More Tuesday rail news:
— The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority expects lowered ridership to continue for much of the next year, but nonetheless is beginning to plan for a return to full schedules. The Boston Globe reports the agency will increase service to allow social distancing as Massachusetts begins to emerge from its stay-at-home order. “We need as much service as we can provide, given the staff and vehicle fleets we have, because we’re going to carry fewer people so we can keep them spread out in our buses and in our vehicles,” state transportation secretary Stephanie Pollack told a teleconference meeting of the Fiscal and Management Control Board. Pollack is part of a panel on reopening the state’s economy, which is set to deliver a report on May 18. The MBTA has not yet set a date for increasing service.
— Canadian Pacific is donating $1 million to four North American charities helping people impacted by the COVID-19 virus. In the U.S., the railroad is donating $250,000 to Feeding America and up to $150,000 in matching funds to the American Red Cross. In Canada, CP is donating C$350,000 to the Frontline Fund and $250,000 to Food Banks Canada. “By providing food to North Americans who are in need and critical supplies and support to frontline service providers, these charities are making a difference,” Canadian Pacific CEO Keith Creel said in a press release. “We hope our donations will assist these organizations in reaching those who are most vulnerable and keeping more people safe.”
— Galesburg, Ill., has cancelled its annual Railroad Days celebration. WGIL Radio reports the decision was announced Monday to cancel the planned 43rd annual event, which had been set for June 25-28 and included events at the Galesburg Railroad Museum, as well as a model train show and other community events. The Galesburg Railroad Museum remains closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic but is currently scheduled to open June 2.
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