Transit agencies rethink future of commuter rail

As transit agencies plot their recovery from the devastating effects of the 2020 pandemic, a common denominator is emerging: more riders need city buses than suburban trains. The revelation portends diminishing investment in rail. Commuter rail systems typically serve affluent suburban residents, more of whom work in office environments. In large part, those offices have […]

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Key House transportation figures win reelection

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Notable federal results with transportation significance from Tuesday’s election: — The three leadership figures on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure all won reelection. In Oregon, Democrat Peter DeFazio, chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, defeated challenger Alek Skarlatos to win the state’s 4th Congressional District with 58% of the vote, according […]

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Digest: Metrolink to revise schedules Nov. 16

Silver, gray, and teai locomotive on commuter train

Wednesday morning rail news: Metrolink to make schedule changes Nov. 16 Six of Metrolink’s seven lines will see schedule adjustments on Nov. 16, with a total of nine trains on the LA-area commuter rail system dropped because of low ridership. Three trains will be added; other changes include creation of two express trains and some […]

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Digest: Evacuation lifted around KCS derailment as cleanup continues

Tuesday morning rail news: Evacuation lifted around KCS derailment; cleanup continues The remaining evacuation area around last week’s Kansas City Southern derailment in Mauriceville, Texas, was lifted Monday night, and local elementary and middle schools will return to class today. KBMT-TV reports that only three houses had remained inside the evacuation area before two railcars of hazardous […]

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Digest: Caltrain to consider schedule changes to better suit essential workers, transit-dependent

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Friday morning rail news: Caltrain to consider new schedule aimed toward essential workers, transit dependent Caltrain’s board of directors will consider schedule changes intended to improve service for essential workers and transit-dependent riders who rely on the San Francisco Bay Area commuter. The proposed Base Service Plan schedule to be reveiwed at the board’s Nov. […]

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