Transit Briefs: NYMTA, Amtrak, Metro-North, DART, UDOT, MBTA

NYMTA

The MTA today on Sept. 22 announced the launch of an Avoided Carbon Calculator, a new feature on TrainTime, the app used by Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Metro-North riders to plan trips and purchase tickets, that will allow customers to track how their choice to ride transit fights greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that are driving global climate change, based on their trips purchased.

According to MTA, the Avoided Carbon Calculator will enable customers to see the impact of their choice to ride commuter railroads instead of driving by calculating the carbon emissions avoided compared to the same trip by car. Commuters and other regular riders will also be able to see a running total of their avoided carbon emissions, conveying the impact a person can have by regularly choosing public transit. For example, a Metro North rider traveling from Peekskill to Grand Central Terminal avoids 64 pounds of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) and 45 car miles, the agency noted. The calculator factors in the life-cycle emissions associated with Metro-North or LIRR operations and utilizes clearly defined methodology.

According to the agency, MTA services collectively avoid more than 20 million metric tons of GHG emissions per year, which explains why the downstate region has “the low per-capita carbon emissions.” Public transit helps avoid carbon by reducing vehicle miles traveled, reducing congestion on roads, enabling dense land use which allows for walking, biking, and shorter car trips, and reducing the emissions associated with the upstream production and distribution of fuel, MTA noted.

The MTA says it is committed to reducing carbon emissions from its operations 85% by 2040. Progress to date includes: 

• “Deploying new zero emission buses as part of the commitment to transition the entire fleet by 2040 as well as beginning the transition of non-revenue vehicles to zero emission alternatives. 
• “Actively replacing old commuter rail locomotives with new dual-modes that eliminate the use of diesel in electrified rail territory, greatly reducing emissions of greenhouse gases as well as nitrous oxides, particulate matter and carbon monoxide.
• “Bringing new renewable energy generation online with a 150-kilowatt solar panel installation on the roof of the new Electric Multiple Unit support shop at Metro North’s Croton Harmon Yard.
• “Reducing subway traction power consumption by over 11,000 megawatt-hours per year by installing a remote-controlled system for third rail heaters and evaluating similar technology for rail switch heaters.
• “Deploying new, customized battery hybrid locomotives in the subway to replace old all-diesel work locomotives, prioritizing improvements in tunnel air quality for workers and customers.”

The MTA’s 2025-2029 Capital Plan, the agency says, will continue these climate sustainability efforts, with the procurement of more electric buses, dual-mode and hybrid locomotives; and continued electrification of non-revenue vehicle fleet and state-of-good-repair improvements that simultaneously reduce energy and fossil fuel consumption. The Capital Plan also includes climate resilience programs that reduce the exposure of MTA infrastructure to extreme weather events caused by climate change already under way.

“The TrainTime app is already a fantastic resource for our customers, allowing them to plan trips and purchase tickets all in one place,” said Metro-North President Catherine Rinaldi. “Now whether you’re a daily commuter or occasional Metro-North rider, you can see firsthand how getting even one car off the road can make for a greener region.”

“Using public transportation reduces emissions” said LIRR President Rob Free. “And by showing train rides in terms of car miles avoided, we’re making it easy for riders to know how their doing their part.”

Customers can download the TrainTime app from the Apple Store or Google Play. The app allows customers to: 

• Buy and activate a ticket.
• Plan trips and see options between up to two origin and two destination stations.
• View departure times and transfer details for the trip, including for trips using both LIRR and Metro-North.
• Track their train in real time and watch it arrive with GPS data updated every few seconds.
• View real-time seat availability and the layout of the train.
• Chat live with a customer service representative.

Amtrak

Amtrak customers can now purchase tickets on the Floridian, a new temporary route offering a direct round-trip between Chicago and Miami with intermediate stops in Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C., Jacksonville, Orlando, and Tampa.

This train combines the routes of the Capitol Limited and Silver Star for a limited time due to the upcoming East River Tunnel Rehabilitation Project in New York and makes its inaugural trip on Sunday, Nov. 10. During this project, one tunnel tube will be closed at a time, minimizing service impacts, maximizing construction access and modernizing the tunnel infrastructure to serve customers for another 100 years, the company noted.

According to Amtrak, Customers traveling in Coach Class will enjoy wide, reclining seats with ample legroom, no middle seat, and windows to enjoy the scenery. For extra comfort and additional privacy, customers can upgrade to a First Class private room. For an additional fee, a limited number of dining car meals are also available for Coach Class customers.

First Class private room options include a Roomette—featuring two reclining seats that transform into upper and lower beds by night and shower access—or a Bedroom offering twice the space of a Roomette and an in-room restroom and shower. For First Class customers traveling with a disability, Accessible Bedrooms are located on the entry level of the train and offer ample space for those who use a wheeled mobility device.

The private rooms have large bi-level windows, a sink and a dedicated attendant who provides turndown service, assists with meals, helps with luggage and shares great stories of life on the rails.

All customers in private rooms receive complimentary lounge access at major stations and priority boarding.

