Amtrak previews future coaches set for ’26 debut
Amtrak has previewed new trainsets that will serve the Northeast Corridor and the Pacific Northeast. The new Siemens Airo trains, which won’t go into service until 2026, will offer increased accessibility and be more environmentally friendly than the existing fleet. New cars will feature digital signage, an upgraded café car, and touch-free restrooms along with larger panoramic windows, ergonomic seats, adjustable headrests, and cup and tablet holders.. At-seat outlets and free Wi-Fi will remain standard. [usatoday.com]
Ontario buying 3 trainsets for Northlander return
The Ontario government is investing $139.5 million on three new transits as part of its plan to restore Northlander passenger rail service between Timmins and Toronto. The trains will feature environmentally friendly diesel locomotives and spacious, fully accessible cars with Wi-Fi connectivity, and galley style food services. The reinstated service will be offered from four to seven days a week, based on seasonal travel demands. Service has been provided by buses since train service ended in 2012. [northernontario.ctvnews.ca]
Amtrak Gulf Coast service due sometime in 2023
Amtrak’s return to the Gulf Coast will come in 2023, but few details are being disclosed about last month’s settlement in a case before a federal agency that could have national implications over how passenger rail is conducted along freight lines. A pending settlement ending a legal proceeding before the U.S. Surface Transportation Board will enable a 2023 start of Amtrak service connecting New Orleans to Mobile with four stops along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. [al.com]
Boston “T” Green Line light-rail reaches Medford
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority opened the Medford branch of its Boston light rail Green Line Extension for revenue service on December 12th. Running north from a junction with the previously opened Union Square branch north of Lechmere, the 3.7 mi (6 km) Medford branch shares the alignment of MBTA’s Lowell commuter rail line. It adds five stations to the cross-city light rail route, at East Somerville, Gilman Square, Magoun Square, Ball Square and Medford/Tufts. [railwaygazette.com]
Denver’s RTD is killing long-suspended lines
Denver’s Regional Transportation District has confirmed that the C and F light-rail lines, suspended since early 2020, will not be returned to service. The services have since been consolidated with other lines on RTD’s southwest and southeast rail corridors. The C-Line ran from Union Station to Littleton, while the F-Line ran from the downtown Central Business District loop to Lone Tree. Without those lines, some riders have to make transfers to the E-Line or the D-Line south of downtown. [denverpost.com]
Seattle’s Sound Transit delays light-rail extensions
The Seattle region’s Sound Transit will delay the start of light-rail passenger service on several Link extension projects. The Hilltop Tacoma Link extension, originally expected to open by early spring, will be delayed due to multiple quality issues and concern over track geometry. An assessment of the issue is being conducted and no new opening date has been set. Meanwhile, opening dates for the East, Lynnwood, Federal Way and Downtown Redmond Link extensions have also also delayed. [progressiverailroading.com]
