Amtrak trains may soon reach Miami International Airport
Amtrak trains might soon come into the Miami Intermodal Center, just east of the airport, as the Florida Department of Transportation has resumed talks with the company. Both parties are currently negotiating the lease and an acceptable termination clause. Separately, Amtrak would have to negotiate an agreement with Miami International Airport and the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA) on their contribution to the maintenance of common areas, platforms, track and overhead canopy. [miamitodaynews.com]
SoCal track needs more bracing to avoid slip into the sea
When Tropical Storm Kay pounded Southern California’s seaboard in September, it shifted the ground along the track in San Clemente. The shifted sand buffers the base of an “ancient landslide,” atop which runs the coastal rail corridor used by Metrolink commuter trains. Last year Metrolink dropped over 10,000 tons of rocks to act as a barrier between the railway and ocean, and another 1,600+ tons of rock were added after Tropical Storm Kay. More material is expected to be used over the next few days. [rtands.com]
STB extends mediation time for Amtrak Gulf Coast case
The Surface Transportation Board has granted a request extending mediation regarding Amtrak’s effort to launch Gulf Coast passenger service to Oct. 11. Amtrak, CSX, Norfolk Southern, and the Alabama State Port Authority filed the request, agreeing that an additional 15-days of mediation would be productive in resolving the matter. In question is whether adding two Amtrak round trips between New Orleans and Mobile would “unreasonably impair” freight rail operations — the regulatory standard which would prevent the start of passenger service.
[trains.com]
Calgary seeks proposals for Green Line light-rail project
The city of Calgary’s Green Line Board has issued a request for proposals (RFP) for the design, construction and financing of the first phase of the Green Line light-rail transit project. The RFP was released to two teams: Bow Transit Connectors and City Link Partners. One team will be selected in early 2023 as the development partner. At 11 miles, the Green Line project’s first phase will include 13 stations and a rail-car maintenance storage facility. The full Green Line will stretch more than 28 miles. .[progressiverailroading.com]
CSX Santa Train to make post-coved return on Nov 19th
Marking its 80th anniversary, the CSX Santa Train will be back on the rails this year for the first time since 2019. After two years of drive-through events necessitated by cover, the train will once again roll through Appalachia, making stops in Kentucky, Virginia and Tennessee to distribute more than 15 tons of toys and other items to children and their parents. The 110-mile route begins at Shelby Yard near Pikeville, Ky., and ends at Kingsport, Tenn. [railwayage.com]
