Amtrak expresses interest in Detroit-Toronto service NEWSWIRE

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WASHINGTON — Amtrak’s 2020 budget request includes a proposal to restore service between Detroit and Toronto, although it makes no estimate of the funding necessary to start the service. Curbed Detroit noted the line item, part of a table of “Funding Needs Above the Authorized Level,” which the report says “represents many of Amtrak’s priorities, […]

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Boston develops its vision of commuter rail in 2040 NEWSWIRE

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An MBTA commuter train crosses one of two drawbridges over the Charles River as it leaves North Station. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation is developing plans for expansion of Boston-area commuter service as it might look by the year 2040. Scott A. Hartley BOSTON — To see what commuter rail in Boston might look like […]

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New director sees momentum for Colorado Front Range passenger rail NEWSWIRE

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DENVER — The first project director of Colorado’s Southwest Chief and Front Range Passenger Rail Commission is ready to help move forward plans to link Denver by rail to cities north and south. Randy Grauberger, a 28-year veteran of the Colorado Department of Transportation, joins the rail commission after a stint with WSP Parsons Brinckerhoff. […]

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Denver to open commuter rail G Line on April 26 NEWSWIRE

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Passengers await the arrival of a Denver A Line train at the 40th Avenue-Airport Boulevard station in October 2018. Denver will open its second commuter rail line, the G Line, later this month. TRAINS: David Lassen DENVER — Denver RTD’s long-delayed G Line commuter rail operation is scheduled to open April 26, more than two years […]

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Police officer criticizes Amtrak for putting 13-year-old off train NEWSWIRE

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BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — A Battle Creek police officer is questioning Amtrak’s decision to remove a 13-year-old girl traveling alone from a train, but the passenger railroad says acted within its ticket policies and with safety in mind. WOOD-TV reports the incident in question occurred March 26, when the 13-year-old boarded a train in Lapeer, […]

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Aerospace executive named as new VIA Rail Canada CEO NEWSWIRE

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OTTAWA — Aircraft industry executive Cynthia Garneau has been appointed as the new president and CEO of VIA Rail Canada, replacing Yves Desjardins-Siciliano, who had held the position for five years. Her five-year term begins May 9. Her appointment, as well as the appointment of three members of VIA’s board of directors, were announced Friday […]

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April Fools Day pranks extend to railroading world NEWSWIRE

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An illustration from Brightline’s “announcement” of Convertible Class. Brightline/Virgin Trains USA April Fools Day did not pass unnoticed in the railroading world, as some organizations reported “news” in the spirit of the day. Among the highlights: — The San Antonio Zoo announced that its narrow gauge zoo train, the Eagle Train in Brackenridge Park, would […]

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Big week ahead for Virgin Trains USA’s Brightline NEWSWIRE

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An electronic display at MiamiCentral station in May 2018 features the Brightline logo. An event this week featuring Virgin Group founder Richard Branson will provide a look at the station’s rebranding as Brightline transitions to Virgin Trains USA. Bob Johnston MIAMI — Two events this week could provide insight into the look and expansion efforts […]

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First NJ Transit engineer training group completes classroom instruction NEWSWIRE

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NJ Transit train No. 5441 loads passengers at Newark Penn Station on March 13, 2019. NJ Transit’s first class to address its shortage of locomotive engineers has completed classroom training and could be operating trains by this fall. Ralph Spielman NEWARK. N.J. — In the midst of its 2018 issues with cancelled trains because of […]

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Full restoration of ‘California Zephyr’ service pushed back NEWSWIRE

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CHICAGO — Amtrak has revised its plans for the return of California Zephyr service along the train’s full route, now aiming for April 4 as the date for the restablishment of service. The train has not been operating east of Denver because of flooding in the Midwest. The passenger carrier had originally set today (April […]

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In first press conference, new MTA chairman discusses his role NEWSWIRE

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The MTA EzPass, to be used for New York’s congestion pricing, is already in use by 95 percent of those using toll bridges and tunnels to reach New York City. Ralph Spielman NEW YORK — Patrick Foye’s first public event as chairman of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, a Monday news conference, provided the first insight […]

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