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North Carolina ridership up 42% … SoCal coast track repairs to start … Costs force Austin transit plan review

NC By Train
More people rode the North Carolina’s intercity passenger rail service in September than any previous month in the 32-year history of the NC By Train service. © NC by Train

North Carolina passenger rail ridership up 42%
Governor Roy Cooper says more people rode the N.C. Department of Transportation’s intercity passenger rail service in September than any previous month in the 32-year history of the NC By Train service. The Carolinian and Piedmont trains handled 48,488 passengers last month, which marks an increase of 32% over the average pre-pandemic monthly ridership levels from 2014 to 2019. The service is operated by Amtrak. [jocoreport.com]

Storm-swept San Clemente track repairs to start
The Orange County Transportation Authority has hired a geo-technical firm to stabilize railroad tracks in San Clemente. The emergency work is expected to safely restore passenger rail service between Los Angeles and San Diego. The current plan is to complete the work as soon as possible, with a projected construction timeline of approximately 90 days. Amtrak and MetroLink service to San Diego County has been suspended since Sept. 30, after the storm surge from Tropical Storm Kay caused movement of the track. [timesofsandiego.com]

Rising costs force Austin to review transit plans
With costs soaring, Austin is eyeing ways to revise its transit expansion effort — including paring down planned subways in downtown. Project Connect is still slated to tie Austin together, though planners are looking at running downtown light-rail lines at street-grade as part of a wider project review. Cost estimates for the plan had risen from $5.8 billion to $10.3 billion by April. The Orange Line would link North and South Austin and the Blue Line would run from the airport to downtown. A commuter rail line and additional bus service are also part of the plan. [axios.com]

NoCal’s Valley Link buys hydrogen production site
The Tri-Valley – San Joaquin Valley Regional Rail Authority took a step toward becoming the first California rail system to run on self-produced, green hydrogen, following the finalization of a purchase agreement for land to build its hydrogen facility. The 200-acre property provides the critical land area needed to implement the green hydrogen production facility that will support the authority’s vision of sustainability for the Valley Link rail project, as well as support the clean energy goals of other transit and heavy truck operators in the region. [masstransitmag.com]

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STB will probe Amtrak delays … Brightline tops off Aventura station … No fed takeover for Boston T

Amtrak ALC42 locomotive
The STB has created an office that will be investigate and analyze Amtrak on-time performance on host railroads. © Amtrak


STB to probe Amtrak delays on host railroads
The Surface Transportation Board has created a passenger rail office that will be responsible for investigating and analyzing Amtrak on-time performance on host railroads. The STB is authorized to investigate the causes of substandard passenger rail on-time performance (OTP), to identify mitigating measures, and, under specified conditions, to prescribe relief. In 2008, the Federal Railroad Administration and Amtrak established a “Customer OTP” metric to measure such delays. [trains.com]

Walk bridge tops off Aventura Brightline Station
Brightline has topped off Aventura Station with the placing of a 131-foot pedestrian skybridge atop two 41-foot towers. Stretching across Harriet Tubman Highway, the skybridge connects the station to the platform. Once opened, Brightline will provide frequent peak hour express service between the station and downtown Miami. Located across from Aventura Mall, the station will also connect with Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton and West Palm Beach — and Orlando in 2023. [masstransitmag.com]

No fed takeover of Boston-area transit planned
Federal transit authorities have no plans to try to take over the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority or withhold funds from the agency despite a harsh safety review of the MBTA released in August. Some state lawmakers have raised the possibility of placing the MBTA into federal receivership, however Federal Transit Administration head Nuria Fernandez said the FTA will continue its oversight of the MBTA to ensure that it addresses ongoing safety concerns. [apnews.com]

CP Holiday Train returning after two-year hiatus
The Canadian Pacific (CP) Holiday Train will return to the rails this season on its first cross-continent tour in three years, following virtual concerts in the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021. The train will again raise money, food and awareness for local food banks in communities along the CP network. The 2022 Holiday Train tour will launch on Nov. 23 in Jackman, Maine. Live musical performers will include Alan Doyle, Tenille Townes, Mackenzie Porter and Lindsay Ell, to name a few. [cpr.ca]

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LA’s Metrolink gets top award … Texas seeks rail expansion … Hamilton ON station proj starts

Metrolink Tier 4 locomotive
APTA has recognized Metrolink with the highest (Gold) level of achievement in its Sustainability Commitment Program. © Southern California Regional Rail Authority

