Digest: Report recommends combining VRE, MARC commuter operations

Blue and silver-painted diesel locomotive leads a train out of a tunnel in a forested scene.

Report recommends combining VRE, MARC commuter rail operations A new report recommends integrating Washington, D.C., commuter railroads Virginia Railway Express and MARC into a single operation, to reduce travel times and improve economic development. The website Inside NoVa reports the Greater Washington Partnership’s “Capital Region Rail Vision” report makes the recommendation; in a news conference […]

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Digest: Transit officials hold ‘virtual rally’ to pressure Congress for aid

MTA logo

Nine transit agencies participate in ‘virtual rally’ seeking COVID-19 relief funds Officials from nine transit agencies held a “virtual rally” on Wednesday, trying once again to stir Congress to provide COVID-19 relief funding to operations facing significant deficits and contemplating major service cuts. Taking part were New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the New Orleans Regional […]

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Digest: FBI seeks man who fired rifle on Metra platform

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

FBI seeks man who fired rifle on Metra platform The Federal Bureau of Investigation is seeking a man who allegedly fired a rifle on the Metra platform at Chicago’s McCormick Place Convention Center. The FBI website report on the incident includes video showing a man removing a collapsible rifle from a backpack and firing one […]

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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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