2020 – Page 5 – Railfanning.org

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.

A Return to Folkston: South Georgia Railfanning in the COVID Era

October 16, 2020 Todd DeFeo

When it comes to watching trains, Folkston is a classic. The South Georgia city has long been a favorite for railfans, and it remains so in the COVID-19 era.

Amtrak Says it Needs Billions for the Northeast Corridor

October 12, 2020 The Center Square

Amtrak wants more than $1.7 billion in federal tax dollars for the Northeast Corridor, William J. Flynn, Amtrak’s president & CEO, said in a letter to congressional leaders.

Analysis: Staggers Rail Act Enabled Rail to Thrive Even During Crisis

October 10, 2020 The Center Square

October 14, 2020, marks the 40th anniversary of the enactment of the Staggers Rail Act signed by former President Jimmy Carter. The bipartisan legislation primarily deregulated the freight rail sector, which was on the brink of collapse in the 1970s.

Feds Plan $6.6 Million Campaign to Save Lives at Railroad Crossings

October 9, 2020 Railfanning.org News Wire

The Stop. Trains Can’t. campaign will run on radio, digital, and social media, educating drivers not to gamble with their lives at rail grade crossings.

Trump Issues Presidential Border Crossing Permit for Alaska-Alberta Rail

October 8, 2020 Railfanning.org News Wire

President Donald Trump issued a Presidential Border Crossing Permit for the Alaska-Alberta Railway Corporation, a crucial step for the $17 billion project.

Amtrak: Service, Staffing Reductions Possible Without More Tax Dollars

October 8, 2020 Railfanning.org News Wire

Following a conversation with Congress about what it says is its federal funding needs for the 2021 fiscal year, Amtrak submitted a letter to Vice President Mike Pence and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi formalizing an ongoing request for up to nearly $4.9 billion this fiscal year for Amtrak and its partners.

A N.J. Transit train departs from Montvale, N.J. on Feb. 10, 2016.

FTA Announces $9.1 Million for 10 projects in Nine States

October 8, 2020 Railfanning.org News Wire

The money, through the Safety Research and Demonstration and the Bus Operator Compartment programs, supports safety and innovation in the transit industry.

FTA Announces $8.5 Million in Funding for 25 Projects in 17 States

October 7, 2020 Railfanning.org News Wire

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced 25 projects in 17 states will receive a share of approximately $8.5 million in funding through the Helping Obtain Prosperity for Everyone (HOPE) program.