APTA recognizes Metrolink with top sustainability award
The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) has recognized the Southern California Regional Rail Authority (Metrolink) with the highest (Gold) level of achievement in its Sustainability Commitment Program. Despite challenges posed by the pandemic, Metrolink enacted measures to ease its environmental impacts; conducted an accessibility and affordability study to address social inequity; and became the U.S.’s first passenger rail agency to power its entire fleet with renewable fuel. [masstransitmag.com]

TxDOT requests funds to expand passenger train service across Texas
TxDOT has officially asked the FRA to fund the expansion of passenger rail service in Texas. Funds would be sought through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act . If approved, Texans would see new and expanded Amtrak service between San Antonio, Houston, Dallas and other Texas cities. New and expanded service between Fort Worth, Oklahoma City, and Newton, Kansas is also being sought. The request is in response to the FRA’s Corridor Identification and Development Program. [mysanantonio.com]

Construction begins on Hamilton Confederation GO station
Construction has begun on the future Confederation GO Transit station in Hamilton, Ontario. It will feature an accessible island platform with canopies, pedestrian tunnel, pick-up and drop-off areas and stair access from the street. The new rail station is part of Metrolinx’s GO Expansion initiative to create a more integrated transit network in Hamilton, which is one of Ontario’s fastest-growing areas. Plans are underway to increase GO Transit rail service from Hamilton to Toronto and Niagara Falls. [progressiverailroading.com]

Amtrak restores New Orleans services to pre-COVID levels
Amtrak is now running all the New Orleans trains that it operated before the COVID-19 pandemic began. Daily service has resumed to New York City and Chicago, with various stops along the way. Although service between New Orleans and Los Angeles continued as normal during the pandemic, Amtrak reduced service on the other routes for much of this year due to the lingering effects of pandemic-induced staff cuts. [nola.com]

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Vancouver subway boring begins … LA Metro K Line LRT opens … $1B LA-Palm Springs planned

Vancouver subway boring machines
Two behemoths named Elsie and Phyllis are helping push the Broadway Subway Project forward in Metro Vancouver, British Columbia. © Province of British Columbia | Flickr

Tunnel boring begins on Vancouver subway project
Two behemoths named Elsie and Phyllis are helping push the Broadway Subway Project forward in Metro Vancouver, British Columbia. After months of prepping and assembling the tunnel boring machines (TBMs), excavation has begun. The Broadway Subway Project will extend the SkyTrain Millennium Line 5.7 km (3.5 mi) from VCC-Clark Station to Broadway and Arbutus. The C$2.83-billion subway project is being funded by federal, provincial and city governments. [masstransitmag.com]

Metro K Line brings light rail to South Los Angeles
Running from the Crenshaw district to Westchester and giving South Los Angeles its most extensive rail service since the 1950s, Metro’s light-rail K Line has opened. The line’s northern-most point is the Expo/Crenshaw station at Crenshaw and Exposition boulevards. It heads south along Crenshaw Boulevard, with stations at Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Hyde Park. A station at Aviation and Century boulevards is set to open in fall 2023 and the LAX/Metro Transit Center Station in late 2024. [kcet.org]

$1B train from LA to Palm Springs area planned
Riverside County, California’s transportation commission is leading an effort to create a 144 mi (231 km)passenger rail service connecting Los Angeles with Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley. The vision is to offer a competitive travel option from Los Angeles Union Station to Palm Springs through L.A., Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. The construction price tag would be at least $1 billion. It could be 10 years before Coachella Valley Rail service begins. [siliconvalley.com]

Brightline to build SoCal station for Vegas service
Brightline West is one step closer to a high-speed rail station in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., as part of its plans to construct a high-rail connection between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. The city of Rancho Cucamonga and San Bernardino County approved the first step of the sale of a five-acre portion of property at the station to Brightline West. The agreement clears the path to develop the property and build the first high-speed rail station in the Inland Empire. [railway-news.com]

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Brightline to test at 110 mph … USDOT grows transit financing … SoCal track emergency called

Brightline train
Brightline will begin testing trains running up to 110 mph on sections of the newly constructed Florida line. © Brightline

Brightline to test 110 mph ahead of Orlando debut
After many months of laying track and building grade crossings, Brightline will begin testing trains running up to 110 mph on sections of the newly constructed Florida line. Testing will occur on an 11-mile stretch of Martin and St. Lucie counties the week of Oct. 17 and is slated to continue over a six-week period. The test area will include nine grade crossings in the two counties. Testing that will occur in phases along the 129-mile stretch between West Palm Beach and Cocoa, Florida. [rtands.com]

