Miami station platform too wide for Tri-Rail trains
With platform areas at Miami’s Brightline depot obstructing its trains, Tri-Rail’s opening of a $70 million tax-funded extension to downtown is again delayed. Portions of the platform built by Brightline using public dollars, would hit steps that extend from train exit doors. If trains cannot be modified, the platform will need to be rebuilt. The South Florida commuter service, which was supposed to start serving the downtown station in 2017, currently runs between West Palm Beach and Miami International Airport. [miamiherald.com]
Massachusetts begins study on Northern Tier passenger rail
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation is looking into the feasibility of restarting passenger rail service from North Adams to Greenfield and Boston. A study will examine the benefits, costs, and investments needed to create and maintain a competitive passenger rail service along the corridor. The study is required by legislation, passed in 2019. Passenger service from Boston to North Adams ended in 1958, and from Greenfield in 1960. The rail track is currently used for freight service only. [wwlp.com]
Shut-down St. Louis Loop Trolley may spring back
The Loop Trolley, which shut down at the end of 2019 amid financial and operational problems, could start up again sometime next year but a decision has yet to be made. That’s the upshot of a meeting of the board that oversees the special sales tax district that has continued to generate revenue for the defunct trolley line straddling the St. Louis-University City border. While a proposed district budget for next year includes funds to operate the 2.2-mile line, there is currently no timeline for resuming service. [stltoday.com]
Eurostar begins facial recognition trials in London
Eurostar, the international train that runs between the UK and Europe, is testing facial recognition technology at its St Pancras International terminal in London for passengers leaving Britain. SmartCheck is designed to enable a contactless fast-track service for select passengers undertaking their secure ticket verification and British exit check on their mobile devices prior to boarding. A second face scan is undertaken at the British Exit Check allowing Eurostar to verify that the passenger has completed their passport information, removing the need for passengers to hand over documents. [railjournal.com]
