Beginning March 20, Amtrak Downeaster passengers will no longer be able to purchase alcoholic beverages from the train's cafe car while the train passes through New Hampshire.

Transit Briefs: WMATA, GVT, NJ Transit, Amtrak (UPDATED)

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) is making plans to bring back automatic train operation in 2023. Also, Genesee Valley Transportation Co. (GVT) purchases 74-year-old locomotive in hopes of restoring it and returning it to the rails in Scranton for potential passenger excursions; NJ Transit introduces new cash payment option within its mobile app; and Amtrak Downeaster passengers can continue to purchase alcohol as the train passes through New Hampshire on an interim basis.

"These proposed updates enhance FTA’s safety framework, as future safety-related rules, regulations, and guidance will be informed by the National Public Transportation Safety Plan,” said FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez.

Transit Briefs: FTA, WMATA, NJ Transit, CTA, San Diego County, ORDC, TTC

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announces $6 million in funding to explore transportation insecurity that leads to poverty. Also, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) announces new partnership between the Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD) and the DC Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to enhance public safety; NJ Transit engineers say they could strike over pay disparity; the Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) latest interactive scorecard reveals more reliable service in January; San Diego County supervisors approve resolution to expand free youth public transit ridership program; ORDC will apply for the first phase of funding to study expanding passenger rail service in Ohio; and tunneling on the Toronto Transit Commission’s (TTC) Bloor-Danforth Subway Line began in January.

An artist rendering of the approved North Brunswick Train Station concept design. The design is subject to change upon completion of the final design. (Rendering Courtesy of Middlesex County)

Middlesex County Releases Design for Northeast Corridor’s North Brunswick Train Station

The Middlesex County Improvement Authority has unveiled the initial concept design for the North Brunswick Train Station project, which would add a new station to the Northeast Corridor Line.

On March 7, Amtrak will be adding a second round-trip train between Seattle and Vancouver, B.C., restoring the Cascades line to pre-pandemic levels. (Photo Courtesy of Amtrak)

Transit Briefs: Amtrak, NJ Transit

Amtrak to restore full service on the Cascade line to pre-pandemic levels. Also, NJ Transit expands Student Discount Program to include part-time students.

ALP46A 4636 wears a Pennsylvania Railroad-inspired scheme, while GP40PH-2 4109 appears reminiscent of its as-delivered Central Railroad of New Jersey paint scheme.

NJ Transit Rail Operations Celebrates 40 Years of Service

January 1, 2023, marked the 40th anniversary of NJ Transit assuming control and management of the operations of New Jersey’s commuter rail network, previously operated by Conrail under contract to NJ Transit and the State of New Jersey, the agency announced Jan. 11.

The Chicago Transit Authority received a $450,000 grant through the FTA’s FY 2021 Areas of Persistent Poverty (AoPP) Program “to develop an engagement plan for communities that will be served by the planned 5.6-mile Red Line rail extension.” (Rendering Courtesy of CTA)

FTA: Grant Applications Welcome for Areas of Persistent Poverty Program

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) on Jan. 9 reported that $20 million in competitive grant funding is now available for FY 2023 through its Areas of Persistent Poverty (AoPP) Program, which “provides more resources to underserved and disadvantaged communities seeking to expand or improve transit systems.” Applications are due March 10, 2023.

"Americans deserve to have the best rail system in the world, and the investments we are announcing today will serve to modernize the NEC for generations of passengers," U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said on Dec. 22.

FTA: $686MM to Modernize Transit Stations (UPDATED)

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has announced 15 grants totaling $686 million in nine states to modernize older transit stations and improve accessibility, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced Dec. 19.

NJ Transit Authorizes Contract with Foley-Caterpillar for ALP-45 Maintenance Work

NJ Transit’s Board of Directors on Dec. 14 approved a contract with Piscataway, N.J.-based Foley-Caterpillar to perform key state-of-good-repair maintenance on the engines of its ALP-45 fleet, which will allow the dual-powered locomotives to “maintain their current Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Tier III emissions standards and continue the environmental benefits they provide compared to the older locomotives they replaced.”

FTA: $0.6MM Grant to NJT for HBLR TOD

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has awarded a $592,000 grant to New Jersey Transit to study equitable transit-oriented development (TOD) along the proposed Northern Branch extension of Hudson-Bergen Light Rail (HBLR) into

MassDOT has submitted an application for more than $108 million in federal funding for rail corridor improvements between Springfield and Worcester to restore Inland Route intercity passenger rail service. (Amtrak Photograph)

Transit Briefs: Amtrak/CSX/MassDOT, DART, NJT

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), in partnership with Amtrak and with support from CSX, is seeking federal funding for corridor improvements to restore Inland Route intercity passenger rail service. Also, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) is extending the Discount GoPass Tap Card pilot program; and New Jersey Transit (NJT) is re-launching its Adopt-A-Station program.

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