All articles tagged with #commuter rail
Several MBTA Commuter Rail trains were canceled due to issues with catenary wires and signals, affecting multiple lines including Worcester, Needham, and Haverhill, with updates ongoing as more information becomes available.
The Long Island Rail Road has avoided a strike until at least May after unions requested federal intervention, which delays any potential strike for eight months, ensuring continued service for its 300,000 daily riders amid ongoing contract negotiations.
CapMetro's CEO publicly apologized for the massive delays and crowded trains experienced by passengers during Austin FC's home opener and the inauguration of the new McKalla station. The delays were initially attributed to signal issues, and the CEO promised to make amends by offering fare-free rail rides on March 9. The new station was intended to provide more convenient options for fans attending Q2 Stadium events, and the apology comes amidst criticism on social media.
Metra riders continue to face difficulties purchasing tickets through the Ventra app due to ongoing software glitches, despite the agency's efforts to resolve the issues. The app, which had been down for three days before being restored, crashed again on Monday, causing disruptions for commuters. Metra is working with the app vendor to address the problems, and in the meantime, riders can show their frozen phone screens to conductors as proof of payment.
Metra's Ventra app, which crashed last week, is now back up and running for riders, but the real test will be during Monday's morning commute. The app experienced glitches on Thursday, the first day of Metra's new fare structure, likely due to a spike in users. Metra recommends purchasing tickets in advance and storing them on the app. The new fee structure aims to simplify pricing and attract new riders, with changes including the replacement of the 10-ride ticket with a day pass five-pack available only on the Ventra app.
A person was hit and killed by a northbound Caltrain near the California Avenue station in Palo Alto, with no other injuries reported. The incident caused delays in train service, and the identity of the victim will be released once confirmed. This comes after a separate incident earlier in the week when a Caltrain hit an unoccupied car in south Palo Alto.
The California High-Speed Rail Authority is modifying its planned segment from Los Angeles to Anaheim by adding a fourth rail line to separate commuter rail systems and freight trains. The original plan to build a freight facility in Colton was abandoned due to local pushback. Instead, the High-Speed Rail will build a fourth rail line to clear obstructions from dormant freight trains. The new plan is expected to save money and has the support of stakeholders. The proposed segment is part of the larger California High-Speed Rail project, which still faces challenges in the Palmdale-to-Burbank segment.
Metra, the commuter rail system in Chicago, is proposing a fare structure modification plan for 2024 that would simplify the fare system and encourage ridership. The plan includes discontinuing the 10 fare zones and replacing them with four zones, discontinuing the 10-Ride Ticket and implementing a Bundle of Five Day Passes, and discontinuing incremental fares. Reduced fares for seniors, K-12 students, and active duty military personnel would still be available. Metra is seeking public feedback on the proposed changes.
The MBTA will offer free rides on the Blue Line and a new ferry service to help riders during the Sumner Tunnel closure this summer. The tunnel will be closed from July 5th to August 31st for restoration work. The MBTA is also offering free and reduced water ferry service, reduced fares on the commuter rail, reduced parking costs, and additional options for travelers to and from Logan International Airport. The Sumner Tunnel closure is expected to create heavy traffic in East Boston while it's closed.
Nearly a foot of rain fell in a matter of hours in Fort Lauderdale, causing widespread flooding, the closure of the city's airport and the suspension of high-speed commuter rail service for the Broward County region. The National Weather Service issued a flash flood emergency for Fort Lauderdale and other areas at one point as the chance of thunderstorms continued across the region, warning: "This is a life-threatening situation. Seek higher ground now!" There were no immediate reports of injuries or deaths.
Phillip Eng, former president of the Long Island commuter rail system, is reportedly the top candidate for the vacant post of general manager of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). Eng oversaw a workforce of over 7,000 people at LIRR and improved its on-time performance. The next MBTA general manager will face challenges including complying with federal safety orders, a growing maintenance backlog, and long-delayed projects. The T's subway and bus systems, commuter rail, ferries, and paratransit serve 176 cities and towns in Massachusetts.