Rendering Courtesy of Alstom

Transit Briefs: SEPTA, SFMTA, LA Metro, New Orleans RTA

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) will tackle critical track and power maintenance as part of its 2023 Trolley Tunnel Blitz. Also, San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) riders will soon receive improved wireless connectivity; copper theft causes delays on LA Metro’s rail lines; and the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority’s (RTA) Rampart streetcar line reopening is pushed back to 2024 amid infrastructure delays.

Metrolink reports that its earthquake early warning system is based on an interface between the United States Geological Survey ShakeAlert® system and the railroad’s Positive Train Control system.

Watch: Metrolink Deploys Earthquake Early-Warning Tech

Technology that automatically alerts trains and applies the brakes for safe, rapid slowing or stopping in the event of an earthquake has been rolled out across Metrolink, the seven-line, 538-route mile regional/commuter

InvadingInvader Wikimedia Commons

A Varied, Growing Network

RAILWAY AGE, MARCH 2023 ISSUE: Rail transit in Northern California is on the rise.

According to the MTA, major subway crime is down 16% compared to the same period in 2022.

Transit Briefs: NYMTA, Rio Grande Train Station, TTC, CCJPA

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announces significant progress on subway and transit public safety initiatives. Also, a new plan aims to re-establish Rio Grande as a transportation hub; the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) will deploy more than 80 additional staff focused on safety; and the Capital Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA) announces pilot program to let riders pay fares with contactless debit/credit cards.

Project site location for the Pier B replacement project.

Port of Long Beach Releases Pier B Relocation Plan

The Port of Long Beach (POLB) on Nov. 10 released its relocation plan for the proposed Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility project, which will reconfigure, expand and enhance the existing rail yard and directly connect to on-dock rail facilities and the Alameda Corridor railway.

(Photo Credit: Keith Fender)

California Orders 29 HFC Trains for Intercity Services (UPDATED)

Stadler, the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the design and delivery of four zero-emission HFC (hydrogen fuel cell)

Rail Safety Week Initiatives Accelerate (UPDATED)

As Rail Safety Week (RSW) (Sept. 19-25), a collaborative effort among Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI), state OLI programs and rail safety partners across the U.S., Canada and Mexico, continues to be observed, North American carriers and organizations are mobilizing to raise awareness about rail safety and to help stop track tragedies during this annual week-long event. Here is a roundup of the week’s initiatives.

Metrolink's discount program will be available for one year or until the grant funds are depleted.

Transit Briefs: Metrolink, WMATA, Valley Metro, MDOT, Metrolinx, LA Metro

Metrolink launches discount program for low-income train riders. Also, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)’s newly improved Orange Line stations will reopen on schedule featuring platform and customer upgrades; Valley Metro’s South Central Extension/Downtown Hub is halfway to the goal line; the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) releases $19.9 billion draft six-year capital budget plan; new reserved bike rooms are opening at five of Metrolinx’s GO stations; and LA Metro releases final limited edition TAP cards featuring rider portraits.

Amtrak will likely provide the intercity service on the proposed Coachella Valley-San Gorgonio Pass Rail Corridor Service.

Proposed L.A.-Indio Passenger Rail Service Makes Headway

A plan for new passenger rail service that would span approximately 144 miles, linking the City of Coachella with Los Angeles Union Station (LAUS), has taken another step forward following a public

Environmental approval of the CHSRA’s San Jose to Merced project section through the Pacheco Pass will be considered at the its April 27-28 Board meeting.

CHSRA Advances Wildlife Protection Project

A $3.125 million California Wildlife Conservation Board grant will fund the planning, design, environmental review and permitting of a proposed wildlife overcrossing spanning State Route 152, near the San Jose to Merced high-speed rail project section, the California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) reported on April 19.

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