Germany unveils first self-driving digital train in Hamburg
German rail operator Deutsche Bahn and Siemens Mobility have unveiled the world’s first driverless digital train to operate on existing rail infrastructure. It is one of four such trains that will begin running on Hamburg, Germany’s S-Bahn rapid urban rail network in December. Until now, automated, driverless trains have been limited to exclusive single tracks while the Hamburg train will be sharing tracks with other regular trains. Although the trains are controlled through digital technology and fully automated, onboard drivers will continue to supervise journeys whenever there are passengers on board. [techxplore.com]
Renovated Seattle monorail station opens to serve arena crowds
A new world of light and sound awaits travelers who visit Seattle Center by monorail this fall. Riders will wave electronic tickets past a monorail-shaped fare gate to reach the third floor of Westlake Center, where a wavy ceiling lights up in sky blue or fire-truck red, matching the color of the arriving train. An overhead video display will show the Seattle Kraken hockey team practicing slap shots. Within seconds, crowds can rush onto the 1962-vintage trains as they head north, toward Climate Pledge Arena, home to the Kraken. [masstransitmag.com]
LA Metro begins preconstruction work on Valley light-rail project
The Los Angeles Metro (LA Metro) has begun utility investigation work ahead of construction of the East San Fernando Valley transit corridor project. Work involves potholing and trenching along Van Nuys Boulevard from Plummer Street to San Fernando Road. The 9.2-mile light rail system will run from Van Nuys Metro G Line (Orange) Station to Sylmar/San Fernando Metrolink Station. The initial 6.7 mile operating segment, to San Fernando Road will be at-grade and include 11 new stations. Additional studies are underway to determine the remaining operating segment. [progressiverailroading.com]’
Amtrak expansion would expand travel options for Oklahomans
From Oklahoma City’s historic Santa Fe Depot, passengers board to go south towards Fort Worth, Texas. Amtrak’s Heartland Flyer is a once-daily round trip passenger train that came online in 1999. It’s the only passenger rail line in the state, but that could be changing. In a new 15-year plan, Amtrak plans to add service between OKC and Newton, Kansas. The expansion has generated local support and the backing of the state legislature, but development of the line relies largely on congress passing the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill which includes billions for Amtrak. [kosu.org]