USDOT expands financing for transit projects
The U.S. Department of Transportation has expanded its Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) program to include funding for transit and transit-oriented development projects. Under the new initiative, loans will be capped at 49% of eligible project costs. The previous cap was 33%. The change is designed to help reduce costs and accelerate project delivery of projects that construct or improve public transportation systems. [progressiverailroading.com]

Track emergency called for SoCal coastal corridor
Orange County has declared an emergency need for track stabilization along a rail line in San Clemente, California, after the tracks were found to be unstable. Coastline erosion is threatening the safety of rail travel in the area. OCTA owns that portion of track, which is home to Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner route as well as Metrolink trains. Both rail services were suspended Sept. 30. The state has also declared an emergency regarding the unstable tracks and has granted $6 million in funds for track stabilization. [SOURCESOURCE]

DC Metro ramping up ticketing for fare evasion
Washington D.C.’s Metro is rolling out a plan to address a $40 million fare evasion problem. This month, Metro will add more police and install cameras and monitors to deter gate-jumping. It will also start messaging riders to pay their fares with digital screens and fliers. In November, MTPD will begin writing tickets for fare evasion in the District. Tickets for the offense will be $50. Tickets are already being issued in Maryland and Virginia with fines of up to $100 in those two states. [dcist.com]

Boston T closes Lynn station for reconstruction
Boston’s MBTA has shut down the Lynn Commuter Rail station for an undetermined period of time in order to demolish and rebuild the station, finally addressing the station’s many structural issues. The station closing, set for July, was postponed until now in order to arrange alternative transportation for riders. The $72 million project will facilitate upgrades to the station including a new center-island platform and canopy, accessibility upgrades, and wayfinding and track improvements. [mass.streetsblog.org]

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Pikes Peak by train and bike … Rail adventures to love in Utah … Discover the Smokies by train

Bikers and the Pikes Peak Railway
There are ways to enjoy Pikes Peak without driving up in the family car. © Pikes Peak Cog Railway

TTrain to Pikes Peak summit — then bike down
There are ways to enjoy this magnificent peak without driving up in the family car. We had ridden up the mountain via the historic Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway — reopened last year following a three-year, $100-million renovation — which was filled to capacity with tourists oohing and aahing at the views. Now it was time to hop on single-gear BMX mountain bikes for a guided 13-mile ride down the mountain with a descent of nearly 5,000 feet. [news-herald.com]

8 incredible railroad adventures to love in Utah
One of the most significant events in U.S. history occurred in the middle of nowhere. On May 10, 1869, the driving in of the last spike celebrated the meeting of the Central Pacific and Union Pacific Railroads rails at Promontory Summit, Utah and jubilation erupted from coast to coast. Today, there is more emphasis on speeding through Utah on highways than on the scenic joys of train travel. But Utah’s preservation of its rail history makes this a great state to visit for train enthusiasts. [travelawaits.com]

Experience the Great Smoky Mountains by train
North Carolina is famous for its share of things, but one famous attribute of this state is the Smoky Mountains. Travelers to the region can take a trip to Bryson City to experience the mountains in a whole new way. Travelers to North Carolina shouldn’t miss out on this incredible train ride opportunity. Regardless of if travelers are young, old, or have a family, they will find an exciting experience exploring the Great Smoky Mountains by train. [thetravel.com]

America’s oldest railroad is a PA tourist favorite
The Strasburg Rail Road, located just outside of Strasburg,Pennsylvania, is an internationally known tourist destination. The Strasburg got its start in 1832 and is the oldest continuously operating rail line in the United States. When in 1958, it was on the brink of being shut down, a group of local enthusiasts came to the rescue, purchasing the railroad, sprucing things up, and starting scenic rides. Today, the historic 4.5 mile railroad is a popular tourist attraction! [abc27.com]

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Amtrak crosses the northern tier … Six top train trips in Canada … Leave foliage spotting to Amtrak

Amtrak Empire Builder
Amtrak’s Empire Builder train route is a two night, 2,200 mile trek across the norther tier of the country. .© Justin Franz | Flickr

Amtrak’s Empire Builder crosses the northern tier
Amtrak’s Empire Builder train route is a two night, 2,200 mile trek across the norther tier of the country. Leaving every day from Chicago, the train takes 40 hours to go through Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana and Idaho. Then the train splits in half in Spokane, with one train headed to Seattle and the other Portland. They arrive at the end of the lines just before noon. A few hours later, they’re going back. This summer, I rode the Empire Builder route in both directions. [theurbanist.org]

