Connecticut goes electric on Shore Line East
Electric trains have begun operating on Connecticut’s Shore Line East commuter-rail line. The Kawasaki M8 electric multiple units (EMUs) represent a milestone for the rail line, which operates between New Haven and New London. The EMUs, which replace diesel-powered trains, emit no carbon emissions and include additional amenities for riders, such as electrical outlets at each seat, brighter interior spaces, updated restrooms, higher seat backs and improved luggage racks. [progressiverailroading.com]
Amtrak adding second Roanoke service in July
Starting in July, a second Amtrak passenger train will begin to operate from Roanoke, departing at 4:35 p.m. bound for Washington, D.C., with an expected arrival time of 9:35 p.m. The early train will continue to depart at 6:32 a.m. and reach Washington at about 11:30 a.m. The service expansion will add another arrival to the timetable as well — 12:56 p.m. That train will leave D.C. shortly after 8 in the morning. Amtrak launched the service in 2017, bringing back rail passenger service for the first time since the 1970s. [roanoke.com]
Denver’s last trolley to run again this summer
The last operating trolley in the city of Denver kicks off its operating season over Memorial Day weekend. The historic Denver Trolley will operate from this Saturday through mid-August. Running along the South Platte River for more than 30 years, the Denver Trolley departs from the home platform at REI/Confluence Park every 30 minutes. Denver once had an extensive electric rail transit system, but with the arrival of the automobile and a new bus system, all trolley service was abandoned in 1950. [9news.com]
Sonoma-Marin transit forsees $7.5M surplus
After two years of recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, SMART expects to have a $7.5 million budget surplus in the 2022-2023 fiscal year. Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit, which provides 45 miles of passenger rail service between Larkspur and Santa Rosa, attributes the surplus to a predicted sales tax revenue boost, federal stimulus funding and expectations of recovering lost ridership. How SMART plans to potentially use the surplus dollars could be decided in the coming month, especially as it looks to update a plan identifying its priority projects for the next decade. [marinij.com]
Rail plan gains traction in southern Maryland
Officials were on hand in Maryland to break in a light-rail project that has been the hope of many for years. State House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and Sen. Ben Cardin were on hand to present a check for $5 million to help start the Southern Maryland Rapid Transit Project. The light-rail route would connect White Plains to Branch Avenue Metro and will feature 13 stops. Officials said up to 28,000 people could ride the system daily. Maryland is committed to match the federal support, which will go towards preliminary moves like design work. [rtands.com]
