Railpace Hot News
Keep up to date on the latest railroad news from the northeastern United States and Canada, edited by Carl Perelman.
May 11, 2020
Seven Day Lowell Commuter Rail Line Closure Begins May 18
The MBTA today announced a 7-day full closure of the Lowell Commuter Rail Line between Anderson/Woburn Station and North Station beginning Monday, May 18, to support the construction of the Green Line Extension (GLX) project.
May 11, 2020
Vermont Railway to Acquire New England Southern
The Vermont Railway has entered into an agreement to acquire the New England Southern Railroad, with a base of operations at Canterbury Yard, which is located 10 miles north of Conford, New Hampshire.
May 8, 2020
Summerail 2020 Cancelled
The popular railroad multimedia railroad show, presented each August in Marion, Ohio, has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
May 8, 2020
SEPTA’s Transit Routes to Resume Normal Service Effective May 17
In an effort to improve conditions for essential travelers and employees during the COVID-19 crisis, and prepare for the region’s reopening, SEPTA will return to regular schedules on most Transit services starting the week of May 17.
May 8, 2020
MTA Leads Coalition of 15 U.S. Public Transportation Agencies Requesting Additional Emergency Federal Aid from Congress
Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Chairman and CEO Patrick J. Foye and the leaders of 14 public transportation agencies serving communities who generate 35% of the nation’s GDP in the United States requested additional emergency federal aid for transit systems in a joint letter to U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and U.S. House of Representatives Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy.
May 8, 2020
Amtrak to Return Acela Service on the Northeast Corrridor
Beginning June 1, Amtrak is restoring Acela service on the Northeast Corridor on a modified schedule in response to anticipated increased demand. Modified service will include the restoration of three weekday Acela round trips. Northeast Regional frequencies will also be increased from eight to 10 round trips.
May 7, 2020
U.S. Department of Transportation Announces More Than $22 Million in Grants to Restore and Enhance Intercity Passenger Rail Network
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) announced more than $22 million in grant funding to three projects that collectively span eight states. Funding is provided through FRA’s Restoration and Enhancement (R&E) Grants Program to initiate, restore, or enhance intercity passenger rail service around the country.
May 7, 2020
VIA Rail Extends Suspension of the Canadian and the Ocean
As the COVID-19 crisis continues to disrupt its passenger services from coast to coast, VIA Rail Canada (VIA Rail) announces the extension of the suspension of the Canadian and the Ocean services, its long-distance routes, and the suspension of the Sleeper class on the Winnipeg-Churchill route until November 1, 2020.
May 7, 2020
Amtrak Requires Facial Coverings as Added Measure of Protection
As part of Amtrak’s ongoing commitment to protect customers and front-line employees in response to the coronavirus pandemic, beginning on May 11 Amtrak is requiring that all customers in stations, on trains and thruway buses wear facial coverings.
May 6, 2020
STB Approves CP’s Soo Line Acquisition of the Central Maine & Quebec Railway
The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has authorized Canadian Pacific Railway subsidiary Soo Line Corporation to acquire control of the Central Maine & Quebec Railway US Inc. (CMQR US) effective June 18.
