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]
