No work is planned the weekend of April 15-16 because of anticipated increased ridership for Boston Marathon events. […]

Read More…

MBTA debuts new speed restriction dashboard

Map of transit system with box showing data on speed restriction

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Board is now providing online information on speed restrictions on its rail transit network through on online tool launched on Thursday. The Speed Restriction Dashboard provides information on the location, speed limit, date a restriction was put in place, and the reason for the restriction, on the Red, Orange, […]

Read More…

News report: NTSB considering request to expand railroad safety investigation

National Transportation Safety Board logo

WASHINGTON — The National Transportation Safety Board is considering a request from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to expand its current investigation of Norfolk Southern safety practices to cover all Class I railroads, the Capitol Hill news site Roll Call reports. Schumer (D-N.Y.) made the request earlier this month in a letter to NTSB Chair […]

Read More…

Former New York City Transit chief Byford to join Amtrak

NYC_Byford_Spielman

NEW YORK — Former New York City Transit President Andy Byford will join Amtrak in a newly created role, senior vice president of high speed rail development programs. The new job, first reported by Streetsblog NYC, was announced in an Amtrak email to employees today (Thursday, March 23). He will join the company April 10. […]

Read More…

Study says Scranton-New York passenger service could carry more than 470,000 riders annually

Map of Scranton-New York City rail route

SCRANTON, Pa. — A two-year analysis of potential rail service between Scranton and New York City estimates the service could carry more than 470,000 riders per year and generate some $111 million annually in economic benefits. The study released by Amtrak and the Pennsylvania Northeast Regional Railroad Authority includes development of a sample schedule, economic […]

Read More…

NJ Transit engineer awarded $11.6 million for injuries suffered after passing out in locomotive cab

NEWARK, N.J. — An NJ Transit engineer whose career was ended by injuries suffered when he passed out in the cab of a locomotive with non-functioning air conditioning was awarded $11.6 million by a jury, NJ.com reports. Scott Lupia, 47, filed a Federal Employer’s Liability Suit after a July 21, 2020, incident in which he […]

Read More…

‘Adirondack’ tickets now on sale for service beginning April 3

Train approaches station in snow-covered landscape

NEW YORK — Following intense pressure from New York politicians, Amtrak has started selling tickets for travel on the New York-Montreal Adirondack, which will resume operation April 3 northbound and April 4 southbound. Ticket sales began Monday, March 20. It is the last route to be reinstated following widespread suspensions that took place in March […]

Read More…

MBTA lifts last global speed restriction

Light rail vehicle in subway station

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority lifted the last of the global speed restrictions on its rapid transit lines on Sunday night, ending the blanket 25-mph restriction on the Green Line. The agency said in a press release that the overall slow order had been replaced by targeted block speed restrictions, which cover about […]

Read More…

Genesee Valley Transportation prepares for move of PA

Men shaking hands in front of blue and white diesel locomotive

BATAVIA, N.Y. — The move of a preserved Alco PA locomotive from Oregon to its new home at Genesee Valley Transportation’s shops in Scranton, Pa., is tentatively slated to begin in April, although exact plans have yet to be finalized, GVT President Michael D. Thomas says. Thomas, speaking Sunday with Trains News Wire, said no […]

Read More…

Reading & Northern names first VP for governmental affairs, EVP for strategic planning (updated)

Reading and Northern logo

PORT CLINTON, Pa. — Matt Johnson has been appointed to Reading & Northern’s new position of vice president-governmental affairs, the railroad has announced. Also, Christina (Tina) Muller-Levan has been appointed executive vice president-strategic planning. Johnson has been with the railroad since 2005 in roles ranging from police officer to head of the R&N police force […]

Read More…