FAA approves AirTrain linking Manhattan with LaGuardia airport
The Federal Aviation Administration has issued final approval for an AirTrain monorail connecting trains from Manhattan to LaGuardia Airport, giving the go-ahead for the roughly $2 billion project to pursue federal funding. The elevated 1.5 mi (2.4 km) link would connect the airport to a train stop next to Citi Field, home of the New York Mets, that is served by the Long Island Rail Road and the No. 7 subway line. Public and transit officials have sought for years to build a rail link to LaGuardia, which opened more than 80 years ago and remains one of the few major U.S. airports without rail service. [apnews.com]
Amtrak and local rail authority sign deal to study Scranton – NYC train
The Pennsylvania Northeast Regional Railroad Authority has signed a deal with Amtrak to study adding passenger rail service connecting Scranton and New York City. The authority will pick up the $400,000 cost of the study, which is expected to take a year to carry out. What happens next depends on Congress passing a bill to pay for upgrading the nation’s infrastructure – including tens of billions of dollars for expanding Amtrak’s service. Previous service was suspended January 5, 1970. [masstransitmag.com]
San Francisco begins train tests on Central Subway line
The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) has begun testing trains in the Central Subway project’s underground tunnels. The project, which began construction in 2012, is slated to open for public use by the spring of 2022, according to the SFMTA. When completed, the Central Subway will link with the Metro T-Third Line and run through the South of Market, Union Square and Chinatown neighborhoods. [sfexaminer.com]
Ottawa to explore better passenger rail service in southwestern Ontario
The southwestern Ontario rail corridor that links London and Windsor to Toronto will again be the subject of a Canada Transport Minister Omar Alghabra has confirmed the federal government’s commitment to improving VIA Rail passenger rail service along the southwestern Ontario rail corridor that links London and Windsor to Toronto. Local officials said they were happy with the commitment from the federal government although no financial commitment or plan details were given. [cbc.ca]
