LA Metro budget will restore service to pre-pandemic levels
LA Metro has released an $8 billion budget for fiscal 2022 including restoration of rail and bus service to pre-pandemic levels and the start of testing for two projects: the 8.5-mile Crenshaw/LAX light rail line, also known as the K line, and the 1.9-mile Regional Connector, which will tie together existing Metro lines and allow passengers to avoid L.A. Union Station for transfers. The budget also includes funding for continued construction of several other Metro projects. The balanced budget is aided by federal coronavirus support. Metro’s board of directors will consider the budget during May meetings; more information is available here.
Loan to Mt. Washington Cog Railway will allow replacement of rail dating to 1874
New Hampshire officials have approved a 20-year, $1.2 million loan for the Mount Washington Cog Railway, allowing the long-running tourist attraction to upgrade its right-of-way. The New Hampshire Union Leader reports the railway will replace its current 25-pound rail, dating to 1874, with 100-pound rail, allowing the replacement of wooden side pieces that are prone to failure. Railway president Wayne Presby wrote in a report to the state Department of Transportation that the project “will result in a smoother ride, lower future track maintenance and a significant reduction in damage to rolling stock, thus reducing maintenance costs substantially.” The work could be completed by the end of September.
North Dakota rail inspection program extended but fails to gain permanent status
North Dakota legislators have extended a state rail inspection program until at least 2025, but regulators involved in the program are disappointed the legislature didn’t move to make the program permanent. The Fargo Forum reports the program found more than 10,000 mechanical and track defects in 2019 and 2020, and issued 127 violations over problems that posed an imminent danger. The three members of the North Dakota Public Service Commission, which oversees the program, felt that showed the need to secure the program’s future with one commissioner, Julie Fedorchak, saying the $600,000 budget over two years is a reasonable cost. Some legislators feel the program duplicates inspections performed by the railroads and federal regulators, while others say the current sunset date allows regular reevaluation.
I read an excellent article on the Cog’s rail replacement process in one of the trade magazines. While I miss the full steam operation, I think the operation is in excellent hands. I am glad I had the opportunity to visit when the side mountain was alive with multiple steam locos, but I am equally glad there will be a railroad there I can bring my grandkids to. (We will just get there early so grandpa can ride the “old” train 😉