December 2020 – Railfanning.org

FRA Issues Final Rule for Time Freight Equipment Can be Left Off-Air

December 23, 2020 Railfanning.org News Wire

The Federal Railroad Administration has issued a final rule, extending the amount of time freight rail equipment can be left off-air — with its air brake system depressurized — before requiring a new brake inspection.

Feds sending $4 billion to support beleaguered MTA

December 23, 2020 The Center Square

The federal government is sending $4 billion to New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), but agency leaders say they still need another $8 billion.

Feds Sending $14 Billion to Transit, $1 Billion to Amtrak as Part of $2.3 Trillion Bill

December 22, 2020 Railfanning.org News Wire

The federal appropriations measure Congress passed this week includes $14 billion in “emergency funding” for public transit and $1 billion for Amtrak.

South Dakota State Railroad Board Agrees to Sell Sioux Valley Line to the D&I Railroad

December 19, 2020 Railfanning.org News Wire

The South Dakota State Railroad Board has finalized an agreement for the South Dakota Department of Transportation to sell the Sioux Valley rail line to the D&I Railroad Co. for $10 million.

NJ Transit Meets the Deadline: FRA Certifies PTC System

December 18, 2020 Railfanning.org News Wire

NJ Transit’s Positive Train Control (PTC) system has been certified by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) as meeting the Dec. 31 deadline for implementation.

New Book from Railfanning.org Editor to be Released in January

December 18, 2020 Railfanning.org News Wire

A new book chronicling the Northeast Corridor by Railfanning.org editor Todd DeFeo is set to be released in early January.

Biden Names Buttigieg as Pick to Head Department of Transportation

December 15, 2020 Voice of America

President-elect Joe Biden has named Pete Buttigieg, one of his former rivals for the Democratic presidential nomination, as head of the Department of Transportation in his new administration, according to news accounts Tuesday.

NJ Transit Board signs off on $1.8 billion funding agreement for Portal Bridge replacement

December 14, 2020 The Center Square

The NJ Transit board of directors has signed off on a $1.8 billion plan to replace a 110-year-old movable bridge over the Hackensack River on the busy Northeast Corridor.

NJ Transit Board Approves Funding Agreement for Portal North Bridge Replacement

December 11, 2020 Railfanning.org News Wire

NJ Transit’s Board of Directors authorized the execution of a Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA) with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to construct a new Portal North Bridge.