Tuesday afternoon rail news:
Caltrans, high speed project reach agreement on use of state-owned right-of-way
The California Department of Transportation and Xpress West, the Virgin Trains USA/Brightline subsidiary planning to build a high speed rail line between Southern California and Las Vegas, Nev., have reached agreement on a lease allowing the rail line to build in state-owned right-of-way along Interstate 15 east of Apple Valley, Calif., near Victorville. Approximately 135 miles of the planned 170-mile high speed route will be in California. Caltrans Director Toks Omishakin called the agreement “a major milestone” in a press release, while Sarah Watterson, chief development officer for XpressWest, said, “At every stage of this project we have received tremendous support from California, which recognizes the need for car-free, emission-free transportation options.”
Baltimore transit, MARC commuter trains set return to normal schedule
The Maryland Transit Administration will restore normal levels of subway, light rail, and bus service in the Baltimore area as of July 12, while the MARC commuter train will resume normal levels of service on its Penn, Camden, and Brunswick lines on July 13. Two bus lines that cater mostly to students will remain suspended, while commuter buses will begin limited operations on July 13 and regular service on July 27, the Baltimore Sun reports.
Quebec to require masks on transit as of July 13
As expected, the province of Quebec will begin requiring transit passengers to wear face coverings. The Montreal Gazette reports Premier Francois Legault announced today that the requirement will be effective July 13, with those who attempt to ride without a mask being denied entry. There will be no fines for those who do not comply, Legault said; the punishment will be the denial of access. A two-week grace period is planned through July 27 before the denial of service begins.
