Thursday morning rail news:
BART accepting applications for railcar reuse proposals
Bay Area Rapid Transit is now accepting applications for proposals to reuse cars it is planning to retire. In a press release, the transit agency says the majority of cars will be recycled and used for parts, but it is soliciting proposals from museums, nonprofits, agencies and the public to find new uses for an undetermined number of cars. The applications are the first step in a project to donate legacy cars to the public. Proposals must not cost BART any money once the car is prepared for delivery — those whose proposals are accepted will have to pay an estimated $8,000-$10,000 to move the car from BART property to their own site. A project selection committee will review applications and make proposals based on several criteria, including the plan for their final disposal and community benefits. A brochure on the process is available here, with a link to the application process here.
MARC service resumes after suspension for inauguration
MARC commuter train service will resume today after being suspended Jan. 17-20 in response to enhanced security associated with Wednesday’s Presidential inauguration. The Maryland Department of Transportation had indicated service would likely resume on Jan. 21 when it announced the suspension [see “Digest: MARC to suspend operations …,” Trains News Wire, Jan. 15, 2021] but confirmed the resumption on its Twitter feed Wednesday evening. Meanwhile, closure of 13 DC Metro stations, including the stop at Washington Union Station, will continue through today. The stations are scheduled to reopen Friday.
OmniTRAX recognizes 35 companies with new Safe Shipper Award
Short line holding company and logistics firm OmniTrax has recognized 35 companies with its inaugural Safe Shipper Award, presented to companies that shipped or received qualifying loaded cars with no accidental releases in 2020. OmniTrax Chief Commercial Officer Peter Touesnard congratulated the winners, saying in a press release, “They are true leaders in their industries, using best practices and the latest technologies to ensure a safe and high-performing supply chain.” The companies represent shippers on 10 OmniTRAX short lines. The list of award winners is available here.
