California approves bullet train plan between San Francisco and San Jose
California High-Speed Rail Authority directors have approved an environmental report and preferred route for the bullet train’s extension through the Bay Area. The vote clears the way for the 43 mi (69 km) expansion between San Francisco and San Jose to be “shovel ready” when funding becomes available. Over 420 mi(675 km) of the project’s 500 mi (800 km) program are now environmentally certified. The high-speed rail program has been beset by delays, criticism, and funding challenges. [latimes.com]
SEPTA’s Wawa Station now taking passengers into Philly
SEPTA’s newly renamed Media-Wawa line is now 3.5 mi (5.6 km) longer, after three years of construction on a new transit hub near the convenience store chain’s headquarters. The new Wawa Station is the first expansion of regional rail service since the 1980s. The direct route right into Philadelphia is about a 45-minute ride. The decision to expand the line came after a great deal of public outreach in the area. Mahon said SEPTA found money to extend the line after agency officials found out they had public interest. [whyy.org]
Several Seattle-area light rail projects will be delayed
A handful of Seattle area light rail projects will take longer to complete than previously expected. The East Link extension to Mercer Island and Bellevue, planned to open in mid-2023, is forecast to be delayed by at least a year due to faulty construction and a extension to Federal Way will open in 2025 instead of 2024. Lines to Lynnwood and downtown Redmond may also be delayed due to labor- and pandemic-related issues. Officials are still working to finalize new opening dates for the projects. [axios.com]
Bidding processes underway for 3 Mexican passenger rail projects
Mexican authorities are seeking to award contracts to build two new passenger rail projects in September, as well as continuing works on a branch line to the north of Mexico City that is already underway. The works involve the construction of three new metro lines in Nuevo León state capital Monterrey, a new light rail line in Jalisco state capital Guadalajara and the construction of two bridges in Mexico state that are part of an ongoing plan to link the rail network to the country’s newest airport. [bnamericas.com]
Amtrak seeks thousands of new employees
Amtrak has more than 4,000 employment positions to fill. The passenger rail service is recruiting employees to work in project management, finance, technology, onboard services, electrical and customer service. More than 54 hiring events have been scheduled in fiscal-year 2023. Opportunities range from onboard service crafts to journeyman electricians. Amtrak offers hiring bonuses and relocation packages to fill critical positions. [progressiverailroading.com]
