Railroad News

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has notified 30 states where transit-rail systems operate that they must establish a State Safety Oversight (SSO) program by April 15, 2019.

Established in April 2016, the federal SSO program's final rule established a three-year timeframe for states to obtain certification for their SSO programs. If a state fails to obtain a certification, FTA will not obligate funds to transportation agencies in that state until certification is achieved, according to an FTA press release.

An expanded West End Concourse, the first phase of the modernization and transformation of New York Penn Station, is open.

The new concourse will provide direct access to 17 of the station's 21 tracks, will connect the future Moynihan Train Hall to Penn Station underground via 33rd Street and provide a direct connection to the 8th Avenue Subway.

An expanded West End Concourse, the first phase of the modernization and transformation of New York Penn Station, is open.

The new concourse will provide direct access to 17 of the station's 21 tracks, will connect the future Moynihan Train Hall to Penn Station underground via 33rd Street and provide a direct connection to the 8th Avenue Subway.

An expanded West End Concourse, the first phase of the modernization and transformation of New York Penn Station, is open.

The new concourse will provide direct access to 17 of the station's 21 tracks, will connect the future Moynihan Train Hall to Penn Station underground via 33rd Street and provide a direct connection to the 8th Avenue Subway.

Ontario has begun an environmental assessment of the proposed electrification of GO Transit's rail network, Ontario Transportation Minister Steven Del Duca announced late last week.

The process involves evaluating the environmental impacts of converting core segments of the GO rail network — including the Union Pearson Express Line — from diesel to electric.

A state senator from Massachusetts is tapping into a mode of public communication not seen since last century: The whistle-stop tour (but by car).

Sen. Eric Lesser (D-1-Hampden & Hampshire) went on the tour to rally support for his proposal to study the feasibility and economic benefits of a high-speed rail link between Springfield and Boston.

A state senator from Massachusetts is tapping into a mode of public communication not seen since last century: The whistle-stop tour (but by car).

Sen. Eric Lesser (D-1-Hampden & Hampshire) went on the tour to rally support for his proposal to study the feasibility and economic benefits of a high-speed rail link between Springfield and Boston.

A state senator from Massachusetts is tapping into a mode of public communication not seen since last century: The whistle-stop tour (but by car).

Sen. Eric Lesser (D-1-Hampden & Hampshire) went on the tour to rally support for his proposal to study the feasibility and economic benefits of a high-speed rail link between Springfield and Boston.

Valley Metro Rail is partnering with The Refrigeration School, Inc., (RSI) to create a "first-of-its-kind" customized training program specifically designed around the niche HVAC equipment utilized on Valley Metro light-rail vehicles.

Valley Metro says that seven maintenance technicians have earned their HVAC certification by completing the five-week, 100-hour training course. The hands-on classes were conducted at the Valley Metro Rail Operations & Maintenance Center.

Valley Metro Rail is partnering with The Refrigeration School, Inc., (RSI) to create a "first-of-its-kind" customized training program specifically designed around the niche HVAC equipment utilized on Valley Metro light-rail vehicles.

Valley Metro says that seven maintenance technicians have earned their HVAC certification by completing the five-week, 100-hour training course. The hands-on classes were conducted at the Valley Metro Rail Operations & Maintenance Center.

Valley Metro Rail is partnering with The Refrigeration School, Inc., (RSI) to create a "first-of-its-kind" customized training program specifically designed around the niche HVAC equipment utilized on Valley Metro light-rail vehicles.

Valley Metro says that seven maintenance technicians have earned their HVAC certification by completing the five-week, 100-hour training course. The hands-on classes were conducted at the Valley Metro Rail Operations & Maintenance Center.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has notified the 30 U.S. states where rail transit systems operate that federal law requires they establish an FTA-certified State Safety Oversight (SSO) Program by April 15, 2019, otherwise they risk losing funds.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has notified the 30 U.S. states where rail transit systems operate that federal law requires they establish an FTA-certified State Safety Oversight (SSO) Program by April 15, 2019, otherwise they risk losing funds.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has notified the 30 U.S. states where rail transit systems operate that federal law requires they establish an FTA-certified State Safety Oversight (SSO) Program by April 15, 2019, otherwise they risk losing funds.

Caltrain has agreed to implement strategies to reduce stormwater pollution, the commuter railroad announced late last week.

The efforts include providing single-stream trash collection facilities on trains and in stations, along with performing trash and debris pickups along the rail corridor.

Metra later this week will begin replacing grade crossing components at the Stony Island Avenue intersection on its Electric South Chicago Branch.

The $1.2 million project includes removing and replacing rails, ties, ballast rubber panels and asphalt. The crossing hasn't been renewed for two decades and is "well beyond its useful life," Metra officials said in a press release.

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) logged an increase in total trips on its Fairmount commuter-rail line during a two-week free service program in May.

During the program's first week, the number of weekday trips rose 25 percent compared with ridership in the week before. That amounts to an additional 550 one-way trips per day, or about 14 passengers per train, MBTA officials said in a press release.

Ottawa's expansion of its light-rail system received a CA$1.09-billion (US$825-million) funding commitment from the Canadian government on June 16, 2017.

Ottawa's expansion of its light-rail system received a CA$1.09-billion (US$825-million) funding commitment from the Canadian government on June 16, 2017.

Ottawa's expansion of its light-rail system received a CA$1.09-billion (US$825-million) funding commitment from the Canadian government on June 16, 2017.