Texas’ state capital joined the ranks of U.S. cities with rail service Monday as Austin’s oft-delayed 32-mile Capital Metro Red Line opened for service. An observer on the first train reported approximately 40 “real” people (other than dignitaries and media) boarding the morning’s first train out of Leander, Tex., bound for Austin.

RailComm has successfully commissioned a Centralized Traffic Control (CTC) system for the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s diesel multiple-unit (DMU) rail service in Austin, Tex. The Track Warrant Control portion of the system was launched just 32 days from the signed Notice to Proceed.

New Jersey Transit said July 9 it will debut rail service between Hoboken Terminaland Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., via Secaucus Junction, beginning Sunday, July 26, 2009, when the CONCACAF Gold Cup Final title soccer match is scheduled.

If the New York State Senate continues to balk at a plan to help the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority close a looming $1.2 billion budget gap, the agency's millions of daily rail, subway, and bus riders face fare increases averaging 23% and deep cuts in service.

The on-again/off-again scheduled debut of Austin, Tex.’s Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority service is off again, at least for regularly scheduled revenue service. Though a ceremonial launch is still slated for Saturday, March 28, regular service won’t commence until sometime in April.

Current plans for Dallas Area Rapid Transit’s Orange (light rail) line to serve Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport are being reconsidered as adjustments to airport access are weighed.

Annapolis, Md.-based ARINC Inc. will design and produce a supervisory control system and communications systems for the Long Island Rail Road’s Harold Interlocking Complex in Long Island City, N.Y.  Harold is among the busiest such complexes in the U.S., handling LIRR, New Jersey Transit, and Amtrak train movements as well as some freight activity.