Toronto Airports Authority commits funds to Metrolinx LRT extension
The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) has committed $40M CDN ($30M USD) to support the Metrolinx Eglinton Crosstown West light-rail extension from Renforth, Ontario, to the Toronto Pearson International Airport. Combined with an earlier $38M CDN ($28.5M USD) investment, the GTAA has now committed $78M CDN ($58.6M USD) to the project. [progressiverailroading.com]
Traffic-choked Jakarta opens first LRT line
Indonesia’s capital has launched the first 5.8 km segment of its first light rail line. The completed line will stretch 20 km and include an airport transfer and commuter rail network connections. Indonesia’s first metro service, the 16 km MRT Jakarta, began service last March. [asia.nikkei.com]
Bluff collapses within steps of SoCal passenger train tracks after heavy rains
Passenger rail service on the main line between Los Angeles and San Diego faced interruptions Saturday after a section of the Del Mar bluffs collapsed within a few feet of tracks following heavy rains this week. Cliff failure along the route has been a growing concern. Buses will replace trains until repairs are completed. [latimes.com]
Amtrak CEO wants to be a good ‘steward’ of USA’s rail corporation
Since Amtrak chief executive Richard Anderson left his job as CEO of Delta Airlines to lead America’s railroad, he’s faced a new challenge — maintaining a relationship with Congress. The U.S. government owns Amtrak, which is on track to break even for the first time in it’s nearly 50-year history. [wbur.org]
Massachusetts: NYC firm to begin marketing Valley Flyer train service
The seven-day-a-week passenger train Valley Flyer made its inaugural trip from Greenfield at the end of August, and Franklin Regional Council of Governments says it’s now time to start some serious marketing to increase ridership to assure it becomes a permanent route. [recorder.com]
