Commuter Rail – Page 41 – Railfanning.org

U.S. Department of Transportation Announces $1 Million Grant for West Virginia to Develop State Rail Plan

March 31, 2011 Railfanning.org News Wire

WASHINGTON — U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced $1 million for the State of West Virginia to develop a state rail plan that will serve as a blueprint for guiding the state’s rail investment strategies.

Metrolinx Acquires Commuter Rail Segment of CN’s Kingston Subdivision

March 30, 2011 Railfanning.org News Wire

TORONTO — Metrolinx has purchased a section of CN’s Kingston Subdivision rail line, used primarily for commuter and passenger rail operations in eastern Toronto, for C$299 million.

Amtrak and MTA Work Together to Make Improvements for Passengers

March 15, 2011 Railfanning.org News Wire

WASHINGTON – Amtrak and the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) have partnered with other Washington Union Station stakeholders to install a new LED train information board in the Main Hall of Washington Union Station.

Amtrak Now at Temporary Denver Station

February 10, 2011 Railfanning.org News Wire

DENVER — Amtrak has temporarily relocated from the historic Denver Union Station to 1800 21st St., at the intersection of 21st St. and Wewatta St., near Coors Field in Downtown Denver’s Prospect Neighborhood. The temporary station is completely accessible to passengers with disabilities, offers Quik-Trak self-serve ticketing kiosks, free Wi-Fi and vending machines with snacks and beverages. Amtrak passengers are encouraged to plan to be picked up and dropped off at the temporary location. Approximately 15 short-term parking spaces are available at the lot on the east side of the station for passenger pick-up and drop-off. The temporary station is served by a RTD bus stop just steps from the

Hersman: Investigations Highlight Need for New Perspective on Safety Culture

January 26, 2011 Railfanning.org News Wire

WASHINGTON — National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Deborah A. P. Hersman said accident investigations highlight the need for a new perspective on safety culture, record-keeping and aging infrastructure. In a speech to the audience at the Transportation Research Board (TRB) conference, Hersman discussed four investigations across all modes of transportation. She highlighted several accidents that claimed the lives of dozens and encouraged attendees to embrace lessons learned to prevent future accidents. “If you’re going to build a transportation project that’s going to stand for decades, the foundation of future operating decisions may well be based on the original documentation. Make sure your records stand the test of time,” Hersman said. Hersman

FTA, Houston Officials Looking at U.S. 90A Corridor Improvements

January 10, 2011 Railfanning.org News Wire

HOUSTON — The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County are planning to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) examining proposed transit improvements to the U.S. 90A/Southwest Rail corridor in the Houston metropolitan area.

MTA Announces F and G Culver Viaduct Rehabilitation Project

January 4, 2011 Railfanning.org News Wire

NEW YORK — MTA New York City Transit is making repairs and improvements to Brooklyn’s Culver Line including the rebuilding of the Viaduct structure and the renewal of its tracks, signals and switches.

FRA, Calif. DOT Conducting Environmental Study on Corridor

January 4, 2011 Railfanning.org News Wire

LOS ANGELES — The FRA and the California Department of Transportation will jointly prepare an environmental impact statement and a program environmental impact report for improvements to a rail corridor between Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo, according to a notice in the Federal Register.

Washington Metro to Conduct Mid-Day Red Line Track Work

January 4, 2011 Railfanning.org News Wire

WASHINGTON — Washington Metro Red Line trains will share a single track for four hours a day between the Silver Spring and Forest Glen Metrorail stations weekdays to allow for track work.

Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit Selects Sumitomo for DMUs

January 3, 2011 Railfanning.org News Wire

NEW YORK — California’s Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit District (SMART) has selected Sumitomo Corp. of America and its car builder partner, Nippon Sharyo, to supply 18 Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs).