Guideway set for LAX people mover project
A major milestone has been reached at Los Angeles International Airport as the last concrete was poured for the 2.25 mi elevated guideway structure for the automated people mover, the centerpiece of the airport’s $5.5B program to modernize road and rail access. The $2B automated people mover is an electric train system intended to convey passengers from the terminals at LAX to a station connecting to the Metro Crenshaw-LAX and C (Green) rail line and then on to a consolidated car-rental facility. [labusinessjournal.com]
New tech will assist NJ Transit accessibility
NJ Transit has launched two new technology-focused initiatives to improve accessibility for neurodiverse customers and those with mobility constraints. Advancements include a free mobile app to assist autistic and neurodiverse that combines the instructions of an autism education specialist with real-world images. NJ Transit has also updated its accessibility-related website content and user experience. The webpage features a new overview video as well as easy-to-use links to specific information and videos with multi-lingual captioning. [essexnewsdaily.com]
Proposals to replace Philly trolleys sought
Southeastern Pennsylvania’s SEPTA has requested proposals for the replacement of Philadelphia’s trolley fleet. The plan is part of SEPTA’s capital program to modernize the country’s largest trolley network. The new higher-capacity vehicles will be fully accessible and have designated open space for people with wheelchairs and strollers. Additionally, SEPTA is building new on-street stations and rebuilding underground stations to become more accessible. The agency’s eight trolley routes operate over 68 miles of track. The current fleet dates to the 1980s. [progressiverailroading.com]
Officials discuss South Florida rail line safety
Brightline, Tri-Rail, and Amtrak officials recently joined FRA and government officials in Miami for a “Railroad Trespass Summit” to discuss better safety measures and possible grant funding for rail line enhancements. There have been 63 Brightline-related fatalities since mid-2017, when the passenger service began running between West Palm Beach and downtown Miami. Having already committed $10M each, Brightline and the Florida DOT will apply for a $25M federal grant toward a total $45M investment in rail line crossings and fencing. [miamiherald.com]
Ohio agency seeks Cleveland Amtrak hub
The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA), plans to submit to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) multiple proposed passenger rail routes through Cleveland for inclusion in the Biden Administration’s multi-billion-dollar rail development program. There was a new FRA program announced today to which NOACA pledged to submit Cleveland-based routes for consideration. In addition to the four existing Chicago-East Coast trains that stop in Cleveland each night, Amtrak proposes to add short-distance, multiple daily passenger trains to Columbus, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Detroit and Buffalo as part of its Amtrak Connects US plan. [neo-trans.blog]
