October 2020 – Railfanning.org

Feds sending $15.9 million to upgrade rail signals on Amtrak’s Harrisburg Line

October 31, 2020 The Center Square

The federal government is sending more than $15.9 million to upgrade railroad signals between Paoli and Overbrook on the Amtrak-owned Harrisburg Line.

New York’s MTA Says ‘Apocalyptic Scenario’ Looming Without $12 Billion Federal Bailout

October 31, 2020 The Center Square

Leaders at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) say they need $12 billion in federal dollars, or they may be forced to take “draconian service reductions.”

Feds Contribute $18.2 Million to Trenton Transit Center Rehab Project

October 29, 2020 The Center Square

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is sending more than $18.2 million to N.J. Transit to help pay for upgrades to the Trenton Transit Center, improving the station’s oft-maligned condition.

A N.J. Transit train in Montvale, N.J., in March 2018.

N.J. Transit Adopts $2.6 Billion Operating Budget for the 2021 Fiscal Year

October 29, 2020 Railfanning.org News Wire

N.J. Transit Board of Directors has adopted a $2.6 billion operating budget for the 2021 fiscal year. It also approved an $11.2 billion capital budget for projects already funded and nearly $5.8 billion for “proposed projects for which funding has yet to be identified,” but that are vital to its operations.

Georgia rail companies ask state for millions more in tax incentives

October 27, 2020 The Center Square

Short-line railroad companies that help transport goods across Georgia called on state lawmakers Tuesday for more funding.

Republicans Want to Know Whether Amtrak Gave Any Perks to Biden

October 23, 2020 The Center Square

Republicans on the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee want to know whether Amtrak gave Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden special treatment.

Authorities Offering Reward for Information About 1995 Amtrak Derailment

October 16, 2020 Railfanning.org News Wire

Authorities continue to probe an Oct. 9, 1995, derailment of an Amtrak train in Arizona and are offering a reward of up to $310,000.

Report: Amtrak Does Not Know Extent of Challenges with its Safety Culture

October 16, 2020 Railfanning.org News Wire

Amtrak has acknowledged longstanding challenges with its safety culture. However, the railroad does not know the extent of these challenges because it has not established a baseline of its employees’ values, attitudes, and perceptions on safety and safety initiatives.

Amtrak Reaches Settlement with Survivor of Washington Derailment

October 16, 2020 The Center Square

A survivor of a deadly Amtrak train derailment near DuPont, Washington that killed three people and injured dozens has reached a settlement, lawyers representing her announced late Wednesday.