Donald M. Payne Jr., 1958-2024
U.S. Rep. Donald M. Payne Jr. of New Jersey, who served as Senior Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Rail Subcommittee, died April 24. He was 65.
Amtrak
Transit Briefs: Amtrak Virginia, LACMTA, NJT, MWAA
Amtrak Virginia and Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) experience double-digit ridership growth in March. Also, New Jersey Transit (NJT) releases its first sustainability plan; and Brookville Equipment Corporation receives a Notice to Proceed on a $16.4 million contract from the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA).
Transit Briefs: Metra, Denver RTD, Amtrak OIG
Metra schedules 47 safety blitzes in 2024. Also, Denver Regional Transportation District’s (RTD) Transit Police will implement 24/7 patrols beginning May 5; and the Amtrak Office of Inspector General (OIG) identifies opportunities for Amtrak to better use its customer service data to improve the customer experience.
Amtrak Petitions FRA for Waiver of Compliance Regarding Loss of Shunt Incidents
Amtrak on Oct. 17, 2023, petitioned the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for a waiver of compliance from certain provisions of the Federal railroad safety regulations contained at 49 CFR part 229 (Railroad Locomotive Standards).
FRA Releases 2024 NEC Project Inventory
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has published the 2024 Northeast Corridor (NEC) Project Inventory—an updated NEC project pipeline for the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant Program (FSP-NEC). On Nov. 15, 2022, FRA
Transit Briefs: Metrolinx, Amtrak
Metrolinx increases GO Train service. Also, Amtrak publishes a guide for West Baltimore community investments funded by the Frederick Douglass Tunnel Program (FDT Program).
Amtrak OIG Provides Insights on Fraud Risks
Amtrak’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) on April 17 released a report providing insights for Amtrak on ways organizations can collect and analyze contract and procurement data to monitor for and detect fraud risks.
Amtrak Issues RFI for Zero-Emissions Technology
Amtrak announced April 16 that it has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to seek options that will help transform its rail fleet with zero-emissions technology, “marking progress towards the company’s long-range goal of eliminating emissions used to power Amtrak’s trains.”
Transit Briefs: NC by Train, NJ Transit, TTC
Ridership for NC By Train—North Carolina-supported Amtrak service—marks a milestone. Also, the New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) Board approves a double-digit fare hike; and communications, electrical and signal workers at Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) will begin strike action on April 22 if a collective agreement is not reached.
‘Young Professionals’ Virtual Conference Set for May 9
Railway Age’s second-annual Young Professionals conference—the rail industry’s only free event tailored to helping “fast trackers” in the freight, passenger and supply sectors advance their careers—will be held virtually on May 9