DOT announces $900 million in BUILD grants (updated) NEWSWIRE

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WASHINGTON — Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao on Tuesday announced 55 projects in 35 states which will receive funding under the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development grants, with funding totaling $900 million. Half of the funds were awarded to projects in rural areas, with a maximum award of $25 million for a single project and no […]

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MBTA commuter train operates with door open on packed coach NEWSWIRE

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BOSTON — Keolis Commuter Services, operator of Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority commuter trains, says it is investigating a Tuesday incident in which a packed train operated with one coach door open. WHDH-TV reports that a commuter on the Middleboro-bound train from Boston’s South Station tweeted that “there were people holding on for their life … […]

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MTA commuter lines update PTC progress NEWSWIRE

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An inbound Metro-North train approaches the Park Avenue Tunnel on its way to Grand Central Terminal. Metro-North’s president outlined positive train control progress and other improvements under the railroad’s Way Ahead program at a Tuesday meeting. Ralph Spielman NEW YORK — Metro-North President Cathy Rinaldi offered a favorable report on efforts by her railroad and […]

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California High Speed rail project completes environmental review for route to Bakersfield NEWSWIRE

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SACRAMENTO — The California High-Speed Rail Authority has completed the environmental review process for the 23-mile from Shafter, Calif., to Bakersfield, allowing the authority to move toward construction into Bakersfield. The process required more than 100 stakeholder meetings, 17 public and technical-group meetings, and 15 monthly meetings coordinating regulatory agencies. More details are available here. […]

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House subcommitee to hold hearing on Amtrak NEWSWIRE

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WASHINGTON — A hearing Wednesday to be held by the House Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials is expected to provide a forum for state operating authorities, unions, and the Rail Passengers Association to directly air concerns to lawmakers about the way current Amtrak management conducts its business. “Amtrak Now and Into the Future […]

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Improved on-time performance continues for New York subways NEWSWIRE

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An express New York City Transit F train speeds through the Smith/9th Street Station, the highest on the subway system. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority reports that the subway system had an on-time performance rate over 80 percent in October, the fifth straight month reaching that figure. Ralph Spielman NEW YORK — Subway on-time performance continues […]

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Remembering Atlantic Coast Line passenger trains

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In November 2019, Classic Trains is celebrating the history, heritage, and splendor of the Atlantic Coast Line. Enjoy this photo gallery, originally published online in June 2019, as the perfect salute to the Atlantic Coast Line. Return each week for another salute to the railroad of the month! See what we did last week for […]

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Carbondale, Ill., receives funding for new transit facility NEWSWIRE

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An artist’s conception of the Carbondale multimodal station, which has received a $14 million federal grant. City of Carbondale CARBONDALE, Ill. — The city of Carbondale has received a $14 million federal grant to build a new transportation center to replace its current Amtrak station. The facility, the Southern Illinois Multi-Modal Station, will be served […]

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Metra to add in-car security cameras NEWSWIRE

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An inbound Metra BNSF train arrives at Lisle, Ill., on Nov. 8, 2019. Metra will install security cameras on 400 to 700 of its passenger cars as a result of a contract approved Friday. TRAINS: David Lassen CHICAGO — Metra’s board of directors has approved a $15.5-million contract to purchase and install security cameras inside […]

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