News Wire Digest second section for Friday, March 6 NEWSWIRE

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More Friday morning rail news: — Legislation introduced Thursday in Congress would end Amtrak’s forced arbitration policy, which bars passengers and their families from suing the passenger carrier if they injured or killed in crashes. The Washington Post reports the legislation, introduced in both houses, would do away with the policy introduced last year which […]

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New York tunnel needs, Amtrak break-even claims questioned in hearing NEWSWIRE

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WASHINGTON — Witnesses told a U.S. House of Representatives hearing Wednesday that investment in America’s rail infrastructure needs to be sharply increased. Six witnesses addressed the House Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee hearing titled, “Funding a Robust Freight and Passenger Rail Network,” addressing the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization. Video of the nearly 2½-hour hearing […]

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News Wire Digest second section for Tuesday, March 3 NEWSWIRE

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More Tuesday rail news: — Following the lead of several airlines, Amtrak says it will waive ticket-change fees for travelers wishing to change plans because of concerns over the coronavirus that has killed six people in the U.S. In a statement on its website, the passenger railroad says it will waive the fees on new […]

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Trains News WIre Digest for Monday, March 2 NEWSWIRE

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Rail news to begin your week: — Amtrak is working on plans to increase maintenance work on its century-old tunnels under the Hudson River, work which is likely to lead to disruptions in service for Amtrak and commuter-rail passengers. Amtrak executive Stephen Gardner told the Associated Press that the railroad is “trying to balance what […]

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News Wire Digest second section for Tuesday, Feb. 25 NEWSWIRE

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Amtrak and real-estate firm Related Companies will pursue funds from the Department of Transportation for the next phase in the development of Manhattan’s Hudson Yards. TRAINS: David Lassen More Tuesday morning rail news: — Related Companies, the real estate firm which led the building of the first part of Manhattan’s Hudson Yards development, has signed […]

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News Wire Digest second section for Monday, Feb. 24 NEWSWIRE

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More Monday morning rail news: — In response to an increase in onboard crime, Amtrak is moving many of its police officers out of stations and onto trains. The Washington Post reports. Amtrak had reportedly planned to reduce its police force last year [see “Union official tells paper Amtrak plans 20-percent cut to police force,” […]

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News Wire Digest Second Section for Feb. 21 (updated) NEWSWIRE

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More Friday morning rail news: — The Tennessee legislature’s transportation committee has passed a bill supporting a feasibility study for Amtrak service between Nashville and Atlanta, responding to an idea proposed by Amtrak in January [see “Amtrak suggests new routes to Tennessee legislative committee,” Trains News Wire, Jan. 17, 2020]. Curbed Atlanta reports the study […]

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Trains News Wire Digest for Friday, Feb. 21 NEWSWIRE

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A Long Island Rail Road train arrives at Jamaica station on Aug. 18, 2019. The LIRR’s efforts to implement positive train control face a new issue involving interoperability with Amtrak trains. TRAINS: David Lassen A look at Friday morning rail news: — Installation of positive train control on the Long Island Rail Road faces a […]

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San Francisco Zephyr

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New EMD F40PH diesels lead the westbound San Francisco Zephyr east of Denver in June 1981. Amtrak acquired more than 200 such locomotives in multiple batches. Bob Johnston photo […]

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A look inside new Acela’s power car NEWSWIRE

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The left operator’s screen displays brake pressure, power consumption, and other information. The temporary wi-fi antenna above the screen facilitated transmission of data from sensors during the train’s trip to Colorado. Bob Johnston The screen shown above is to the left of the operator’s seat, which is centered in the cab interior. TRAINS: David Lassen […]

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