First Tri-Rail express train disrupted by pedestrian accident

View from bridge of commuter train at station

PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. — The launch of a new express service on South Florida commuter rail operator Tri-Rail was disrupted Monday when another train struck and killed a pedestrian, halting operations and forcing the commuter operator to provide buses on the inaugural train of the service. The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports a northbound Tri-Rail train […]

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Metrolink set for significant service expansion this fall

Commuter train arrives at station

LOS ANGELES — Metrolink plans to offer expanded service this fall as part of its efforts to move from commuter-oriented service to a “regional rail” concept, KTLA-TV reports. The agency has also hired a new “Chief People Officer,” Metrolink announced Monday. Systemwide, the plan calls for about a 30% increase in service under the fiscal […]

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Mexican president again says Maya Train will be completed by September

Two women and two men on passenger train

CANCÚN, Mexico — Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has again promised the Maya Train project will be completed by mid-September, before he leaves office, while President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum has endorsed the controversial project on the Yucatan Peninsula. Mexico News Daily reports that López Obrador and Sheinbaum traveled on two segments of the Maya Train […]

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FTA offers grants for projects to improve transit convenience

Federal Transit Administration logo

WASHINGTON — The Federal Transit Administration is offering $1.94 million in grants to fund research projects to improve customer convenience, such as finding easier ways to pay for rides or to enhance schedules based on rider demand. The Enhancing Mobility Innovation program is open to transit agencies; state and local transportation departments; state and local […]

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White paper urges public ownership of U.S. railroads

Green and yellow box-cab diesel pulling freight train

Rail labor groups today released a report calling for public ownership of Class I freight railroads in the U.S., arguing that the current system is broken because it’s beholden to Wall Street. The 98-page report contends that the Class I railroads’ relentless focus on cost-cutting has hurt safety, service, employees, infrastructure investment, and passenger service. […]

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VIA’s Venture fleet expanding to Windsor, Ont., this summer

Man in suit on station platform with train in background

WINDSOR, Ontario — Although no effective date has been announced, VIA Rail Canada CEO Mario Péloquin said last week at a public event that the new Siemens trainsets would begin migrating to Toronto-Windsor trains this summer. The Venture equipment debuted by replacing 1950s-vintage Budd stainless steel HEP-1 and HEP-2 coaches and 1980s Bombardier “Light Rapid […]

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Amtrak awards contract to replace Connecticut River Bridge

Illustration of double-track bridge with lift span in middle

NEW YORK — Amtrak announced on Friday, June 28, that had awarded a construction contract to build a new Connecticut River Bridge on the Northeast Corridor to replace the existing 116-year-old structure. A joint venture of O&G/Tutor Perini received the contract award for the $1.3 billion project, which has received a $827 million Federal Railroad […]

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Person killed after becoming trapped under MBTA train

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority logo

BOSTON — A person was killed Friday after becoming trapped under a Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Orange Line train, reportedly after stumbling and falling into the tracks. WFXT-TV reports emergency crews were called to the Jackson Square MBTA station in Boston’s Jamaica Plain neighborhood about 12:45 p.m. Friday after a victim was found on the […]

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Gotthard Base Tunnel set for full reopening Sept. 2

Tractor working inside tunnel

FAIDO, Switzerland — Work in the Gotthard Base Tunnel to repair damage from an August 2023 derailment is complete, SBB, the Swiss Federal Railways, announced Thursday. Plans are to resume full operations through the tunnel on Monday, Sept. 2. The reopening will restore service in less than 2 hours between Zurich and Lugano, and end […]

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