Dallas agency breaks ground for Silver Line rail project

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DALLAS — More than 30 years after the project was first proposed, Dallas Area Rapid Transit has broken ground on the Silver Line commuter rail line. Multiple groundbreaking ceremonies were held Thursday along the route of the 26-mile line, NBC-5 of Dallas-Fort Worth reports. The route will use a former Cotton Belt right-of-way to connect […]

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MTA announces first 48 stations to receive accessibility upgrades under capital plan NEWSWIRE

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NEW YORK — The Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced the first 48 subway stations to be upgraded to full accessibility under the Americans with Disabilities Act under its proposed capital plan for 2020-24. Increased ADA compliance is one of the primary goals of the capital plan outlined earlier this week [see “MTA outlines 2020-24 capital plan,” […]

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Virgin Trains clears first hurdle in bond funding for Las Vegas service NEWSWIRE

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SACRAMENTO — Virgin Trains USA has received preliminary approval from a California state agency for the issuance of tax-exempt bonds to finance its Xpress West high speed rail project between Southern California and Las Vegas, Nev. On Wednesday, the state Debt Limit Allocation Committee recommended that the company receive the first $300 million of its […]

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Amtrak discussions at the head-end of private passenger car owners meeting this week in New Mexico NEWSWIRE

Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller greets AAPRCO members before touring the private cars at the Albuquerque Transportation Center.

Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller greets AAPRCO members before touring the private cars at the Albuquerque Transportation Center. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Amtrak was at the head end of topics discussed this week in Albuquerque for the American Association of Private Rail Car Owners’ 42nd annual convention. The convention opened on Tuesday with members of the Southwest […]

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Chicago mayor opposes plan for expanded Metra service to South Side NEWSWIRE

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A Metra Electric train departs the 47th Street/Kenwood Station in May 2019. Chicago’s mayor has come out against a plan that would lower fares and increase service on the Electric and Rock Island lines, saying it would hurt Chicago Transit Authority ridership. TRAINS: David Lassen CHICAGO — Mayor Lori Lightfoot has come out against a […]

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In rare public appearance, Amtrak’s Anderson delivers familiar themes NEWSWIRE

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Amtrak CEO Richard Anderson discusses his vision for the passenger railroad during a Thursday appearance at a travel industry conference in New York. Ralph Spielman NEW YORK — Amtrak President and CEO Richard Anderson made a rare public appearance Thursday at the Skift Global 2019 Travel Industry Conference, voicing many of the themes that have […]

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MBTA to begin Foxborough service in October NEWSWIRE

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FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — After a five-month delay, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is scheduled to begin a pilot program of commuter rail service to Foxborough on Oct. 21. The 11-month trial, approved last November, was originally slated to begin in May [see “MBTA to begin Foxborough service on trial basis,” Trains News Wire, Nov. 30, […]

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San Francisco-area transit agencies to study fare integration NEWSWIRE

SAN FRANCISCO — San Francisco-area transit agencies will study the possibilities of integrating their fares to reduce commuting costs. The San Francisco Examiner reports that the Clipper Executive Board, representing transit executives from the region, has approved the study, which will take 12 to 14 months. The $599,839 cost will be covered by residual funds from […]

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Bombardier to build new cars for GO Transit NEWSWIRE

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TORONTO — Ontario transit agency Metrolinx has announced it will buy 36 new bilevel railcars from Bombardier for GO Transit. The order will include 31 standard coaches and five accessible cars, and will add more than 6,000 new seats for GO Transit operations. The cars will be built at Bombardier’s Thunder Bay, Ont., plant, which […]

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Chicago suburb to apply for new Metra station NEWSWIRE

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The interior of one of the new heated waiting areas at Metra’s Healy station. The station was completed earlier this year but formal opening ceremonies were held Tuesday. TRAINS: David Lassen A conductor announces information for passengers as a Metra Electric train stops at the Homewood Station in 2016. Homewood has received funds for a […]

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