Travel across Canada with these top six train trips
Seeing Canada through the window of a train is one of the best ways to experience the country. Not only are the views exceptional, but trains are comfortable, low-stress, relaxing and allow you to just sit back and take your time to get to your destination. Train trips can be multi-day adventures from one end of the country to the other, but they can also be small getaways to nearby destinations. While most people are familiar with VIA Rail, there are a number of train companies offering their services across the country. [forbes.com]

Peepers leave the fall foliage spotting to Amtrak
It’s almost cozy season (or spooky season, depending on your vibes), which means it’s a great time to start thinking about a long weekend to peep some fall foliage. If you don’t want to turn it into a classic American road trip, Amtrak is an excellent alternative to watch the scenery go by without ever having to fill up the tank. According to the railroad, these are the best routes to see the leaves this autumn. [usatoday.com]

Amtrak Coast Starlight eases from Oakland to LA
Avid Coast Starlight riders say jumping on the $54 one-way trip from Oakland to LA is not about saving a few hours. It’s about finding a rare space where travelers from around the world come together and unplug from the hurried flow of everyday life. And the antiquated Coast Starlight, which has long been known for awe-inspiring views, is even generating buzz from a whole new generation of rail riders, who have been posting viral videos of the train’s vast route. [timesheraldonline.com]

Amtrak reconnects Burlington, Vermont with NYC
Vermont’s newest Amtrak — the Ethan Allen Express — is a route that takes travelers from the city of Burlington straight into New York City’s recently-opened station, Moynihan Train Hall. The ride is easy, quick (for a long-distance train), and takes minimal effort to book for first-timers. We know this because we had the chance to ride the Ethan Allen Express train from Burlington to New York City and back, and have all the inside details you need to know before booking this train. [thetravel.com]

Take Amtrak from NYC to Denver via Chicago
Almost all major US cities are accessible via Amtrak. Because there is no direct route from New York to Denver, my trip was split up into four separate train rides: NYC to Chicago, Chicago to Denver, and the opposite route back home. From NYC, I got on the Amtrak Lake Shore Limited, which lands in Chicago. After a short stay in the Windy City, my next train was the California Zephyr. This train goes all the way to California, but I would be getting off halfway in Denver, Colorado. [themontclairgirl.com]

 

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Amtrak suspends San Diego-LA … Feds OK Honolulu rail plan … Transit ridership recovery continues

Track repairsat San Clamente
Amtrak and Metrolink have suspended San Diego to Los Angeles train services because ground underneath a stretch of seaside track in southern California has shifted. © Pacific Surfliner

Storm effects close Amtrak San Diego-LA corridor
Amtrak and Metrolink have suspended train services linking San Diego to Los Angeles – along with the rest of the US – because ground underneath a stretch of seaside track in southern California has shifted. Service has been suspended indefinitely in the community of San Clemente, on the border of Orange and San Diego counties. The move comes after a recent ocean surge associated with Tropical Storm Kay shifted the coastal tracks. The tracks serve as the only viable link that connects San Diego with LA and the rest of the country. [apnews.com]

Feds OK Honolulu Rail Recovery Plan with $125M
The Federal Transit Administration has approved the Honolulu rail project’s recovery plan and will release $125 million of the $744 million it has withheld for years. A second release of $250 million is contingent on the award of a contract for the city center guideway and stations. The decision shortens the route to about 19 miles eliminating its two easternmost stations and defers construction of a Pearl Highlands parking garage. [civilbeat.org]

Post-pandemic transit ridership recovery continues
The American Public Transportation Association has reported the nation’s public transit systems this month collectively reached 70% of pre-pandemic ridership levels. APTA’s Ridership Trends Dashboard tracks ridership data in real time, collected from 130 U.S. transit agencies. Heavy- and light-rail are both at 61% of 2019 ridership, while commuter rail is at 54%. Bus ridership is up slightly higher at 66% of pre-pandemic levels. [progressiverailroading.com]

Phase-in plan may drive up NC Triangle light rail costs up
Inflation has jacked up the price of a GoTriangle commuter rail line in North Carolina to as much as $3.2 billion, so the 40-mile route will be done in phases. Breaking up the project means it will take longer to build and will make it more susceptible to inflation. The line has been divided into three sections: Durham-Triangle Park, Triangle Park-Raleigh, and. Raleigh-Clayton. The first phase is set to be complete between 2033 and 2035 and following sections could each take up to five years to complete. [rtands.com]

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Amtrak aims for Miami airport … SoCal battle pits rail vs sea … Amtrak Gulf mediation extended

