TSA issues directives to rail sector to strengthen cybersecurity
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued security directives requiring rail and rail transit groups to strengthen cybersecurity, and to report cybersecurity incidents to the federal government within 24 hours of detection. The directives also require the completion of vulnerability assessments and the development of cybersecurity incident response plans. Key industry groups have expressed concerns about the directive, including the broadness of the reporting mandate and an unawareness of increased rail sector threats. [thehill.com]
Amtrak eyes service cuts as employee vaccination cutoff nears
Amtrak could be forced to reduce train service next year because some workers have not complied with a mandate to be fully vaccinated in January. About 6 percent of the railroad’s workforce could be fired for failure to show proof of vaccination by a January 4th deadline. The terminations, which could harm Amtrak’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic slump, could also exacerbate staffing problems amid a national worker shortage. Any service reductions could dampen Amtrak’s momentum by hurting rider confidence and igniting new scrutiny among congressional leaders. [washingtonpost.com]
MBTA begins testing Boston’s Green Line Extension
Trains are finally rolling on Boston’s Green Line Extension (GLX), marking an achievement many years, delays, and budget increases in the making. The test trolleys have slowly but successfully made their way from the Vehicle Maintenance Facility to the new Lechmere Station, and ending at Union Square Station. The Union Square branch in Somerville is slated to open in March 2022. The Medford branch to Medford near the Tufts University campus, will open in May. The GLX is expected to reduce traffic, and boost home construction and employment, generating $3 billion in new economic activity. [bostonherald.com]
California-Nevada high-speed rail project making ‘progress’
Another way to relieve Nevada-California traffic on Interstate 15 came up in a discussion on Sunday between the states’ governors: traveling by train. Brightline has signed paperwork with California to expand a rail line from Rancho Cucamonga to Victorville with plans on eventually expanding it to Las Vegas. California Gov. Gavin Newsom mentioned that it’s a private venture and that the pandemic has caused more delays. But Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak says progress is happening. Brightline has not given word yet on an expected completion date for the project. [ktnv.com]
