Amtrak has awarded a Kiewit/J.F. Shea Joint Venture to build the new, $6 billion Frederick Douglass Tunnel, which will serve electrified Amtrak and MARC commuter trains. Construction scheduled to begin in 2026;
RAILWAY AGE, FEBRUARY 2024 ISSUE: Railway Age is proud to recognize 25 ‘Fast Trackers’ Under 40 in 2024.
Amtrak will advance several initiatives this year as part of its goal to double annual ridership to 66 million by Fiscal Year 2040. Also, Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) details three proposed Christiansburg-area station alternatives, as part of the Amtrak New River Valley Project; and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Office of Inspector General introduces a Whistleblower Award Program.
The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) launches OMNY on Hudson Rail Link, releases the results of the Fall 2023 Customers Count Survey, and receives approval to time delay emergency exits to fight fare evasion. Also, New Jersey state lawmakers advance a bill to establish an office representing customers’ interest following a proposed 15% fare hike by NJ Transit; and a new study predicts the significant economic impact of passenger rail in Ohio.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro is planning to include $282.8 million in new state funding for Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) and other transit agencies. Also, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) advances Project Connect light rail in Austin, Tex.; Phoenix Valley Metro launches the Northwest Extension Phase II project; New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announces the first round of subway station renovations for 2024; and Amtrak kicks off Art at Amtrak’s third year with the latest installation at New York Penn Station.
Jan. 18 was not a good day for Amtrak, on either end of the Lakes Shore Limited route, and in other places, too. Many Amtrak trains in the Midwest did not operate,
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is distributing $4.9 billion to 37 nationwide projects through the FY 2023-24 Mega (National Infrastructure Project Assistance) and INFRA (Infrastructure for Rebuilding America) grant programs. Twelve rail-related projects will receive a total of $1.6 billion; the Pier B project at the Port of Long Beach and the Louisiana International Terminal project at the Port of New Orleans are among the winners.
The U.S. Senate confirms the nominations for three Amtrak Board members. Also, New Jersey Transit plans a systemwide fare increase, the first since 2015; and Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet) proposes replacing late-night MAX light rail with buses and streamlining MAX stations in downtown Portland to speed service.
A project is under way to unify San Francisco Bay Area transit maps and signs. Also, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) renames the West Santa Ana Branch Corridor Project to avoid rider confusion; and Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and Amtrak Virginia set ridership records in 2023.
The Surface Transportation Board (STB) will require additional information in the Amtrak Gulf Coast proceeding and schedules hearing. Also, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) pilots upgraded seating on light rail and streetcar vehicles; and the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) installs platform barriers the at 191st Street Station.