Miami Intermodal Center
Amtrak trains might soon come into the Miami Intermodal Center. © Phillip Pessar | Flickr

Amtrak trains may soon reach Miami International Airport
Amtrak trains might soon come into the Miami Intermodal Center, just east of the airport, as the Florida Department of Transportation has resumed talks with the company. Both parties are currently negotiating the lease and an acceptable termination clause. Separately, Amtrak would have to negotiate an agreement with Miami International Airport and the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA) on their contribution to the maintenance of common areas, platforms, track and overhead canopy. [miamitodaynews.com]

SoCal track needs more bracing to avoid slip into the sea
When Tropical Storm Kay pounded Southern California’s seaboard in September, it shifted the ground along the track in San Clemente. The shifted sand buffers the base of an “ancient landslide,” atop which runs the coastal rail corridor used by Metrolink commuter trains. Last year Metrolink dropped over 10,000 tons of rocks to act as a barrier between the railway and ocean, and another 1,600+ tons of rock were added after Tropical Storm Kay. More material is expected to be used over the next few days. [rtands.com]

STB extends mediation time for Amtrak Gulf Coast case
The Surface Transportation Board has granted a request extending mediation regarding Amtrak’s effort to launch Gulf Coast passenger service to Oct. 11. Amtrak, CSX, Norfolk Southern, and the Alabama State Port Authority filed the request, agreeing that an additional 15-days of mediation would be productive in resolving the matter. In question is whether adding two Amtrak round trips between New Orleans and Mobile would “unreasonably impair” freight rail operations — the regulatory standard which would prevent the start of passenger service.
[trains.com]

Calgary seeks proposals for Green Line light-rail project
The city of Calgary’s Green Line Board has issued a request for proposals (RFP) for the design, construction and financing of the first phase of the Green Line light-rail transit project. The RFP was released to two teams: Bow Transit Connectors and City Link Partners. One team will be selected in early 2023 as the development partner. At 11 miles, the Green Line project’s first phase will include 13 stations and a rail-car maintenance storage facility. The full Green Line will stretch more than 28 miles. .[progressiverailroading.com]

CSX Santa Train to make post-coved return on Nov 19th
Marking its 80th anniversary, the CSX Santa Train will be back on the rails this year for the first time since 2019. After two years of drive-through events necessitated by cover, the train will once again roll through Appalachia, making stops in Kentucky, Virginia and Tennessee to distribute more than 15 tons of toys and other items to children and their parents. The 110-mile route begins at Shelby Yard near Pikeville, Ky., and ends at Kingsport, Tenn. [railwayage.com]

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Hyperloop prospects dimming … Trackless trams boon to suburbs … Is Amtrak bound for Boise?

Hyperloop interests are waning all over the world, even while a few stragglers hold out for hope. © Hyperloop Transport Technologies

Prospects are dimming for Elon Musk’s hyperloop
The hyperloop has had its critics since Elon Musk first pitched the idea in 2012, but it’s also had plenty of support from seemingly authoritative corners of the media devoted to science and exploration—like the Discovery Channel, for example, and Smithsonian Magazine. But now, Hyperloop interests are waning all over the world, from France to the United States to India, even while a few stragglers hold out for hope. [planetizen.com]

How trackless trams could help revitalize suburbs
There is an urgent need to rethink how city transport works, due to congestion, emissions, and housing shortages. Cities need redevelopment to minimize long car-commutes and create more livable cities and suburbs. Until recently, options for mid-range transportation were limited to light rail and bus rapid transit. The mid-tier transit we need is trackless tram (trolleybus) technology: less costly than light rail, faster and sleeker than buses, carbon-neutral and flexible. [weforum.org]

Will Amtrak reconnect Boise and Salt Lake City?
Since Amtrak rolled away from the Boise Depot in 1997, there have been several efforts to reintroduce the service. But something in 2022 is very, very different. With the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act providing investment in public transportation and Amtrak’s new “Corridor ID” program in place, there’s a push to introduce or revive routes of 750 miles or less. And that’s why the cities of Boise and Salt Lake City are partnering to bring a piece of the old Pioneer Line back to the region. [boisestatepublicradio.org]

Southern Maryland transit dreams show signs of life
Transportation experts spent decades looking at the feasibility of building a transit line to serve Southern Maryland until, this year, the General Assembly adopted legislation requiring the state to complete studies needed to secure a decision on the project. More momentum came when the state’s congressional delegation secured a $5 million federal earmark. Now, suddenly, local leaders are talking about a Southern Maryland transit project as a when, not just an if. [marylandmatters.org]

 

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