The Floridian will offer Traditional Dining service in the Dining Car, a complimentary amenity for customers traveling in First Class private rooms. This popular service, experienced in a dining car with bi-level windows, will feature several enhancements, including chef-prepared meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner; table service with glassware, cutlery and linen tablecloths; vegetarian and vegan menu options; selections for children and a complimentary alcoholic drink with dinner. The menu offers several customer favorites, including:

• Amtrak Signature Railroad French Toast, Three-Egg Omelet for breakfast.
• Artisan Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Natural Angus Burger, Vegan Chili Bowl for lunch.
• Amtrak Signature Flat Iron Steak, Atlantic Salmon, Rigatoni Bolognese for dinner.

“The Floridian offers customers an exceptional and sustainable journey to great destinations between Chicago and Miami, providing the amenities and delicious food our guests enjoy when traveling with us,” said Amtrak Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Eliot Hamlisch.

“Our members have had a long-standing dream of restoring a one-seat ride from the Midwest to Florida, and we’re thrilled that a new generation of American passengers will be able to experience this service for themselves,” said Jim Mathews, President & CEO of the Rail Passengers Association. “This move will free up badly needed equipment while taking pressure off Northeast Corridor infrastructure during the renovation of the ERT Project. Rail Passengers applauds Amtrak for this innovative solution to keeping passengers moving during critical state of good repair work. We believe riders will flock to this new service.”

The Floridian (Trains 40 & 41) will operate on a similar schedule and make the current stops of the Capitol Limited (Trains 29 & 30) between Chicago and Washington, D.C., and the Silver Star (Trains 91 & 92) between Miami and Washington, D.C. The Silver Meteor (Trains 97 & 98) continues to operate daily between New York and Miami.

Read Railway Age Contributing Editor David Peter Alan’s commentary on the service here.

Metro-North

MTA Metro-North on Sept. 23 announced the start of a new pilot program that helps customers let the railroad know when a station or train car restroom needs additional cleaning in real time.

Beginning on Monday, Sept. 23, posters with a QR code that is unique to each station and train car will be posted on the walls inside of the bathrooms where they are easily viewed. Once the code is scanned, it sends the customer to a quick and easy survey where they can relay information about the condition of the bathroom. The program will be available at select stations and train cars on the New Haven, Hudson, and Harlem branches.

Customers can elaborate on the restroom condition with the following options:

• Bad Odor.
• Toilet needs cleaning.
• Sink needs cleaning.
• Floors or walls need cleaning.
• Out of toilet paper, towels or soap 

Customers can also add additional comments and a photo of the specific issue they see. Once they submit their survey, a system alert is generated and sent to the cleaning team, prompting a team member to respond. If the customer provides their email address, they will receive an email indicating their survey has been received and will be acted on as soon as possible.

Metro-North staff will collect and analyze data from received surveys to help identify efficiencies within the cleaning operation and will adjust cleaning schedules and manpower needs for maximum restroom coverage.  

“Creating a superior customer experience is a priority at Metro-North,” said Metro-North Railroad President Catherine Rinaldi. “This pilot program gives our customers the opportunity to inform us, in real time, if there’s a problem with a bathroom and allows our employees to resolve it as quickly as possible.”

The launch of the pilot program follows a successful trial run on the LIRR, which, in July, rolled out the QR code-specific surveys for specific stations. Metro-North will replicate this and extend the program to rolling stock.

DART

In alignment with its ongoing rollout of the Silver Line Regional Rail project, DART announced Sept. 23 that it has signed a 10-year office lease at Knoll Trail Crossing. 

The office building is adjacent to Knoll Trail Station, one of two Dallas stops along the DART Silver Line route, and less than a mile from the Addison Transit Center, the busiest bus transfer location outside the Dallas city limits. The Silver Line is a 26-mile regional rail service that traverses seven cities and three counties throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area with a final stop at Terminal B within DFW Airport. 

DART’s lease includes access to the roof of an on-site parking garage that sits next to Knoll Trail Station, which will feature short-term parking for passengers to be dropped off or picked up after riding the Silver Line and emergency vehicles. Pedestrian access to the station will be available just off Knoll Trail Drive and via the Cotton Belt Regional Trail, which has portions being constructed with part of the Silver Line. Addison Station, which sits less than a mile away, will feature more than 300 spaces for those in need of long-term parking. 

“This lease is a significant component to providing best-in-class rail service to DART customers utilizing the Silver Line Knoll Trail Station,” said DART Vice President of Real Estate and Economic Development Caitlin Holland. “As DART continues to expand and refine its transit services, we want to ensure that we’re available to monitor that progress and immediately address issues as they arise. This lease will enable us to perform maintenance needs, respond to criminal activity, and address customer concerns in the northern segment of DART’s service area more quickly and effectively.” 

Located in the Quorum/Bent Tree submarket just off the Dallas North Tollway, Knoll Trail Crossing is a 96,509-square-foot office building situated near a White Rock Creek tributary and features a large greenspace, on-site management, local institutional ownership, and covered parking. The building underwent an extensive renovation process in 2022 and now includes move-in ready spec suites, a modernized lobby, tenant lounge and updated conference center. 

