FTA pledges $1.75B to improve subway station access
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) will provide $1.75 billion in federal funding over five years to improve accessibility at the nation’s rail stations. The funding, which comes from the new All Stations Accessibility Program created by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, will help agencies pay for retrofitting subway stations so people who need an elevator or ramp can still access their local rail systems. About $343 million will be made available each year through a competitive, discretionary grant program. [progressiverailroading.com]
Canada orders new measures to improve rail safety
Canada’s Transportation Safety Board has taken new actions to improve rail safety. The new Ministerial Order requires railway companies to propose revisions to rules for the Minister’s approval. The revisions to be proposed will enhance inspections and maintenance of air brakes and address the elevated risks of operating trains in cold temperatures. In addition, the order requires rail companies to develop winter operating plans. The actions are in response to the derailment in Field, British Columbia, in 2019. [rtands.com]
Virginia’s first scenic tourist train set for Aug 4 debut
Virginia will welcome its first regularly scheduled sightseeing tourist train early next month when the Buckingham Branch Railroad launches the Virginia Scenic Railway. Starting August 4th, the Stauton-based railway will offer twice-daily sightseeing excursions through the Shenandoah Valley. The Blue Ridge Flyer will travel east through the Blue Ridge Mountains; and the Allegheny Special will travel west through western Virginia. All trains will depart from the Amtrak station in Staunton. [progressiverailroading.com]
Siemens delivers two Brightline trainsets to Orlando
Brightline has welcomed two Siemens Mobility trains ahead of the 2023 opening of its Orlando extension line. The new vehicles, manufactured by Siemens in Sacramento, California, were delivered to Brightline’s Orlando Vehicle Maintenance Facility. They will be added to Brightline’s current South Florida fleet when service is extended to Central Florida in 2023. The Orlando extension project is currently 80 percent complete. [railway-news.com]
