Commuter/Regional

A Philadelphia judge on Sept. 4 ruled that SEPTA must “‘immediately reverse all service cuts,’ which began last month as the transit agency faces a significant financial shortfall and the…

Seattle’s Sound Transit faces a multibillion-dollar budget shortfall and readies for the mid-life overhaul of its commuter rail fleet. Also, New Jersey Transit (NJT) brings the River LINE light rail…

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) on Sept. 2 granted Metra’s application for terminal trackage rights to continue commuter rail service over three lines in the Chicago metropolitan area owned by…

The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) releases its $21.5 billion draft six-year capital budget. Also, Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) unveils its Cab Cam series, showcasing the agency’s entire system…

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) selects FlatironDragados to build two key rail projects. Also, Segment 2 trial operations are under way for Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation’s…

Philadelphia has been able to boast many “firsts” in its history, including being the place where the United States was founded almost 250 years ago. Effective Aug. 24 and continuing…

Earlier this month, we profiled Brightline, the only private-sector railroad that operates passenger trains (not counting tourist excursions) in the United States. The story—Brightline: Something Different on the Rails, which…

As reporters checked in at the Metropolitan Lounge at the Moynihan Train Hall adjacent to Penn Station New York Aug. 27 for the inaugural ride on the NextGen Acela, they…

Patrick Preusser on Sept. 2 will join Denver (Colo.) Regional Transportation District (RTD) as Chief Operations Officer.

Leaders from Illinois' Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) on Aug. 21 shifted millions of dollars from Metra and Pace “to help forestall 40% Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) service reductions” as the…

The historic East Broad Top Railroad, a narrow-gauge former coal carrier on its second revival as a heritage line, reached a symbolic milestone Aug. 8 when a train steamed into…

The Texas Transportation Commission approves the state’s share of funding to keep Amtrak’s Heartland Flyer running. Also, Kansas City (KC) Streetcar begins full-service simulated testing ahead of the Main Street…

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has proposed updated guidelines to remove what it claims is the “overly complex social cost of carbon calculation” as part of the rating criteria for…

The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) launches a new public awareness campaign. Also, Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) becomes the Bay Area’s first Tap and Ride…

The National Mediation Board (NMB) on Aug. 18 released from statutory mediation the MTA Long Island Railroad (LIRR) and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET), Brotherhood of Railroad…

Cast your vote for one of three exterior graphic designs for Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA) new 8000-series Hitachi Rail cars. Also, Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet)…

Metrolink names Tom Schamber as the agency’s next Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Also, Balfour Beatty appoints William Motherway as Vice President of Risk for its U.S. Infrastructure Operations.

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) pursues a single-source contract with Alstom. Also, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) will begin 20% service cuts on Aug. 24; and Réseau express métropolitain…

Editor’s Note: Grady C. Cothen Jr., though he retired from the Federal Railroad Administration in 2010, has remained active in the industry, writing papers on safety-related subjects, several of which…

“Competition Will Put Passenger Rail on the Right Track,” a new Discovery Institute report, “outlines a bold vision for restoring American passenger rail through competition, private sector innovation and targeted…