News Photos: New York gathering of Alcos; S1 preservation effort

Three older diesel locomotives aligned on yard tracks for a night time photo session.

GREENWICH JUNCTION, N.Y. — A group of railfans gathered three preserved and operational Alco locomotives for a night photo at Greenwich Junction on Dec. 6, 2020, and are also seeking to promote an effort to preserve a former Alco plant switcher. Photographed at Greenwich Junction, where the Greenwich & Johnsonville Railroad interchanged with the Delaware […]

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Digest: Federal grant gives KC Streetcar extension full funding

Kansas City Streetcar logo

KC Streetcar gets $174 million federal grant, fully funding Main Street Extension The Kansas City Streetcar Authority has received a $174 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation, giving the agency full funding for its Main Street Extension project. KMBC-TV reports the grant is covers half the cost of the 3½-mile extension, which will […]

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Digest: Newark Penn Station to receive $190 million refurbishment

Large mural in an archway of a passenger station as passenger walk or stand nearby.

Newark Penn Station to receive $190 million facelift Newark Penn Station will receive $190 million in restoration and rehabilitation, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy announced Tuesday. Some $30 million in work is scheduled to begin immediately, with the project continuing over the next five years. NJ.com reports work has already begun on the original decorative […]

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Digest: Suspect charged in rifle incident on Metra platform

Grainy image of balding man holding and appearing to aim a long gun in front of steps.

Suspect charged for allegedly firing rifle on Metra platform A suspect has been charged with three felonies after allegedly firing a rifle on the platform of the McCormick Place station on the Metra Electric line earlier this month. In a press release, Metra reports Shawn A. Kimbrough, 40, of Chicago was charged with aggravated unlawful […]

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Digest: Amtrak, Metra end Chicago Union Station arbitration

Lobby of a train station

Amtrak, Metra end mediation; Union Station dispute to return to STB Mediation of Amtrak’s dispute with Metra over Metra’s lease at Chicago Union Station has ended with some issues still unresolved. In a letter to the Surface Transportation Board, representatives of STB and Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service said the two parties had met nine […]

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Digest: Utah budget may have room for commuter rail upgrades

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Utah’s FrontRunner may be in line for double tracking, other improvements Utah’s budget situation looks better than expected for 2021, which may make room for a long-sought double-track project for FrontRunner commuter rail service. The Salt Lake Tribune reports improvements for the commuter operation include double-track segments between Ogden and Provo, which would allow trains […]

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Digest: Amtrak adds digital payment options

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Amtrak adds digital payment options Amtrak is adding new digital payment options on Amtrak.com and the Amtrak smartphone apps, including Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal. Each can be used for tickets and other purchases, and can be saved on customer profiles as a preferred payment option. “We know every minute counts for our customers […]

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MBTA delays action on proposed service cuts

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BOSTON — The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority has delayed a vote on a much-criticized for budget cuts that would include significant service reductions and layoffs, deferring a presentation on the proposal for a week. The Associated Press reports MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak recommended the delay to the Fiscal and Management Control Board, citing developments of COVID-19 […]

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