Metrolink Redlands to San Bernardino ‘Arrow’ train debuts
Metrolink has marked the opening of its new “Arrow” line, which features clean-air rail technology, new tracks, enhanced street crossings, quiet zones, and five stations along the nine-mile route between downtown San Bernardino and downtown Redlands. Arrow connects the East Valley of San Bernardino County to a transit hub providing access to all points west. Stations include Downtown and Tippecanoe in San Bernardino; and Esri, Downtown, and University in Redlands. [la.streetsblog.org]
OIG says Amtrak on track to meet emission reduction goals
A report by the Amtrak Office of Inspector General (OIG) states that the passenger rail company appears likely to meet a 2030 goal to cut emissions to 40% below 2010 levels. Amtrak has acquired more efficient electric locomotives for the Northeast Corridor and more fuel-efficient diesel locomotives for use nationwide. And LED lighting has been added to facilities and stations. The report cites easily attainable actions like the reduction of diesel idling time and sustainability training for all employees. [railwayage.com]
China’s hyperloop-like Vactrain makes sucessful test run
China has become the world’s first country to successfully test a hyperloop-style, magnetically levitated train inside a vacuum tube — or “vactrain” for short. During the test, the train reached speeds of up to 80 mph along a roughly 1.25-mile track inside a “low vacuum tube.” The goal is to eventually construct a full-scale, 37-mile test track and have trains reach speeds of up to 621 mph. The test could lay the groundwork for an entirely new kind of high-speed train system, not unlike the “Hyperloop,” a design popularized by Elon Musk. [futurism.com]
Montreal’s REM south shore line delayed until spring 2023
Montreal’s light-rail network line to the city’s south shore won’t be ready by year’s end as planned. Service on the Réseau express métropolitain (REM) link to Brossard has been delayed to spring 2023 in order to run tests during more difficult winter operating conditions. The delay comes as commuters face the imminent partial closure of the Louis-Hippolyte-La Fontaine tunnel between the city and the south shore through 2025. The delay-plagued REM will have 26 stations along 67 km of track. [globalnews.ca]
Planned construction of Maya Train section now in doubt
Construction of a stretch of Mexico’s Maya Train railroad is in doubt due to the opposition of local landowners, according to President López. The president stated that the section between Chetumal, Quintana Roo, and Xpujil, Campeche, might not be built if an agreement can’t be reached with the leaders of five ejidos, or communal parcels of land. The president raised doubts about their claim and indicated that the government wouldn’t their demand if it determined their claim wasn’t valid. [mexiconewsdaily.com]
