Trains can run at reduced speed on Del Mar Bluffs, but another slide possible
A survey of a collapse of part of Southern California’s Del Mar Bluffs has determined trains can continue to run at reduced speed along the slide area, but the public is being warned to stay at least 50 feet away from the top and bottom of the area. The San Diego Union-Tribune reports the North County Transit District said in a Friday statement that “another bluff failure is possible due to cracks observed at the top of the bluffs and pose a significant risk to beachgoers.” The collapse of a portion of the bluffs on Feb. 28 reached within 35 feet of tracks owned by the transit district and used by Coaster commuter trains, Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliners, and BNSF freight traffic.
https://www.delmartimes.net/news/story/2021-03-06/significant-risk-authorities-urge-utmost-caution-along-below-cracking-del-mar-bluffs
Anacostia’s Jakubowski, Patriot’s Itzkoff join STB’s advisory council
Eric Jakubowski, chief commercial officer of Anacostia Rail Holdings, and Donald Itzkoff, chief policy officer of Patriot Rail Co., have been named to the Railroad-Shipper Transportation Advisory Council of the Surface Transportation Board. “Both Eric and Donald have extensive experience in matters of concern to the Board,” STB Chairman Marty Oberman said in a press release. “I appreciate Eric’s focus on advancing technology and improving business practices, as well as his operational experience. Donald is uniquely familiar with Board policy, as someone who helped formulate and implement the Interstate Commerce Commission Termination Act of 1995. I welcome Eric and Donald to RSTAC and I’m sure that all RSTAC members look forward to working with them on ensuring effective and efficient interstate rail transportation.” The council focuses on issues of importance to small shipper and small railroads; more information is available here.
MBTA set for significant reductions on three subway routes
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority will maintain all subway routes and hours of operation, but reduce frequencies on three of four subway lines by about 20% as of March 14. Boston.com reports those cuts will equate to average rush-hour headways of about 5½ minutes on the Red Line, 8½ minutes on the Orange Line, and 9½ minutes on the Green Line. The Blue Line, which has seen the highest ridership during the pandemic, will see cuts of up to 5%. A number of bus routes will be suspended or consolidated. Commuter-rail schedule changes are also coming, but have not been finalized and will take effect at a later date.
https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2021/03/05/mbta-cuts-bus-subway-march-14
