More Tuesday morning rail news:
Charlotte seeks to stoke interest in commuter rail Red Line opposed by Norfolk Southern
The city of Charlotte is attempting to revive interest in a commuter rail project to Mt. Mourne, N.C., but Norfolk Southern remains opposed to the project, which would use its line north of the city. WSOC-TV reports that Assistant City Manager Taiwo Jaiyeoba told reporters that “there have been changes in leadership at Norfolk Southern that allows us to be able to reengage them in a positive way,” NS spokesman Jeff DeGraff said “there has not been any change” from the railroad’s “previous statement or stance.” The railroad has previously declined to lease its route for the proposed 25-mile, 10-station Charlotte Area Transit System Red Line [see “Charlotte vote could kill commuter rail project,” Trains News Wire, March 26, 2018]. The Charlotte Observer reports revival of the Red Line project is part of an effort to gain support for a sales tax referendum to fund transit improvements.
Man sentenced to 20 months in prison for bribing Amtrak official
A Delaware man has been sentenced to 20 months in prison for bribing an Amtrak purchasing official. John P. Gonzales, 61, of Milford, Del., pleaded guilty in February 2019 to one count of federal program bribery for payments of approximately $20,000 and providing trips and other items to contract administrator Timothy Miller. In exchange, Miller awarded more than $7.6 million in contracts to Gonzales’ company. “When businesses and public officials conspire to bypass the competitive bidding process, they not only harm other businesses seeking to compete, but they also undermine public confidence in the integrity of public works,” Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams said in a press release. “John Gonzales purchased influence with a government agency, Amtrak, and for that he must now face serious consequences.” The case was investigated by the Amtrak Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, and Internal Revenue Service.
MBTA to shut down part of Fitchburg line for two months
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority will replace commuter trains with buses on part of its Fitchburg line for about two months beginning March 1. The Lowell Sun reports the move is to allow work related to positive train control. Trains will operate between Wachusett and Littleton, with buses providing service between Littleton and Alewife, where passengers will be able to board the Red Line subway to connect to the rest of the MBTA rail system. The bus substitution is scheduled to continue on weekdays through May 2. Weekend service on the line was discontinued as part of recent MBTA service cuts.
