MBTA completes Orange Line work, removing 10 more speed restrictions

Maintenance workers in subway tunnel

BOSTON — The latest Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority service shutdown for track maintenance work led to removal of 10 speed restrictions on the rapid-transit Orange Line, the agency says. Service was suspended between the Wellington and Back Bay stations from May 28 through June 6. During that period, nine slow orders were addressed in the […]

Read More…

Two passengers injured when South Shore train hits truck

South Shore Line logo

GARY, Ind. — Two passengers were injured when a Chicago-bound South Shore Line commuter train hit a dump truck reportedly stalled on the tracks in Gary this morning (Monday, June 10), the Chicago Tribune reports. The collision occurred about 7:45 a.m. at the Rutledge Street crossing, west of the Gary Metro station. The driver of […]

Read More…

House subcommittee schedules hearing on California locomotive rule

Trains Washington Watch logo

WASHINGTON — A subcommittee of the House of Representatives Committee on Science, Space, and Technology has scheduled a hearing this Thursday on California regulations that would require zero-emissions locomotives in the state beginning in 2030. The focus of the hearing by the Investigations & Oversight Subcommittee is clear from its title: “Environmentalism Off the Rails: […]

Read More…

Deteriorating CN track adds time to VIA’s Ocean: Analysis

Passenger train at station with large ship in background

MONTREAL — Beginning June 19, VIA Rail Canada is adding 90 minutes to the westbound schedule of its Montreal-Halifax, N.S. Ocean and 45 minutes to the eastbound train, “to provide passengers with a schedule which better reflects actual travel times,” according to a statement provided by VIA in response to a set of detailed questions […]

Read More…

Colorado’s San Luis Central shut down by washout

Collapsed irrigation canal

MONTE VISTA, Colo. — Short line San Luis Central Railroad embargoed its entire 13-mile line May 28 after its crossing of the Empire Irrigation Canal, one mile north of Monte Vista, collapsed. According to local farmers, the crossing, a series of culverts surrounded by cement walls, had been seeping water between the pipes for a […]

Read More…

Are trains in Michigan Central’s future?

View looking up at front of Michigan Central Station.

DETROIT — The magnificent indoor space at Michigan Central Station that once hosted New York Central passenger trains has been brought back to life in spectacular fashion by the Ford Motor Company. It joins New York’s Grand Central Terminal, union stations in Washington and Chicago, and Los Angeles Union Passenger Terminal as well-preserved classics built […]

Read More…

Last-minute agreement averts Toronto transit strike

Multi-unit light rail vehicle rounding tight curve

TORONTO — A strike by 12,000 Toronto transit workers was averted late Thursday night, with Amalgamated Transit Union Local 113 announcing about 11:30 p.m. that it had “reached a framework settlement with the [Toronto Transit Commission] that allows us to put the strike on hold.” The union had planned to walk out at 12:01 a.m. […]

Read More…

Metra free-ride weekend to also feature debut of museum car

Commuter train on three-track line surrounded by tall buildings

CHICAGO — Metra’s weekend of free rides to mark its 40th anniversary will also see the debut of the commuter operator’s new museum car at its LaSalle Street station, downtown terminus of the Rock Island District. The commuter operator will offer free rides across its system this Saturday, June 8, and Sunday, June 9, to […]

Read More…