MBTA launches South Coast Rail service (updated)

People standing on platform waiting to board commuter train

BOSTON — Massachusetts’ South Coast Rail commuter operation is now officially in service. The 37-mile addition to the MBTA commuter rail network launched today (March 24, 2025), with the Fall River Herald News reporting that well over 100 people were on hand to catch the first train, a  scheduled 4:27 a.m. departure from New Bedford. […]

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Amtrak deals with Cascades mechanical woes, snowbound California Zephyr

SEATTLE — Amtrak maintenance issues that caused cancellation of Sounder commuter service spilled over into Cascades intercity departures, with buses substituting for Seattle-Eugene, Ore., service because of a shortage of serviceable equipment. Meanwhile, Amtrak’s eastbound California Zephyr tried to fight its way through a dangerous Nebraska blizzard — and lost. Those were among the operational […]

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Canadian government adds to funding for Hudson Bay Railway

Train passing through wilderness area with fall colors

OTTAWA, Ontario — The Canadian government has added to its financial commitment to the Hudson Bay Railway and the Port of Churchill, Manitoba, increasing its funding to Ca$175 million over the next five years. The funding announced Friday, March 21, will provide $125 million for operation and maintenance of the 627-mile railway, with a main […]

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News Wire recommended reading: Connecticut clocks in Australia

Railway clock at station

Time and travel provide the topics for the latest edition of News Wire recommended reading, articles we consider worth calling to your attention: — Australia’s Financial Review features a collection of antique railway clocks kept in a secure location beneath Sydney’s Central Station, and the uncertain plans for the valuable timepieces. The clocks, made for […]

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NJ Transit cuts fares for commuters affected by I-80 closure

Map of NJ Transit rail lines between Hackettstown, N.J., and New York City

NEWARK, N.J. — Beginning Monday, March 24, NJ Transit is cutting ticket costs in half  for travel from five stations shared by its Morristown and Montclair-Boonton lines to provide an alternative for commuters during the emergency closure of Interstate 80 in Wharton, N.J. The highway has been closed in both directions because of sinkholes likely […]

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UP train derails in West Texas

Six-photo montage of train derailment

  KENT, Texas — Approximately 33 cars of a Union Pacific manifest freight train derailed Friday in near the Culberson County community of Kent, KWES-TV reports. The derailment occurred about 5 a.m., a UP representative told the station. No one was injured and no hazardous materials were involved. The incident occurred near Interstate 10 about […]

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MBTA gets federal approval to start South Coast Rail service

View from platform of new commuter rail station

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority has received federal approval to begin South Coast Rail service, clearing the way for the launch of the expanded commuter rail operation on Monday, March 24. The Fall River Herald News reports the MBTA was informed the Federal Railroad Administration had granted approval on Friday, March 21, according […]

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Striking workers to vote on new Santa Clara VTA offer

Light rail train at station

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Members of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 265 will vote Saturday on a new contract proposal from the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, the VTA said today (Friday, March 21, 2025). However, the union’s negotiating team is urging members to reject the offer. The proposal would increase raises over the three-year life […]

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