NYC’s LIRR pulls into Grand Central Madison
The MTA’s Long Island Rail Road has begun direct train service into Grand Central Madison in New York City. Grand Central Direct trains operating between Jamaica and Grand Central Madison double LIRR capacity into Manhattan. The new terminal provides seamless connectivity throughout the MTA region, with LIRR and MTA Metro-North railroads and subway services all in one building for the first time. A new Main Line Third Track enables reverse-commuting options that were not previously possible. [progressiverailroading.com]
Cincinnati streetcar ridership hits all-time high
Ridership on Cincinnati’s fare-free Connector rose most months throughout 2022 and hit its all-time annual record high in the year. In 2022, 846,601 people boarded the streetcar to travel along its 3.6 mi route that stretches through Over-the-Rhine and The Banks via the Central Business District. The previous record for ridership was 2017, the streetcar’s first full year of operation, 571,601 people rode the Connector.
[progressiverailroading.com]
Twin Cities-Duluth rail advocates newly optimistic
MinnesoMinnesota legislators have started to work on securing funding for a long-anticipated passenger rail line between Duluth and the Twin Cities, with bills in the House and Senate calling for $99 million from the state general fund to start the service. If Gov. Tim Walz signed off on that legislation, it would unlock $396 million in matching federal funding for the Northern Lights Express rail service. It would be the first passenger rail [twincities.com]
Mass sees push for Commuter Rail electrification
State lawmakers are making another push for Commuter Rail electrification, now that a new governor is in office. Legislation was filed in both the House and Senate that calls for the MBTA and its rail contractor, Keolis, to operate a fully electric system by Dec. 31, 2035, and “ensure sufficient zero-emission infrastructure is in place” to meet that timeline. The proposed legislation directs the MBTA and MassDOT to pursue federal funding to accomplish zero-emission infrastructure and electrification. [masstransitmag.com]
Philly launches QR ticketing for up to five people
Philadelphia’s SEPTA has launched a mobile ticketing pilot program, offering a QR code ticket for up to five people traveling together using its smartphone app. Key Tix is not intended to replace SEPTA’s Key Cards, but to provide an option for infrequent users who want to enjoy the same benefits, including one free transfer per trip. Key Tix is currently valid on metro, light rail and bus services, with expansion to suburban rail lines planned for later this year. [railwaygazette.com]
