Pittsburgh transit agency outlines plans for major service cuts

Light rail train at underground station

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Regional Transit has announced plans for a 35% cut in service and a 25-cent fare increase to take effect in February 2026 to address a projected $100 million budget deficit. According to the plans released March 20, light rail cuts would include the elimination of the Silver Line, ending service to 12 […]

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Striking workers to vote on new Santa Clara VTA offer

Light rail train at station

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Members of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 265 will vote Saturday on a new contract proposal from the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, the VTA said today (Friday, March 21, 2025). However, the union’s negotiating team is urging members to reject the offer. The proposal would increase raises over the three-year life […]

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Chicago transit agencies paint dire picture of major service cuts

Two commuter trains on three-track main line in golden-hour lighting

CHICAGO — Expanding on a warning issued by Metra’s CEO earlier this month, the Chicago-area Regional Transportation Authority has released a dire picture of potential cuts to area transit if a potential $770 million funding shortfall is not addressed before the current state legislative session ends in May. Metra CEO/Executive Director Jim Derwinski said Metra […]

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More service, lower prices boost Winter Park Express ridership

Passenger train in snow with people waiting to board

DENVER — Increased frequency and capacity and lower prices have led to a significant boost in ridership for Amtrak’s Winter Park Express ski train. Colorado Public Radio reports that one-way tickets were priced as low as $19, thanks to use of a state fee on rental car funds designated for rail projects. Trains were also […]

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MBTA expands free service for launch of South Coast Rail

Map of rail lines in southeastern Massachusetts

<hrL BOSTON — The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s South Coast Rail service, scheduled to launch on Monday, March 24, will offer free weekday service through March 31, the MBTA has announced. The free weekday trial period is in addition to previously announced free weekend service through the end of April [see “Schedule released …,” Trains […]

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Federal government pushes back deadline to end New York’s congestion pricing

Street sign for New York congestion pricing zone

NEW YORK — The federal government has pushed back its deadline for New York to end its congestion tolling program in Manhattan — but Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy clearly isn’t happy about it. In a social media post today (March 20, 2025) addressed to Gov. Kathy Hochul, Duffy said the date to end the tolling […]

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Four rail bridges on list of those needing assessment of collapse risk in ship collision

Some of the nation’s most famous bridges, including four that carry rail or rail transit traffic, are on a list of 68 the National Transportation Safety Board says need to be assessed to determine their vulnerability to collapse if struck by an ocean-going vessel. The list — which includes such landmarks as the Golden Gate […]

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STB sets schedule for Metra-Union Pacific trackage rights case

Commuter train passes under bridge with freight train in distance

WASHINGTON — The Surface Transportation Board has set the schedule to address Metra’s request for action compelling Union Pacific to continue allowing commuter rail service on its Chicago-area rail lines, establishing a timeline that will have the matter in the board’s hands for consideration by late June. In a decision released today (March 20, 2025), […]

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CEO’s dismissal signals the beginning of the end for Amtrak: Analysis

Nothing good will come from Wednesday’s dismissal of Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner, who was pushed out as part of the White House’s purge of officials who are not deemed loyal to President Donald Trump. The timing of the move was curious. The Trump administration has been seeking to pull funding for programs it deems wasteful […]

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Flooding sets back Stadler earnings

Red train next to highway

BUSSNANG, Switzerland — Flooding that affected production at plants in three countries delayed completion of almost $400 million in orders, resulting in a significant drop in earnings for Swiss-based rail equipment manufacturer Stadler, the company said in announcing annual financial results on Wednesday, March 19. Still the company continued to gain orders, increasing its order […]

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Rocky Mountaineer ‘Rockies to Red Rocks’ trips to serve Denver Union Station

Blue passenger cars with white and copper trim in mountains

DENVER — Although seasonal revenue round trips between Denver and Salt Lake City won’t debut until April 2026, Rocky Mountaineer single-level SilverLeaf equipment will make a six-day training round trip to the Utah capital next week. It will also be the tour train’s initial departure from Denver Union Station. Beginning this year, passengers will leave […]

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