Thursday morning rail news:
— New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy’s proposed 2021 state budget would increase funding for NJ Transit by $132 million to a record general-fund subsidy of $589 million, an increase that Murphy said would avoid fare increases. The budget will also divert funds from the state Clean Energy Fund and Turnpike Authority, as well as $460 million from the NJ Transit capital fund, to meet operating costs, NorthJersey.com reports.
— The Atlanta Regional Commission Board has approved a plan to spend $173 billion over 30 years to address the area’s transportation needs. The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports the plan includes a new commuter rail line to Clayton County, a light rail line in the city, bus rapid transit, and some highway toll lanes. The plan covers 20 counties and includes more than 400 individual projects.
— Maryland’s rail transit network — MARC commuter trains, Baltimore light rail, and the Baltimore Metro Subway — has the highest breakdown rate in the country, the blog Greater Greater Washington reports, citing Federal Transit Administration figures. While NJ Transit had the highest number of breakdowns, Maryland has more failures per train-mile.
— Two people injured when a Metra train hit a car in South Chicago on Feb. 12 — an accident which resulted in the death of a pedestrian — have sued Metra and Norfolk Southern, owner of the line used by Metra’s SouthWest Service. They accuse Metra of negligence for failing to stop the train before hitting the car, and that the commuter railroad and NS failed to address issues illustrated by previous accidents at the crossing. The Chicago Sun-Times reports that the two occupants of the vehicle are seeking at least $200,000 plus legal costs.
This is a settlement lawsuit, not a justice lawsuit.
Simply putting the claimants in a legal position relative to the insurance companies of the railroad and the operator.
Infuriating. Watched the video. First if they had just stayed where they were at they would have been fine, but no they pull in front of the train. Second, they stop well past the solid white line that shows where to safely stop. A simple thing on their part would have saved a life and a lot of trouble. But now we have a parasite on society ready to jump to their aid to make sure somebody pays. Absolutely sickening.
Hmm. Wonder why lawyers have such a positive reputation.
….a money hungry society where everyone is so money hungry that they sue for the sake of suing …
I watched the video as well. Hopefully, a no BS judge will throw it out of court. Actually, Metra should sue the driver of the car for causing confusion and delay.