Railfanning.org News Wire – Page 186

MARTA Won’t Operate New Atlanta Streetcar

December 13, 2013 Todd DeFeo

MARTA will not operate the new Atlanta streetcar when it begins operations next year, WABE reported.

The Cross-Tie: Vol. VI, Issue 1

December 12, 2013 The Cross-Tie

Throughout the course of its four-plus decade history, Amtrak has drawn the scorn of detractors who saw the federally-subsidized passenger railroad is a drain on taxpayers. Now, millions of dollars in losses on the railroad’s food and beverage service have given more ammunition to opponents. Amtrak said it plans to eliminate losses on food and beverage service over the next five years. But, will that be enough to silence critics? Click here to read more. Metro-North Crash Brings Positive Train Control Back Into the Conversation The revelation the engineer at the controls of the Metro-North train that crashed in the

FRA Orders Metro-North to Follow Speed Limits

December 6, 2013 Railfanning.org News Wire

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) on Friday issued an Emergency Order to Metro-North Commuter Railroad, mandating the railroad take immediate steps to ensure its train crews do not exceed speed limits.

Feinstein: Wrecks Could Have Been Avoided With PTC

December 5, 2013 Railfanning.org News Wire

U.S. Sen. Diane Feinstein wants to step up efforts to install Positive Train Control (PTC) on the nation’s railroads.

FRA: Passenger Cars’ Vestibule, Interior Doors Must Have Removable Panels, Windows

December 4, 2013 Railfanning.org News Wire

A new rule recently announced by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) requires that passenger cars’ vestibule and interior passageway doors be fitted with removable panels and windows and also a manual override to open doors.

Amtrak: Looking to Curb Food, Beverage Losses Over Next Five Years

December 4, 2013 Railfanning.org News Wire

Throughout the course of its four-plus decade history, Amtrak has drawn the scorn of detractors who saw the federally-subsidized passenger railroad is a drain on taxpayers.

NTSB Boots Union from Metro-North Investigation, Fox Reports

December 4, 2013 Railfanning.org News Wire

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has booted a union from the investigation into a fatal Metro-North crash in the Bronx on Sunday, Fox News reported.

Siemens, Cummins Team Up on New Diesel Electric Passenger Locomotive

December 4, 2013 Railfanning.org News Wire

Siemens Rail Systems and Cummins are partnering on a new passenger locomotive the companies say will be one of the most energy-efficient and lightweight diesel electric locomotives available today in North America.

Conversation Turns to Positive Train Control Following Metro-North Crash

December 3, 2013 Railfanning.org News Wire

With the revelation the engineer of the Metro-North train that crashed Sunday in the Bronx and killed four people might have zoned out just before the crash, the conversation has turned toward the implementation of Positive Train Control (PTC).

Metro-North Train Speeding at Time of Crash, NTSB Says

December 2, 2013 Railfanning.org News Wire

The Metro-North train that crashed Sunday in the Bronx and left four people dead was traveling 82 m.p.h. as it took a curve with a speed limit of 30 m.p.h., various media reported today. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating whether human error or brake failure is to blame, The Associated Press reported. But, the NTSB said on Twitter there “were 9 station stops prior to the derailment. We are not aware of any prior issues with the brakes.” “The zone leading up to that curve is 70 miles per hour and yes, there was an excess of speed,”