Long Island Rail Road begins PTC testing on four branches NEWSWIRE

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A Long Island Rail Road train arrives at Jamaica station on Aug. 18, 2019. The LIRR has begun PTC testing with revenue trains on four branch lines. TRAINS: David Lassen NEW YORK — The Long Island Rail Road has begun operating select trains on four branch lines with positive train control, expanding use of the […]

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New York MTA outlines ongoing work in wake of Superstorm Sandy NEWSWIRE

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A new 4,280-foot-long bridge, spanning New York City Transit’s Coney Island Yard, is being built to carry power lines and communication cables for the yard as part of efforts to prepare the facility for extreme weather. The bridge will replace underground lines, offering better protection from flooding and easier maintenance. Ralph Spielman About a third […]

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MTA advances reorganization plan with request for proposals NEWSWIRE

MTA

NEW YORK — The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has issued a request for proposals for its Transformation Plan, the next step in reorganizing the agency. The request seeks a company or companies to support implementation of the plan, which will consolidate administration in areas such as finance, information technology, labor relations, customer communications, and safety. In […]

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With assaults on workers rising, NJ Transit increases employee training to avoid violence NEWSWIRE

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An NJ Transit crewman directs a passenger to a boarding location for a northbound Northeast Corridor train at Princeton Junction, N.J., on Aug. 6, 2019. The transit agency is adding to training to help employees deal with potentially dangerous situations. TRAINS: David Lassen NEWARK, N.J. — Responding to an increasing number of physical assaults on […]

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Costs rise for SEPTA fare system NEWSWIRE

SEPTA

PHILADELPHIA — The cost for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority’s smart fare system, Key, has swelled to $192.5 million — almost $70 million more than planned — the Philadelphia Inquirer reports. Most of the increase will pay for annual maintenance and services for the 8-year-old project, but it also includes unexpected costs such as replacement […]

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Port Authority approves rail projects for LaGuardia, Newark airports NEWSWIRE

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NEW YORK — A long-discussed rail link to LaGuardia Airport and replacement of the current monorail link to Newark Liberty Airport were among more than $4 billion in projects approved Thursday by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Each of the rail projects will cost about $2 billion, the Associated Press reports. […]

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Iowa Pacific goes along with abandonment of New York State branch in STB filing NEWSWIRE

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NORTH CREEK, N.Y. — New York State’s attempt to have a portion of the Saratoga & North Creek Railway’s tracks be declared abandoned is no longer opposed by Iowa Pacific, the line’s owner, according to a filing with the Surface Transportation Board. “SNCR has no objection to proceeding with the pending abandonment on a voluntary […]

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MBTA to refurbish 20 commuter coaches NEWSWIRE

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BOSTON — The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority will spend $33 million to renovate 20 commuter coaches, returning the cars to service to provide additional capacity until new equipment arrives. In a separate development, the MBTA’s contract commuter operator, Keolis Commuter Services, announced the temporary closure of a station for emergency repairs. The State House News Service […]

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VRE to offer new 7-day, 31-day passes NEWSWIRE

Virginia Railway Express logo

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Virginia Railway Express will modify its pass program, offering seven- and 31-day passes while phasing out its current five-day pass and limiting sales availability of its monthly pass to paper-ticket sales only. Prices for the new passes will be the same as the current five-day and monthly passes, with the 31-day pass […]

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Remembering Boston & Maine Railroad freight trains

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All this month — October 2019 — Classic Trains editors are celebrating the heritage, history, and images of the Boston & Maine Railroad. Please enjoy this photo gallery of images from the David P. Morgan Library archives at Kalmbach Media that include B&M steam-powered freight trains through time. You might also enjoy this B&M history […]

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MBTA begins Foxborough service trial

MBTA

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority debuts its pilot program offering commuter service to Foxborough, Mass., today as part of its fall revision of commuter train schedules. The Foxborough trains, serving a community which had previously only seen trains for New England Patriots football games and other special events at Gillette Stadium, are being […]

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NYC Transit chief resigns, then reconsiders NEWSWIRE

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NEW YORK — The head of New York City’s subway and bus system resigned from his position earlier this month but has since rescinded that decision, according to media reports. New York City Transit President Andy Byford handed in his resignation because he did not want to oversee possible cuts in service, and because of […]

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