More Thursday morning rail news in brief:
Ridership estimates improve for Massachusetts East-West rail, but still short of federal funding threshold
A long-proposed rail service between Boston and Springfield, Mass., could attract more riders than previously estimated — but still not enough to qualify for federal funding, according to Massachusetts Transportation Secretary Stephanie Pollack. The Boston Globe reports prior ridership projects for the “east-west” service have ranged from 36 to 800 depending on the route, speed, and frequency of the service. New estimates suggest the figure could be as high as 1,200 per day. But the state still believes the line could cost $2 billion to $25 billion to build, depending on the scope of the project, which means that even at the higher ridership estimate, it would fall short of federal requirements balancing costs and benefits. The state is currently studying six options for the service, and plans to narrow that to three in the near future and issue a final report this fall.
Possible closure of OmniTRAX line in Canada could force shippers to move to trucks
OmniTRAX plans to discontinue operations on the Canadian portion of its Kettle Falls International Railway, a move that has been approved by Canada’s Ministry of Transport but will leave the two major shippers on the line without rail service. The Boundary Creek Times reports discontinuing service between Grand Forks, British Columbia, and Laurier, Wash., will leave lumber company Interfor Grand Forks, which ships about 1,000 carloads per year, and home supply firm Pacific Abrasives and Supply reliant on trucks. Interfor estimates its shipping costs will increase by about $1.5 million per year, but mill manager Dave Parsons told the paper his company was unlikely to pursue ownership: “We’re a lumber products company and that’s what we’re really good at.” OmniTRAX president Sergio Sabatini told the paper in a statement that the railway is “not a good fit in our portfolio of rail properties” but that the company would look to sell the line before abandoning it. The 44-mile Kettle Falls International is a remnant of a larger OmniTrax line; 83 miles were sold to Progressive Rail in 2018, which operates that portion as the St. Paul & Pacific Northwest.
Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad to open Friday
The Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad will open for the 2020 season on Friday, with significant changes to the operation to protect against the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The railroad normally begins operations in April. Sierra News Online reports the railroad, located four miles from the south gate of Yosemite National Park in Fish Camp, Calif., will require reservations to limit the number of guests and assure social distancing, limit capacity to 50% of available seating, and ask health screening questions of all visitors. Masks are recommended for guests; passengers will receive wristbands rather than paper tickets, and extra sanitizing measure are in effect. For more information or online reservations, visit the railroad website.
