California high speed rail authority drops single-track proposal

California High Speed Rail Authority logo

SACRAMENTO — The latest version of the business plan for California’s high speed rail system has dropped a plan to build a single track for its initial 171-mile segment, instead returning to the original two-track plan. The Los Angeles Times reports the draft version of the 2022 business plan released Tuesday by the California High […]

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Santa Cruz council votes against rail abandonment

Maroon CF7 locomotive decorated with Christmas lights

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. — The Santa Cruz City Council has voted unanimously to express opposition to a proposal that would lead to abandonment of the line connecting the city to the Santa Cruz, Big Trees & Pacific tourist railroad. Lookout Santa Cruz reports the vote has no legal bearing on the proposal floated by the […]

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Staffing shortages lead to LA Metro service cuts

LA Metro light rail train on curving bridge

LOS ANGELES — LA Metro has become the latest transit agency to announce service cuts related to staffing shortages, with trims to rail and bus service set to begin Feb. 20. Metro’s board approved the cuts Jan. 27, with a goal of resuming full service no later than June. “The recent COVID-19 spike, combined with […]

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Amtrak to order 50 more long-distance Siemens Chargers

Black locomotive in station with RV cameraman in foreground

CHICAGO — On the day Amtrak placed its first Siemens ALC42 locomotives into revenue service — although not without some problems — the company announced it will acquire more of the locomotives. In a event at Chicago Union Station, Amtrak Vice President and Chief Mechanical Officer George Hull used the operating debut of the two […]

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Congressional hearing set for Wednesday on DC Metro issues

WMATA (DC Metro) logo

WASHINGTON — A House subcommittee is set to hold a hearing Wednesday on the problem-plagued DC Metro transit system. The House Committee on Oversight and Reform’s Subcommittee on Government Operations will hold the 9 a.m. EST hearing on the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s “responsibility to provide safe and reliable transit service to the National […]

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The Trains Interview: Scott Lothes

Head shot of man in shirt and vest

MADISON, Wis. — Scott Lothes has guided the Center for Railroad Photography & Art as its executive director for more than 10 years, leading the Center through a period in whch its budget and archives expanded fivefold and its staff grew dramatically. Trains News Wire interviewed him to learn more about the Center’s success, how […]

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