Amtrak Philadelphia – NYC service faces heat delays
Amtrak says commuters could encounter delays between Philadelphia and New York City due to the hot weather. The rail line said that heat restrictions have been put into place. According to Amtrak’s website, a heat restriction means locomotive engineers must operate at slower speeds than normal. That’s because the rails and wires could expand when they get too hot. “Speed reductions are based on the rail temperature, not the ambient (air) temperature. That data ensures we’re only issuing heat restrictions when necessary,” Amtrak’s website reads. [6abc.com]
San Francisco Central Subway opening delayed again
San Francisco’s decades-in-the-works Central Subway extension has been delayed once again, this time by about two months. A June 20 fire in the subway’s Yerba Buena/Moscone Station is expected to delay completion of the Central Subway by six to eight weeks. The fire didn’t result in any injuries or damage to trains, though it temporarily halted testing inside the Central Subway, one of the final steps toward the project’s completion. A surge arrester ignited a fire inside a circuit breaker cubicle and damaged two other cubicles — all three of which need to be replaced. [masstransitmag.com]
Controversial Mexican proj resumes despite court order
Work on the fifth stretch of the Maya train in Mexico’s Quintana Roo state has resumed, even though a federal judge ordered a suspension at the end of May.. Construction restarted after the interior ministry and the public security and citizen protection ministry (SSP) declared it vital for national security.. Environmental groups complained last week that works resumed at the site despite the court’s order. However, the government will continue works on the 121 km (75 mi) line, while also continuing its legal defense. [bnamericas.com]
LA Metrolink launches first refurbished car into service
The train car is the first of 50 that will be renovated in the near future to make Metrolink services more a more attractive option in Southern California. The train cars now include improved features that make them easier to clean, such as vinyl seating and non-carpeted flooring, as well as enhanced air filtration and UV lighting for bacteria, air pollutant and virus protection. In addition, the toilets have been fitted with new energy-efficient lighting and better odor control technology. [railway-news.com]
Toronto TTC changing directions on subway signage
The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is changing the signage used to direct commuters on its subway system. Instead of “northbound” or “southbound,” signs will now indicate their terminus stations. For example, “northbound” on Line 1 will now read “Vaughan,” while southbound will read “Finch.” The changes, which bring the TTC into compliance with national and international standards, were initiated in 2017 during the extension of Vaughan Line 1. The new signage will be applied to all lines over time. [toronto.ctvnews.ca]
New Mex Rail Runner extends fare cuts, adds service
A 75% reduction in New Mexico Rail Runner fares enacted in April will be extended until the end of the year, while service will increase beginning August 1st. The new train schedule and additional service will “accommodate the changing workday that many commuters are experiencing and also offer more options for shorter trips,” said Rio Metro Regional Transit District Executive Director Dewey Cave. The district will add two trains to both the weekday and Saturday schedules.[progressiverailroading.com]
Restoration of Reading to Philly link moves forward
The Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority (SRPRA) has submitted a letter of intent to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to restore passenger rail from Reading to Philadelphia. This initial procedural step indicates the SRPRA’s intent to advance passenger rail to Reading as part of Amtrak’s New York-Philadelphia-Reading corridor and FRA’s Corridor ID Program. Amtrak’s vision for the corridor is to increase mobility for Reading and Philadelphia residents to and from the broader Northeast region with daily multi-frequency service. [mychesco.com]
