$158M for Phoenix light rail extension awaits Congressional review
Phoenix’s Valley Metro Northwest Light Rail Extension Phase II has been awarded $158m by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The extension will expand access to major destinations along the existing light rail line -– including Phoenix Sky Harbor. The 1.6-mile extension will connect 19th Avenue and Dunlap to Metrocenter Mall at approximately 29th Avenue and Dunlap. The project includes three transit stations, a multi-modal transit center, a parking garage, and public art. The critical funding is necessary to complete the project. The grant now advances for Congressional review. [azbigmedia.com]
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner begins change and service expansion
Following a period of reduced services due to Covid, Amtrak Pacific Surfliner service is making major adjustments to its schedule, with simpler schedules and more trips. As of October 25th, the Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor Agency, which manages the service, will add a daily round-trip, shift schedules to more evenly distribute service throughout the day, and implement a single consistent schedule for both weekday and weekend travel. Improvements will benefit San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties. [thecoastnews.com]
Metro-North Railroad to offer bike storage program at Grand Central
MTA Metro-North Railroad is collaborating with Brooklyn-based Oonee to launch a one-year pilot bicycle-storage program at New York’s Grand Central Terminal. Initially, the railroad will install a six-space secure biking storage pod at the terminal’s former “taxiway” space. The space has not been used by taxis since 2001 and provides direct station access. Oonee membership and reservation will enable users to unlock a private space inside the pod using a keycard or smartphone. Launch of the pilot follows Metro-North’s announcement that bike permits are no longer required on trains. [progressiverailroading.com]
Japan’s battery-powered train celebrates five years of service
Kyushu Railway Company (JR Kyushu) and Hitachi Rail are celebrating five years since a BEC819 series train – branded DENCHA – completed its first journey in October 2016. The BEC819 is the world’s first battery-powered passenger train charged by AC overhead lines. With a top speed of 120 kmh, JR Kyushu’s 18-train BEC81 fleet has covered nearly 5-million km in the northern Kyushu region, nearly 80 per cent of that distance – 4-million km – over non-electrified sections of the route. [globalrailwayreview.com]
