Mass DOT Approves Funding for New MBTA Locomotives;

Yesterday the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Board of Directors voted to approve the transfer of $600 million for three major transportation investments across Massachusetts: modernizing the MBTA’s commuter rail fleet, supporting infrastructure needed to build more housing, and improving the safety and resilience of roads, bridges and parkways managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).

The project investments include $200 million for the MBTA’s Rail Reliability Program to renew the commuter rail fleet and improve reliability. The funding will support replacement of some of the system’s oldest locomotives with 10 new diesel-electric locomotives and 10 battery/catenary locomotives that will be cleaner and quieter.

-via Press Release

The Magenta Train Charlotte

Historic passenger railcars are arriving in Charlotte’s NoDa neighborhood, bringing a new destination for celebrations, gatherings and community experiences. The Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway (ACWR) will introduce The Magenta Train Charlotte with a ribbon cutting and media meet & greet at 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 22, followed by a public Open House from 4 – 7 p.m.