FORT WORTH, Texas— Dallas-Fort Worth area commuters looking forward to the Jan. 5 startup of TEXRail will have to wait until the federal government reopens before riding the area’s newest commuter train. “We have been unable to get clearance to operate the entire 27-mile corridor from the Federal Railroad Administration,” Trinity Metro, the train’s operator, […]
Type of Train: Passenger/Transit
Brightline/Virgin adds to rush-hour, weekend service NEWSWIRE
A Brightline train heads toward Miami Central station in May 2018. Bob Johnston MIAMI — Beginning this week, travelers commuting between West Palm Beach or Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and downtown Miami have more rush-hour frequencies to choose from. Brightline, now officially known as Virgin Trains USA, on Wednesday supplemented its near-hourly weekday schedule with an […]
Contractors group files suit over planned Phoenix light-rail initiative NEWSWIRE
PHOENIX — A contractors’ group has filed a lawsuit seeking to stop planned light-rail projects from returning to voters for additional approval. The Arizona chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America filed the suit on Wednesday, the Arizona Republic reports, seeking to block an effort by light-rail opponents to require voters to approve or […]
County study to consider options for new rail line to South Bend Airport NEWSWIRE
A South Shore train arrives at the South Bend Airport in November 2017. A study will consider options for a more direct rail route to the airport, which could also serve a planned logistics park. TRAINS: David Lassen SOUTH BEND, Ind. — A study of a new rail alignment to South Bend’s airport will include […]
PTC requirements lead NJ Transit to run cab cars in front of locomotives NEWSWIRE
TRENTON, N.J. — NJ Transit’s efforts to meet the Dec. 31, 2018, deadline for installation of positive train control equipment has led to an unusual sight: cab-control cars running in front of locomotives on some trains. Those cab cars, which are closed to passengers, have PTC equipment installed, allowing NJ Transit to operate locomotives which […]
‘Sunset Limited’ reduced to twice-weekly service for seven weeks beginning Jan. 20 NEWSWIRE
The Westbound Sunset Limited pauses at Alpine, Texas, in May 2016. The Sunset will be reduced to twice-weekly operation for a seven-week period beginning Jan. 20. Bob Johnston A full baggage cart greets the westbound Sunset Limited during a stop in El Paso, Texas. Bob Johnston SAN ANTONIO, Texas — The Sunset Limited will begin […]
Government shutdown could keep TEXRail from full operation NEWSWIRE
FORT WORTH, Texas — The partial shutdown of the federal government could prevent the TEXRail commuter line from full operation on Saturday, its scheduled opening day. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that the rail line from downtown Fort Worth to DFW International Airport needs Federal Railroad Administration certification for a junction near downtown, where the […]
MBTA’s $10 weekend fare to return NEWSWIRE
An MBTA Boston-Worcester train departs Yawkey Station in the Kenmore Square area of Boston in May 2018. The MBTA’s $10 weekend fare is returning, a month after being discontinued. Scott A. Hartley BOSTON — The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is bringing back its $10 weekend unlimited-ride commuter rail tickets, discontinued last month, the Boston Herald […]
Amtrak cites safety in turning away CTrail ticket holders NEWSWIRE
The popularity of the CTrail Hartford Line has led to issues with Amtrak not honoring CTrail tickets. An Amtrak spokeswoman says the move is for safety reasons. Scott A. Hartley HARTFORD, Conn. — Amtrak is citing safety as the reason it will not allow some CTrail ticket holders to use its trains on the Hartford […]
Denver RTD addressing cracks in commuter car underframes NEWSWIRE
Denver RTD and its operating partner have been replacing a part in the underbody of its Hyundai Rotem commuter cars after finding a crack on one car last spring. TRAINS: David Lassen DENVER — Denver’s Regional Transportation District has been replacing a piece of the undercarriage of its commuter rail cars after finding a 2-inch […]
TEXRail debuts with ceremonial run NEWSWIRE
FORT WORTH, Texas— In the closing hours of 2018, a new passenger train serving the Dallas/Fort Worth area initiated service. TEXrail, a train operated by the Trinity Metro made its maiden voyage on Monday with about 500 dignitaries involved with planning, funding, and building the train on board. The service starts at downtown Fort Worth’s […]
Wind-blown beer kills six on Danish passenger train NEWSWIRE
Great Belt, Denmark Google Maps LONDON — At least six passengers on board a train on the Great Belt route in Denmark were killed this morning when high winds blew cases of beer from a passing freight train into their passenger cars. The beer was being transported in curtain-sided trailers on flat cars. It is […]