DART recently began occupying its 4,146-square-foot space at Knoll Trail Crossing with Silver Line project personnel, but Holland said use of the facility space is “anticipated to shift once Silver Line begins revenue service in late 2025 to early 2026.” JLL represented the landlord, Prescott Group, in the transaction. 

Residents and commuters in the area can expect to see Silver Line trains on the tracks soon, with DART starting simulated testing between DFW Airport and Knoll Trail Station in October or early November. Testing will include trains operating their simulated routes with stops at the Knoll Trail, Addison, Carrollton, Cypress Waters, DFW North and Terminal B stations with no passenger pick-up or drop-off points. All stations are still active construction sites, so onlookers are not allowed on platforms or nearby walkways.  

Quiet zones, which allow trains to use their horns only when there is a potential hazard on or near the tracks, will not be in effect during testing. Crews also began testing track and system configuration throughout the alignment beginning Monday, Aug. 19, but no train activity has been anticipated.    

UDOT

UDOT is getting ready to begin a statewide passenger rail feasibility study that will determine if the state should look into the idea of expanding Amtrak service, Ben Huot, Deputy Director of Planning and Investment for UDOT, told members of the Utah Legislature’s Interim Transportation Committee on Sept. 19, according to a KSL.com report.

According to the report, the state study will “explore new destinations and routes, evaluate high-speed and shared freight rail options, and review the costs and benefits of rail expansion.” The process may create more corridor identification program opportunities, a program led by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).

It wouldn’t be the first time, KSL.com reports, that Utah has reviewed the program. UDOT joined Idaho and Nevada transportation officials in an application to study a rail corridor that would run from Boise to Salt Lake City and then down to Las Vegas, potentially restoring Amtrak’s old “Pioneer” and “Desert Wind” service routes.

It was not selected by FRA last year, but Utah transportation officials said earlier this year that they were “open to retrying the study after it was discovered that Idaho had filed half of the application to the wrong federal program,” according to the KSL.com report.

Meanwhile, FRA launched its own study with Utah implications. Two of the agency’s potential long-distance routes essentially overlap with what the three states wanted to study, according to the report.

One route connects Denver to Seattle via Salt Lake City and Boise, while another connects Denver to Los Angeles via Wyoming, Salt Lake City and Las Vegas. Both could offer “more commuter rail service to additional cities across the state along the routes,” according to the report.

As it stands, Amtrak’s California Zephyr makes stops in Salt Lake City, Provo, Helper and Green River—usually in the middle of the night—as it connects San Francisco to Chicago.

Huot said the federal agencies “offered some feedback on what could boost their chances of being selected for a study, including ridership projections, as well as other costs and other benefits,” according to the report.

“After we received that feedback, we did have some discussions with Amtrak and did get some very high-level, very preliminary…estimates for some of the data for those two routes,” he said.

According to the KSL.com report, it’s unclear if the project will receive funding a second time around.

MBTA

The MBTA on Sept. 23 announced that it has received federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation to replace the North Station Draw One Bridge, which will allow for “more train capacity, faster and more reliable rides, and increased safety on MBTA Commuter Rail and Amtrak trains.”

The $472,300,616 awarded to the MBTA came from the National Infrastructure Project Assistance program (MEGA) as part of the Multimodal Project Discretionary Grant program. This is the largest federal award the MBTA has won to date.

Draw One is a Depression-era drawbridge that spans the Charles River and connects the Cities of Boston and Cambridge. The bridge carries the MBTA Commuter Rail and Amtrak trains, serving approximately 11,250,000 passengers per year. The MBTA lines that utilize the bridge are the Haverhill, Lowell, Newburyport/Rockport, and Fitchburg Commuter Rail lines. Project features include the replacement and modernization of the existing drawbridge, replacement of a control tower, extension of the bridge platform, connection of tracks 11 and 12 to the existing network, station improvements, and upgrades to track, signal, communications, and infrastructure. The project will also support more than 14,500 jobs, make the bridge more climate resilient by bringing it above project sea-level rise, and lower emissions. 

“I’m proud of the MBTA team that worked diligently to put this project in a strong position to win this highly competitive federal award. I thank the USDOT Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, Deputy Secretary of Transportation Polly Trottenberg, and our partners at the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Acting Administrator Veronica Vanterpool, FTA Region 1 Administrator Pete Butler, and their entire team, for this incredible award allowing us to deliver the North Station Draw 1 project, freeing up state capital dollars for other essential needs,” said MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng. “This award continues to demonstrate our aggressive approach to pursuing all funding opportunities under the lead of the Healey-Driscoll Administration as we pursue every available federal grant. Our Grants and North Station Drawbridge teams deserve all the credit for their exceptional work to secure this funding which allows us to ensure the efficient and reliable movement of all North Station train lines while greatly improving our ability to provide more frequent, regional rail-style service across the entire northside corridor to serve future generations to come.”

More information is available here.