LA Crenshaw LRT due Oct 7th … Amtrak targets net zero by 2045 … SF subway soft opening set

LA's Crenshaw/LAX rail (K) line
The long-awaited Crenshaw/LAX rail (K) line will partially open October 7th, marking a major milestone for transit in Los Angeles. © Meto

LA’s Crenshaw/LAX Line to open on Oct 7th
The long-awaited Crenshaw/LAX rail (K) line will partially open October 7th, marking a major milestone for transit in Los Angeles as the region embarks on a massive buildup of infrastructure ahead of the Olympic Games. The 8.5 mi line runs from the Adams District through the heart of historically Black Los Angeles and will offer a path to connect to the Los Angeles Airport and the South Bay by 2026. Metro said opening ceremonies will be held at the Leimert Park station. [latimes.com]

Amtrak pledges net zero emissions by 2045
Amtrak has announced plans to achieve net zero greenhouse-gas emissions across its network by 2045. The new goal focuses on expanding efforts across the railroad’s entire carbon footprint . Amtrak plans to achieve net zero emissions by increasing energy efficiency and implementing renewable fuels and energy sources; reducing diesel fuel use; and achieving 100% carbon-free electricity by 2030 by reducing consumption and using carbon-free alternatives. [progressiverailroading.com]

SF’s Central Subway soft opening set to go
The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) has announced the soft launch of the city’s new Central Subway on November 19th, 2022. The initial dedicated shuttle service, between 4th and Brannan Station and Chinatown/Rose Pak Station, will be free and limited to weekends. The full opening of the Central Subway system will debut in January 2023, when SFMTA will transition to daily service, connecting directly to the rest of the T-Third Line. [masstransitmag.com]

California not just dreaming of hydrogen trains
Stadler has unveiled the first hydrogen fuel cell powered version of its Flirt multiple-unit family, which is to be used on commuter services in California, and has signed a memorandum of understanding to supply up to 25 more to the state. Stadler said the development of the Flirt H2 marks an important milestone for the company’s effort to bring zero-emissions technology to passenger rail in the USA, where less than 1% of lines are electrified. [railwaygazette.com]

Long-delayed Toronto LRT is delayed again
The much-delayed Eglinton Crosstown LRT has been delayed yet again. In a statement Friday, the president and CEO Phil Verster of Metrolinx, the Ontario Crown corporation overseeing the project, said he had expected the transit line that’s plagued Eglinton Avenue with construction for more than decade to be complete by this fall, but the company in charge of building it had fallen short. Verster did not say what the new timeline was for the completion of the project. [thestar.com]

Hitachi Rail reveals new battery hybrid train
Italian rolling stock manufacturer Hitachi Rail has unveiled its new ‘Blues Train’ at the InnoTrans rail transport fair in Berlin, Germany. The new battery hybrid train, which was developed for Trenitalia, will help cut down carbon emissions and fuel usage by 50% and can reach at and depart from stations completely under battery power. Blues Train is claimed to be the first tri-mode fleet to begin passenger operations in Europe, later this year. [railway-technology.com]

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