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Amtrak

Amtrak Welcomes Chicago RTA Transit Checks

CHICAGO — Frequent users of Amtrak trains to and from Chicago can save money by buying tickets using special “Transit Checks” issued by their employers through the Chicago-based Regional Transportation Authority (RTA). Effective today, Amtrak will accept the checks that list Amtrak among the area transportation providers. Amtrak accepts RTA Transit Checks for the purchase of multi-ride tickets that are perfect for long-distance commuters and others who make regular trips in Illinois. They are also usable for other routes, with many available connections through Amtrak Chicago Union Station. “Although Amtrak does not currently receive funding from the Chicago RTA, we
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Commuter Rail

Teamsters: MBTA Has Poor Safety Record

WOBURN, Mass. – Following the Jan. 9 deaths of two workers on the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, the Teamsters voiced their disappointment to what they say is a poor safety record on the railroad. “Per mile of railroad operated, MBCR has one of the worst roadway worker safety records of any railroad in the country,” said Rick Inclima, Director of Safety for BMWED. “There have been four BMWED roadway worker fatalities on the MBCR since December 6, 2003, yet the railroad has not taken significant steps to improve roadway worker safety. MBCR management still refuses to even fill the vacant
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Commuter Rail

Dispatcher Focus of MBTA Probe

WOBURN, Mass. — Federal investigators looking into a fatal wreck on the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority are focusing their atention on a train dispatcher, according to The Associated Press. Two workers were killed Tuesday when an MBTA commuter train struck a piece of track equipment. As part of their investigation, agents are looking at conversations the dispatcher had with the workers, according to The Associated Press. The train was traveling 60 mph and was heading from Lowell to Boston when it struck a “speed swing” near the commuter rail station in Woburn killing the workers. A dozen other people, including
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Commuter Rail

Investigation Into WMATA Wreck Continues

WASHINGTON – The National Transportation Safety Board is continuing to investigate the Jan. 7 derailment of a Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) rail car near the Mount Vernon Square station on the Green Line. The investigation team is completing documenting and measuring track structures near the crossover where the derailment occurred. Survey of the accident scene is in progress. The team is in the process of reviewing historical data and inspection records for that area of track. Twenty people were injured following the derailment. The derailed car, the fifth in consist, has been moved to the Branch Avenue Maintenance
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Commuter Rail

Workers Struck by MBTA Train, Two Killed

WOBURN, Mass. — Two workers were killed Tuesday when a Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority commuter train struck a piece of track equipment. The train was heading from Lowell to Boston when it struck a “speed swing” near the commuter rail station in Woburn killing the workers. A dozen other people, including 10 passengers, were treated for injuries. The incident remains under investigation, officials said. A “speed swing” is used to lift railroad ties. The two workers were employed by the Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad Co.
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Commuter Rail

Metrorail Service Back to Normal After Sunday Derailment

WASHINGTON – Service on the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) was back to normal today, a day after a six-car train derailed near the Mount Vernon Square station. The Mt. Vernon Square/7th St-Convention Center Metrorail station, which serves the Green and Yellow lines, was closed Sunday, Jan. 7, from 3:46 p.m. to midnight after a Green Line train derailed as it was pulling into the station. The fifth car (car number 5152) of the six-car Green Line train headed north toward Greenbelt derailed and struck a concrete wall in the tunnel as the train was entering the station. It
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Commuter Rail

WMATA Train Derails, 20 People Injured

WASHINGTON – Twenty people were injured yesterday following a derailment on the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). Service was disrupted for some time following the derailment near the Mount Vernon Square station. The train that derailed was six cars long. Although Mount Vernon Square station was open for Monday morning rush hour, authorities implemented speed restrictions for trains traveling through the area of the derailment. Of the 20 people injured, no one was reported to be in critical condition. The National Transportation Safety Board has been called in to investigate. In November, two WMATA workers were killed after they
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Commuter Rail

Caltrain: The Future is Bright

SAN CARLOS, Calif. – Over the next two decades, Caltrain will makeover its whole railway, improving its tracks, bridges and terminals, and transitioning to an electric train system, according the to a Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board, which recently released its 2006 progress report for Caltrain. “Bay Area residents can be proud that they have a world-class railroad in their back yard,” said Caltrain Board Chair and San Jose City Councilman Ken Yeager. “Our riders already appreciate the easy commute, and they are only going to see things get better.” The report provides a snapshot in time of the railroad’s
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Commuter Rail

MBTA Looking to Buy New Equipment

BOSTON – Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is beginning the process of buying 38 new diesel electric passenger locomotives and 75 bi-level commuter rail coaches. In search of the most technologically advanced equipment, General Manager Daniel A. Grabauskas directed his staff to open up the competition to every available manufacturer worldwide, the railroad said. “We need to take advantage of new technology,” said MBTA General Manager Daniel A. Grabauskas. “A fuel efficient, dependable and environmentally friendly commuter rail vehicle is what our customers deserve and why we are encouraging manufacturers to competitively bid this work.” Presently, MBTA’s fleet consists of 410 coaches
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Commuter Rail

Man Struck and Killed by Train on Red Line Last Week Identified

SILVER SPRING, Md. – A man who was struck and killed by a Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Red Line train last Friday has been identified as 21-year-old Edwin Rodriguez of Silver Spring. Rodriguez was reported missing to Montgomery County Police on Jan. 1. At 6:14 p.m. Dec. 29, Rodriguez, intentionally stepped in front of a six-car Metrorail train upon its arrival at the Glenmont Metrorail station, WMATA said. The investigation was conducted by Metro Transit Police and the Montgomery County Police Major Crimes Division. The Maryland State Medical Examiner’s Office will issue the final ruling regarding the death.