Motorcycle special recalls Amtrak’s era of experiments

Motorcycle rider waiving while driving.

  In the 1990s Amtrak managers sought to use mail and express business to bolster revenue. A byproduct of that initiative, which involved beefing up baggage handling facilities and acquisition of boxcars, was aggressively seeking ways to use equipment. New Hampshire-based motorcycle event promoter Charlie St. Clair was a member of Amtrak’s Customer Advisory Committee […]

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Pullman: America’s Hotel on Wheels – DVD Preview

Black and white image of craftsmen wearing ties and in a woodshop.

In the golden age of long-distance train travel, Pullman trains offered impeccable overnight services that were second to none. In this Classic Trains special preview video, learn more about America’s Hotel on Wheels through first-person recollections, detailed explanation of car routing, and examination of the various Pullman car types. Enjoy, and then order the full-length […]

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Austin transit agency halts rail operations

Austin MetroRail service has been shut down Monday and Tuesday because of winter weather. TRAINS: David Lassen

  Austin commuter rail operations suspended because of weather Austin, Texas, transit agency Capital Metro has suspended commuter rail service Monday and Tuesday because of the winter storm hitting the state. After shutting down all operations at 8 pm. Sunday, some services resume this morning and will from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. both days, […]

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New York MTA enlists Jerry Seinfeld, other celebrities for mask-use ads

MTA logo

Jerry Seinfeld, Whoopi Goldberg among celebrities recording MTA announcements on mask use, distancing The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has launched a new series of public service announcements, featuring New York celebrities like Jerry Seinfeld, Whoopi Goldberg, and sports broadcaster Michael Kay, to promote mask use and social distancing on public transit. “This has been a difficult […]

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Metra filing in Union Station dispute draws pointed reply from Amtrak

Chicago Union Station

WASHINGTON — The latest filings in the Amtrak-Metra dispute over Metra’s lease at Chicago Union Station, while peripheral to the primary issues before the Surface Transportation Board, suggest significant antagonism remains between the two parties. In a Feb. 8 letter, Metra’s attorney asked the board to strike a Jan. 29, 2021 letter from Amtrak, saying […]

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Charlotte begins testing on CityLinx Gold Line extension

Trains Magazine placeholder image

The Charlotte Area Transit System has begun testing for its Phase 2 extension of the CityLYNX Gold Line streetcar line, slated to open later this year. Intermittent overnight testing was slated to begin Feb. 9 and will continue for several weeks, QCityMetro.com reports. The initial tests are to check electrical systems and platform clearances; they […]

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Digest: New Coaster locomotives, refurbished cars debut

Blue and green bilevel commuter coach

Tuesday morning rail news: North County Transit District debuts new Coaster locomotives, refurbished cars San Diego’s North County Transit District placed the first five of its new Siemens Charger locomotives into service Monday, along with several newly renovated passenger cars. The locomotives, which began testing in October [see “News Photo: New Coaster locomotives begin testing,” Trains News Wire, […]

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