NJ Transit trains meet in Elizabeth, N.J., in August 2019. A highly critical state auditor’s report says the commuter railroad is at risk of missing the deadline for positive train control implementation, among other issues. TRAINS: David Lassen Friday morning rail news of note: — A state auditor’s report says NJ Transit is at risk […]
Railroad: Amtrak
News Wire Digest for Wednesday, Jan. 29 NEWSWIRE
BNSF has completed the process of removing these locomotives, which derailed in a Jan. 1 accident, from an Idaho River. Idaho State Police A morning look at notable rail news: — BNSF Railway has completed the process of removing two locomotives from the Kootenai River in Idaho following a Jan. 1 derailment, KHQ TV reports. […]
Amtrak tests Charger locomotives on ‘Empire Builder’ route NEWSWIRE
Charger locomotive No. 4627 leads an Amtrak test train through Wauwatosa, Wis., on Tuesday afternoon. Amtrak is testing the locomotives for use in long-distance service. TRAINS: David Lassen CHICAGO — People along Amtrak’s Empire Builder route are getting a preview of the future of long-distance passenger service this week as the railroad runs a test […]
Amtrak to begin offering bus-only tickets in California NEWSWIRE
STOCKTON, Calif. — Amtrak will begin offering bus-only tickets on some routes in California, following approval of the plan by the agency which oversees San Joaquin train service. KGET-TV reports the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority voted at a Friday meeting to allow the passenger railroad to sell bus-only tickets on its Bakersfield-Oxnard-Santa Barbara and […]
Illinois members of Congress call on Amtrak to meet accessibility needs NEWSWIRE
The official portrait of U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth Sen. Tammy Duckworth WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth and two other members of the Illinois congressional delegation have sent Amtrak CEO Richard Anderson a letter expressing their unhappiness over the recent incident in which passengers using wheelchairs were quoted a price of $25,000 to travel from […]
Mississippi cities urge Mobile, Ala., to support Amtrak service
MOBILE, Ala. — A group of Mississippi cities that would be served by revived Amtrak service along the Gulf Coast are urging the Mobile City Council to join in supporting the effort to begin New Orleans-Mobile passenger operations. The Mobile council is scheduled to vote today whether to pledge its financial support for the proposed […]
Funding shortfall leaves Missouri owing Amtrak $6.5 million NEWSWIRE
Passengers board a Missouri River Runner at Kirkwood, Mo., in 2014. The state of Missouri owes Amtrak more than $6 million in unpaid bills for the train’s operation. Bob Johnston JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The state of Missouri owes Amtrak more than $6 million for operation of the state-supported Missouri River Runner, a debt which […]
Amtrak train strikes maintenance truck in Connecticut, six passenger injured NEWSWIRE
HARTFORD, Conn. – An Amtrak train has struck an engineering truck at Newington, about 5 miles southeast of Hartford on Friday. Six people onboard the train are injured. Two workers in the truck were able to escape before the impact, according to local media reports. Passengers were transferred to another train in the afternoon. According […]
Oversight report says Amtrak at risk of missing deadline for new Acelas NEWSWIRE
A power car for one of Amtrak’s new Acela trainsets takes shape at Alstom’s Hornell, N.Y., plant in June 2019. Bob Johnston WASHINGTON — A day after Amtrak released a video of its new Acela trainset moving for the very first time, the passenger carrier’s Office of Inspector General released a report warning there is […]
Engineer sues Amtrak over fatal ‘Cascades’ derailment NEWSWIRE
The engineer in the fatal December 2017 Amtrak Cascades derailment in suing Amtrak, alleging he was not properly trained. Steve Carter TACOMA, Wash. — The engineer at the controls of an Amtrak train involved in a fatal Washington state derailment in 2017 has sued the passenger railroad, alleging that he was not properly trained. On […]
Kansas Legislature committee discusses Amtrak ‘Heartland Flyer’ extension NEWSWIRE
Amtrak’s southbound Heartland Flyer arrives at Norman, Okla., on June 13, 2015 Bob Johnston The Ways and Means Committee of the Kansas Legislature meets to discuss the extension of Amtrak’s Heartland Flyer from Oklahoma City to Newton, Kan. Evan Stair TOPEKA, Kan. — The Ways and Means Committee of the Kansas State Legislature met Jan. […]
Mobile, Ala., support for Amtrak service remains uncertain
MOBILE, Ala. — Resistance to helping fund Gulf Coast Amtrak service remains among Mobile City Council members ahead of an expected Jan. 28 vote on a financial commitment by the city. Earlier this week, a three-member council finance committee failed to recommend support for a resolution which would commit the council to provide money toward […]