Mask requirement for trains, planes, transit extended through Sept. 13
(Bob Johnston)
The Transportation Security Agency has extended the face mask requirement for public transportation, including trains, commuter operations, and commercial aircraft, through Sept. 13. The requirement,which went into effect Feb. 1, had been set to expire May 11. “Right now, about half of all adults have at least one vaccination shot and masks remain an important tool in defeating this pandemic,” TSA official Darby LaJoye said in a press release. “We will continue to work closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to evaluate the need for these directives and recognize the significant level of compliance thus far.” Existing enforcement details, including fines of $250 to $1,500 for violations, remain unchanged.
Groundbreaking marks beginning of project to replace 107-year-old NJ Transit station
Officials including Gov. Phil Murphy and NJ Transit CEO Kevin Corbett were on hand Friday for groundbreaking of a new NJ Transit station in Lyndhurst, N.J., which will replace a 107-year-old structure. The new structure, to be built about two blocks southeast of the current station, adjacent to existing parking. It will be fully ADA accessible and will feature improved lighting and platform canopies among other features. A $30.9 million grant from the Federal Transit Adminstration will help pay for the new building. “With the Township of Lyndhurst obtaining a new world class train station to benefit our residents and ease commuting to Manhattan and other metropolitan areas, I am thrilled that our long-standing efforts and lobbying with NJ Transit have come to fruition,” Lyndhurst Mayor Robert Giangeruso said in a press release. The existing station, located on the ex-Erie Suffern-Hoboken Main Line, served an average of 1,000 passengers per day prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Altamont Corridor Express adds third round trip as of Monday
Altamont Corridor Express commuter rail service between Stockton, Calif., and San Jose will add an additional round trip as of Monday, the Pleasanton Weekly reports. Resuming operation will be westbound train 05, a 6:40 a.m. departure from Stockton, and eastbound train 06, a 4:35 p.m. departure from San Jose. The additions will mean ACE will be offering three round trips on weekdays; it had operated four daily round trips prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
