Digest: Amtrak service in Vermont to resume July 19

Amtrak train on bridge crossing river

Vermont agency announces July 19 return for Amtrak service Amtrak service in Vermont will resume July 19, the state Agency of Transportation has announced. Intercity bus service will also resume on that date. “We are very pleased to announce the restart of these vital transportation services for Vermonters and those who wish to travel to […]

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News photo: Acela testing on North end of Northeast Corridor

Train passing through station

Northeast Corridor testing for Amtrak’s new Acela trainsets continues, with the second of the new trains set for about two weeks of testing on the North end of the corridor, including operation at speeds up to 165 mph on high speed trackage in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.It will also spend time in Boston for maintenance […]

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Digest: NJ Transit begins testing of first new ALP45 locomotive

Locomotive at station platform

NJ Transit ceremony marks start of testing for first new ALP45 NJ Transit marked the beginning of testing for the first of its 25 new Alstom ALP45 dual-power locomotives with a Tuesday ceremony at Newark Penn Station featuring Gov. Phil Murphy, NJ Transit CEO Kevin Corbett, and other officials. The new locomotives will undergo about […]

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Digest: Illinois agency provides funds to address ‘inherently dangerous’ crossing in Chicago suburb

Commuter train approaching grade crossing

Elmwood Park, Ill., to receive $24 million for planned  underpass at dangerous crossing The Illinois Commerce Commission is awarding $24 million to the village of Elmwood Park, Ill., for construction of an underpass at a grade crossing that was labeled “inherently dangerous” after a 2005 accident in which a Metra train struck six vehicles. The […]

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Digest: Amtrak to end 50% limit on seat sales in May

Amtrak logo.

Amtrak to lift capacity limits on seat sales in May Amtrak will end its 50% capacity limit for ticket sales on May 24, a company spokesman has confirmed to Trains News Wire. The passenger railroad will continue to display information on the percentage of seats available on the Amtrak.com website for those wishing to seek […]

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Digest: Three at Reading & Northern take new roles following Gilchrist retirement

Reading and Northern logo

Three at Reading & Northern take new roles following Gilchrist retirement Three Reading & Northern officials will take new roles following the retirement of Dan Gilchrist, executive vice president marketing and sales, on April 2. Rian Nemeroff, vice president forest products, has been promoted to senior vice president merchandise marketing and sales; Susan Ludwig has […]

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Super Power premier

Steam locomotive produces smoke on fast train

Super Power premier The era of modern steam power dates to Lima’s development of Super Power and the Boston & Albany Berkshire (2-8-4), which hauled freight through its namesake mountains. But the B&A locomotive’s small (63-inch-diameter) drivers failed to take advantage of its boiler to generate steam fast enough for high-speed service. Number 1421 is […]

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CSX files new regulatory review schedule for Pan Am acquisition

CSX logo

WASHINGTON — CSX Transportation today proposed a new merger review schedule that would cover its acquisition of New England regional Pan Am Railways. The Surface Transportation Board last week said the transaction should be considered a “significant” deal, not the “minor” transaction CSX had sought, and ordered CSX to submit a new schedule and merger […]

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Digest: MTA completes work on last of Sandy-damaged subway tunnels

Workers in subway tunnel

Work on F line tunnel completed, ending Superstorm Sandy repairs The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has completed reapirs on the F line subway tunnel under the East River, concluding work on all 11 MTA under-river tunnels that were damaged by the floodwaters of Superstorm Sandy in 2012. Janno Lieber, president of MTA Construction & Development, said […]

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Digest: Federal legislators reintroduce bill supporting fare-free public transit

Train operating in the median of Interstate 90

Massachusetts legislators introduce bill to provide $5 billion annually for fare-free transit U.S. Sen Edward Markey (D-Mass.) and Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass) have reintroduced legislation supporting state and local efforts to create fare-free public transportation. The Freedom to Move Act, originally introduced in 2020, would award $5 billion annually for a five-year period for competitive […]

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Digest: Toronto residents will need transit agency approval for home improvements near planned rail lines

Metrolinx logo

Toronto residents will need Metrolinx approval for home improvements near subway projects People who live next to planned Toronto-area subway projects could need permission from provincial transit agency Metrolinx for such home improvements as addition of a backyard deck or swimming pool. The Toronto Star reports that a law passed last year by the Ontario […]

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Rail and transportation officials sign agreement for Virginia passenger plan

Man at podium making gesture

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Virginia has finalized agreements with CSX Transportation, Amtrak, and Virginia Railway Express on the $3.7 billion partnership that will improve passenger, commuter, and freight railroad service in the state. “We are celebrating good news: An expansion of rail service that will reduce congestion, boost the economy, and make life better for people […]

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