Pictured: Stadler low-floor FLIRT DMU train testing is being conducted along the nine-mile Arrow passenger rail corridor, linking the San Bernardino Transit Center and the University of Redlands in California. (Courtesy of SBCTA)

Transit Briefs: SBCTA, Amtrak, MBTA, NCTD

San Bernardino County (Calif.) Transportation Authority (SBCTA) reports that train testing continues along the nine-mile Arrow passenger rail corridor, which is slated for launch this fall. Also, Amtrak late last month celebrated the completion of ADA-related improvement projects at two Kansas stations; the Federal Transit Administration ordered Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) to conduct “an immediate safety standdown,” starting July 30; and North County (Calif.) Transit District has earned a financial reporting award.

On Feb. 16, a Metrolink train traveled along the new nine-mile, five-station Arrow corridor from San Bernardino to Redlands, Calif. (pictured). It allowed crews to take clearance measurements in preparation for train testing, which kicked off Feb. 22. Revenue service is slated to begin this summer.

Transit Briefs: CTA, LOSSAN, SBCTA

The Chicago Transit Board has approved a new agreement with Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) largest union. Also, Icomera U.S. is improving Wi-Fi service for Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner riders; and San Bernardino County (Calif.) Transportation Authority (SBCTA) is starting train testing this month along the nine-mile Arrow passenger rail corridor.

SBCTA Stadler DMU Out for Delivery

Delivery is under way for Stadler’s second U.S.-manufactured order, three low-floor FLIRT DMU (diesel multiple-unit) trainsets for San Bernardino County Transit Authority (SBCTA). The first unit is out for delivery from Stadler’s Salt Lake City, Utah manufacturing facility. This order follows DMUs built for Trinity Metro’s Texrail line in Fort Worth, Tex., in 2019.

Darren Kettle to Lead Metrolink

The Southern California Regional Rail Authority’s (SCRRA) Board of Directors has appointed Darren Kettle CEO of Metrolink, the 538-route mile, seven-line, 62-station regional/commuter rail network that spans Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura and North San Diego counties.

Downtown San Bernardino rail extension complete

The Downtown San Bernardino Passenger Rail Project has officially been concluded, according to a joint announcement by the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA), Omnitrans, Metrolink and the city of San Bernardino.

Baysden named Omnitrans Director of Rail

San Bernardino-area transit provider Omnitrans has named railroad operating veteran Trischelle Baysden as director of its new passenger rail department, which in 2020 is expected to launch the nine-mile Arrow line connecting with Redlands.