Railfanning.org News Wire

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Transit

Tracks are in the Ground for New Atlanta Streetcar Line

July 3, 2013 Todd DeFeo
ATLANTA — Crews continue to install tracks for a new streetcar line that is set to start operating next spring. When it opens, the 2.7-mile streetcar line will connect with MARTA, the city’s transit system. Future plans call for the new streetcar to tie into the Atlanta BeltLine, a public-private partnership that is building walking paths along a ring of mostly abandoned railroad right-of-ways that circle the city. Workers are expected to install a block of track every three to four weeks. The new line is funded with nearly $100 million – or roughly $37 million per mile – in
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CSX

CSX Reminds Communities: Enjoy the Summer, But Use Caution Around Railroad Tracks

July 3, 2013 Railfanning.org News Wire
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — With summer activities in full swing and the Fourth of July holiday approaching, CSX Corporation (NYSE: CSX) reminds everyone to stay away from railroad tracks and motorists to use caution at grade crossings. “We hope our community neighbors enjoy their picnics, fireworks and time with family and friends, but never underestimate the dangers of trespassing or playing on railroad property,” said Terry Ludban, director – community affairs and safety. “Always be alert and remember to play it safe near railroad tracks.” Tracks are private property. Walking or riding on tracks or other railroad property without the permission
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CSX

CSX Celebrates July Maintenance Marathon

July 1, 2013 Railfanning.org News Wire
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — CSX employees on July 1 kicked off an eight-day maintenance marathon, designed to complete work that would normally take 18 weeks. This accelerated timeline will be accomplished by temporarily re-routing traffic on the CSX main line in portions of three southeastern states to give workers uninterrupted time for upgrades and repairs. “Thanks to our dedicated employees, we’re able to complete an incredible amount of work, while minimizing disruptions to our customers, to keep rail traffic moving safely and reliably,” said Oscar Munoz, executive vice president and chief operating officer. “We call it a jamboree because of the
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Transit

MARTA won’t raise fare in 2014

June 11, 2013 Railfanning.org News Wire
ATLANTA — MARTA will not raise its fare under a Fiscal Year 2014 budget the MARTA Board of Directors approved on Monday. The budget, which takes effect July 1, includes $426.9 million for operations and $430.5 million for capital programs, including $141.1 million for debt service. The regional transit provider originally planned to increase its base fare from $2.50 to $2.75 during the upcoming fiscal year and would have included increases in 2015, 2016 and 2018 fiscal years. MARTA officials say the approved budget includes a five-year strategy to stabilize the agency’s finances, improve employee morale and the overall customer
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Transit

MARTA investigating May 23 bus, train wreck

May 24, 2013 Railfanning.org News Wire
MARTA is investigating a May 23 accident involving a bus on Route 123 that was struck by a freight train at a railroad crossing in the City of Decatur. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the accident which occurred about 6:30 a.m. at the intersection of South McDonough and East Howard Avenue. MARTA Operator Donna McMullen was travelling northbound with four passengers aboard when she reported the bus became “stuck” as it proceeded across the tracks. As a westbound train approached, McMullen followed MARTA emergency protocol and safely evacuated the bus. The ensuing impact caused serious damage to the bus
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Amtrak

Amtrak CEO: Time for ‘dedicated, multi-year federal operating and capital funding’

May 7, 2013 Todd DeFeo
Amtrak turned 42 years old this month, and the railroad’s president says it is time for a “dedicated, multi-year federal operating and capital funding for Amtrak and intercity passenger rail.” The national railroad, created as a result of the President Richard Nixon-signed Rail Passenger Service Act of 1970, took over passenger service from struggling railroads, and its first train, The Clocker, departed from Union Station in New York at 12:05 a.m. on May 1, 1971. Today, the railroad operates 305 weekday trains across a network of 21,100 rail miles. “With record ridership and strong financial performance, Amtrak is successfully fulfilling
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Amtrak

Amtrak Auto Train Launches Priority Vehicle Offloading

April 23, 2013 Railfanning.org News Wire
WASHINGTON – Amtrak Auto Train now offers a new upgrade option for passengers who want to speed up their journey. Passengers can purchase an upgrade to Priority Vehicle Offloading and their vehicle will be one of the first 20 offloaded from the train. Vehicle counts can total 200-300 per train. This new service will help passengers get to their destination sooner. Priority Vehicle Offloading can be purchased now and is available for travel beginning April 29. For a $50 fee, Priority Vehicle Offloading is available by calling 877-SKIP-I-95 or for purchase at any staffed station. This upgrade can be added
Amtrak

Amtrak: Northeast Corridor Faces Investment Crisis

April 22, 2013 Railfanning.org News Wire
WASHINGTON — The success of the Northeast Corridor (NEC) has used up much of the legacy capacity of the existing railroad and depleted its infrastructure assets leading to a “major coming investment crisis that, without a solution, will mean strangled growth and deteriorating service” for 260 million intercity and commuter rail passengers who rely on it each year, Amtrak President and CEO Joe Boardman told a Congressional committee today. “We have pushed the current NEC infrastructure about as far as it can go, but the end of demand and growth is nowhere in sight. A new model for investment is