Test trains set to run on Point Defiance Bypass
Sound Transit and Amtrak will run test trains over the Point Defiance Bypass on Sunday, May 16, as part of continuing efforts to prepare for passenger service on the line in the Tacoma, Wash., area. Trains will run between the Tacoma Dome stadium and Nisqually Junction, where the bypass joins the existing coastal BNSF line, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., and will operate at speeds up to 79 mph. Amtrak trains have not used the line since the fatal December 2017 derailment of an Amtrak Cascades train on the inaugural run for bypass service. Sound Transit, which owns the line, has indicated trains will be moved off the coastal route to the bypass this year, but has not set a date [see “Digest: Point Defiance Bypass service to resume in spring or summer 2021,” Trains News Wire, Dec. 4, 2020].
Operation Lifesaver receives funding for programs in 11 states
Operation Lifesaver Inc. has announced Operation Lifesaver programs in 11 states will receive $200,000 in Federal Highway Administration grants for a variety of grade crossing safety education projects. The programs in California, Arizona, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, North Carolina, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Washington state will use the funds to launch public awareness campaigns and host events to deliver safety tips to target audiences. Many will be in conjunction with Operation Lifesaver’s observance of Rail Safety Week, set for Sept. 20-26. Programs will include advertising on radio, cable television and digital platforms; social media; geofencing, and personal outreach. More details are available here. “We are excited to see the results of projects as we work to stop track tragedies,” Rachel Maleh, Operation Lifesaver Inc. executive director, said in a press release.
DC Metro to increase bus service, but maintains current rail operation, won’t offer discounts
DC Metro will increase bus service on some 60 routes in early June, but Metrorail operations will remain at their current level of about 80% of pre-pandemic service. WTOP Radio reports rail ridership remains about 15% of pre-COVID-19 figures, but Metro does not plan to use fare discounts to try to lure back riders, since a survey found price was not a consideration in their decision to ride. Instead, Metro will focus on health and safety, emphasizing how effectively cars provide fresh air.
Since they now have PTC on the Fort Defiance Line, why isn’t the speed limit where feasible, 90 mph?
Once people loose the incentives to stay at home and begin returning to work ridership should increase dramatically. Incentives should not be needed.