Transit agencies need billions of dollars in aid due to coronavirus
The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) is asking Congress to provide US transit agencies with $12.9 billion in aid. The funds will enable agencies to maintain essential public transportation for healthcare workers, Medicaid recipients who receive non-emergency medical transportation, and law enforcement personnel. APTA says the coronavirus will result in $6 billion in lost fares over the next six months, a 75 percent drop. This aid is in addition to the $4 billion New York’s MTA has already requested from Congress. [rtands.com]
Passenger projects will receive more than $72.5 million in federal CRISI grants
Six passenger rail projects have been awarded more than $72.5 million in federal funding through the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program. CRISI Program grants help to improve rail safety, efficiency and reliability. Passenger rail projects account for just under 30 percent of the awarded grants. The most recent round of CRISI grants was awarded to projects in California, Colorado, Conneticut, Michigan, Maine, and Wisconsin. [masstransitmag.com]
Metro-North implements positive train control (PTC) safety technology on Harlem and Hudson lines
Two of New York City’s three major Metro-North Railroad commuter rail lines are outfitted with life-saving technology designed to prevent high-speed derailments. Metro-North finished implementing positive train control on the Harlem and Hudson lines earlier this month. The coverage includes all trains along the 74 mile Hudson line, which extends from Grand Central Terminal to Poughkeepsie, and the 82 mile Harlem line, which runs from Grand Central Terminal to Wassaic and includes Amtrak and CSX freight. [lohud.com]
Earthquake hits Salt Lake City, shuts down light rail transit system
The largest earthquake to shake the state of Utah in almost 30 years has shut down light rail service in Salt Lake City. The earthquake registered at 5.7 on the Richter scale and was felt for about 10 to 15 seconds, and the epicenter was southwest of Salt Lake City. There are no reports of injuries or of any damage to buildings or to the Utah Transit Authority’s light rail transit system. [rtands.com]
