Friday morning rail news:
Federal grant will allow construction to begin on South Shore double track project
The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District has received a $173 million federal grant for its Double Track project, which will add a second main for South Shore Line commuter service between Gary and Michigan City, Ind. The 26.6-mile project, with a total cost of $491 million, will bring an end to South Shore street running in Michigan City as part of its goal of improving travel times [see “Digest: Michigan City moves on land acquisition for South Shore project,” Trains News Wire, Dec. 14, 2020 “Reduced travel time and more frequent service options have been top priorities for those who rely on South Shore Line service,” NICTD President Mike Noland said in a press release. “They, along with important safety enhancements, are vital to the long-term success of commuter rail operations from South Bend to Chicago.” Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb said the federal funds would allow project construction to begin. FTA Deputy Administrator K. Jane Williams said in a press release that the agency “is proud to join our partners in northern Indiana to improve mobility, reduce travel times, and spur development along this corridor.”
Judge blocks strike by UP maintenance workers
A federal judge has ruled Union Pacific maintenance workers can’t strike over the railroad’s COVID-19 policies and procedures. KNBN-TV reports judge Brian Buescher ruled the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division must address its concerns through contract talks and does not have the right to strike. The union had said it was considering a strike because it wanted improve safety procedures addressing COVID-19 and full pay for those who have to quarantine because of exposure to the virus [see “Digest: BNSF train derails in Washington after hitting truck,” Trains News Wire, Dec. 23, 2020]. The union represents about 8,000 UP employees.
Toronto transit agency bans employee carpools; union cries foul
The Toronto Transit Commission is telling employees not to carpool to work, a move that has a union accusing the agency of hypocrisy. The Toronto Star reports the TTC issued the directive Jan. 5, saying that those who have no choice should travel no more than two to a vehicle and sit as far as possible. Starting Jan. 18, vehicles arriving at agency properties with more than two people will be stopped and occupants will be required to provide information including their name and employee number, and those who fail to follow protocols will not be permitted to enter. The president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 113, which represents TTC workers, called the rule “completely ridiculous. … You don’t want two members that work in the same location that are wearing masks in their vehicle together, but it’s okay for a bus to go by with 50 people on there?” An agency spokesman said the TTC is instituting the policy because carpooling has led to increased instances of self-isolation.
