DC trains comeback to spur Dulles extension opening
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s plan to return all 7000-series rail cars to service has been approved by the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission after a previous plan was rejected. The rail cars were suspended from service in October 2021 following a derailment.The plan’s approval sets in motion the opening of the Silver Line extension to Washington Dulles International Airport. The 11.4 mi extension includes six new stations and a new rail yard. The line will open before Thanksgiving.[progressiverailroading.com]
Proposed South Jersey light rail design to begin
Plans to bring a new light rail route to South Jersey have moved forward with the selection of two firms to handle project management and preliminary design work. Backed by the Delaware River Port Authority, PATCO and NJ Transit, the Glassboro-Camden light rail project (GCL) calls for 14 stations along an existing 18 mi line using diesel, light-rail trains. The GCL would enable riders to transfer to the PATCO Speedline for access to Philadelphia. A preliminary timeline calls for service to begin in 2028. [phillyvoice.com]
Sound Transit takes ownership of aging Seattle tunnel
More than three years after buses were evicted from Seattle’s distinctive transit tunnel, the 1.3-mile passage will finally become the property of Sound Transit, which promises to fix the four worn-out stations for light-rail customers. Metro is handing off the tunnel at no cost, but Sound Transit has planned a $96 million investment for upgrades, not just for new escalators and elevators, but also to fix utility lines, broken floor and wall sections, and soiled artworks. [seattletimes.com]
Swiss claim record for world’s longest passenger train
A Swiss railway has claimed the record for the world’s longest passenger train with a trip on one of the most spectacular tracks through the Alps. The Rhaetian Railway ran the 1.9 km long (1.2 mi long) train composed of 100 coaches along the Albula/Bernina route from Preda to Berguen. The entire journey took over an hour. Rail enthusiasts lined the valley to watch the train’s 25 sections wind their way about 25 km (15.5 mi) through the Alps. The route was designated a UNESCO World Heritage in 2008. [apnews.com]
DC Metro begins issuing fare evasion tickets
Metro says it will begin enforcing penalties for fare evasion Tuesday, meaning anyone who doesn’t pay for their ride could be fined. It’s part of an effort to close a shortfall of nearly $185 million in Metro’s upcoming budget. Metro estimates it lost $40 million due to fare evasion in the 2022 fiscal year. Fare evasion fines are $50 in D.C. and $100 in Maryland and Virginia. Metro says it’s looking into other ways to ensure all riders pay, including modifying gates. [nbcwashington.com]
