Union approves one-year extension of contract with Denver RTD
The largest union representing employees of Denver’s Regional Transportation District has voted by a 90%-10% margin in favor of a one-year extension of its current contract. The website Colorado Politics reports Amalgamated Transit Union Local 101, which represents approximately 2,300 rail and bus operators and other employees, approved the contract by a vote of 569-63. The extension includes a $500 bonus to each employee and a $6.2 million contribution to their pension fund. The RTD board is scheduled to vote on the extension today.
Downeaster agency, Maine DOT seek site for new Portland station
Maine’s transportation department and the agency which operates Amtrak’s Downeaster are seeking a site for a new Portland station to replace the current station, which adds 15 minutes to each trip because of its location off the main line used by the train. Maine Public Radio reports that Nate Moulton, director of freight and passenger rail services for the state department of Transportation, said his agency has “come to a point where the department is willing to pass the baton on to [the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority] to work on whether we can get a facility located on the main line.” A state study identified a location on St. John Street as the ideal location, but rail authority executive director Patricia Quinn said quick action is needed, as other potential sites have already been developed. Quinn also said the agency is looking to restore a fifth round trip to Boston by late May.
CSX train derails in Cumberland, Md.
Forty-seven cars of a CSX Transportation train derailed Sunday afternoon in Cumberland, Md., WDVM-TV reports. There were no injuries, and no hazardous materials were involved. Contractors are currently engaged in cleanup. No other information was immediately available.
