Monday morning rail news:
Amtrak, transit funds part of new coronavirus stimulus packageCongress has agreed to a coronavirus aid and stimulus package worth about $900 billion that includes money for transit and Amtrak. The Washington Post reports the House summary of the bill’s contents lists $14 billion in aid for transit, and $1 billion for Amtrak as part of a $45 billion package of transportation aid. The funding also includes $16 billion in airline employee support, $2 billion for intercity buses, and $1 billion for airports. Congressional leaders announced the deal Sunday afternoon and said the package could be approved quickly, the Post reports. Among other provisions, the deal includes individual stimulus checks of up to $600 for millions of Americans.
Two injured when DART light rail train derails, is hit by another train
Two passengers were injured Saturday when a Dallas Area Rapid Transit light rail train derailed and was hit by a train coming in the opposite direction at a downtown Dallas station. KXAS-TV reports the accident occurred about 1:15 p.m. at the St. Paul station, with a northbound Orange Line train derailing and being struck by a southbound Red Line train. Two people were taken to Baylor University Medical Center with minor injuries. Police and DART are investigating.
‘Verbal exchange’ preceded shooting involving FBI agent on DC Metro train
An FBI agent was involved in a “verbal exchange” with another passenger prior to shooting the other person on board a train, according to DC Metro Transit Police. The Washington Post reports the passenger has been hospitalized with gunshot wounds after the incident at about 6:40 a.m. on Tuesday [see “Digest: Montreal REM light rail project …,” Trains News Wire, Dec. 15, 2020]. Transit Police Chief Ronald A. Pavlik Jr. said in a press release that his agency is working with the Montgomery County, Md., State’s Attorney’s Office on the ongoing investigation, and that it is continuing to collect evidence, “including conducting interviews to determine what happened on that train.”
