Digest: FBI agent charged in shooting onboard DC Metro train

FBI agent faces attempted murder charge for shooting on Metrorail train

An FBI agent has been charged with second-degree attempted murder as a result of a 2020 shooting aboard a DC Metro subway train. The Washington Post reports Eduardo Valdivia, 37, was also charged with first-degree assault, reckless endangerment, and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, according to court records unsealed Tuesday. The Dec. 15 incident saw another passenger hospitalized with gunshot wounds following a “verbal exchange” between the two [see “Digest: Transit, Amtrak to get funds …,” Trains News Wire, Dec. 21, 2020]. Authorities say Valdivia fired two shots in an extreme overreaction to a confrontation with an unarmed stranger, while the agent’s attorney say he was acting in self-defense.

High water shuts down Hudson Bay Railway

The Hudson Bay Railway, which provides the only land transportation to remote Churchill, Manitoba, is temporarily shut down because of high water along the rail line. The Winnipeg Sun reports the CEO of owner Arctic Gateway Group says the situation is not comparable to the washout that led to an extended closure in 2017-18 [see “Service on long-closed line …,” Trains News Wire, Nov. 6, 2018]. This shutdown is expected to be short-lived and is a precautionary move because the high water could soften the rail bed. The route normally sees three VIA Rail Canada trains and two freights per week.

LA Metro board gives OK to further work on fareless pilot program

The LA Metro Board of Directors has approved advancing a pilot program for fareless service which would offer fare-free service for students and low-income individuals, which could eventually lead universal fareless service across the Metro rail and bus system. The motion, which passed by a 12-0 vote, requires a funding plan and assurances the program would not hinder the agency’s service or its ability to meet state-of-good-repair needs. More information is available here.