Judge ends mask mandate for Amtrak and transit
The Transportation Security Administration will no longer enforce its security directives and emergency amendment requiring mask use on public transportation and in transportation hubs. The announcement follows a federal judge’s ruling that struck down the mask mandate for planes, public transportation, train stations and airports. Immediately after the judge’s ruling, Amtrak and a number of major transit-rail agencies announced mask-wearing is now optional for passengers and employees. [progressiverailroading.com]
NYC moving ahead on subway metal detectors
Mayor Eric Adams is considering three types of metal detectors to be used in the subway system in the wake of last week’s mass shooting on board a Manhattan-bound N train in Sunset Park. In his first in-person news conference since exiting COVID isolation, Adams offered few details on the added cost to the detectors, who will monitor them and where in the system they will be installed. He said he is delegating the task of researching the best type of to Phil Banks, deputy mayor for public safety. [gothamist.com]
Ontario awards $1.6B for Toronto rail electrification
The Ontario government has inked a deal worth approximately $1.6 billion ($1.3B USD) to implement the first phase of a mammoth project that could see GO Transit’s entire rail network electrified, potentially opening the door for much more frequent and faster train service. According to an unidentified source, the consortium chosen to carry out the “development” phase, will be responsible for designing key infrastructure, signaling, system and Hydro One power infrastructure upgrades as well as starting construction to separate certain rail-road crossings over the next two years. [toronto.citynews.ca]
Coast-to-coast preview reveals Amtrak’s new look
The first Amtrak locomotive to carry a new paint scheme is traveling from California to Delaware, giving the public a glimpse of a new look as it makes its way to more Amtrak trains in the years to come. Called Phase VII as the seventh standard exterior design in the 50-year history of Amtrak, Locomotive 309 features the mainstay Amtrak Blue with Amtrak Red and Midnight Blue separated by white arcs. The design’s use of non-metallic colors is a departure from predominantly silver locomotives, making repair work more efficient. [globalrailwayreview.com]
