Commuter Rail, Light Rail & Rail Transit News
Fourth Quarter 2005 Archive

This archive page links to news and events involving commuter rail and rail transit . For all current rail news, please see RailServe.com's RailNews Home Page.

Note: Some older stories may no longer be available, or a fee may be required for full access.

Thursday/Friday, December 29-30

• Londoners braced for Tube strike (BBC)
  London Underground plans to offer limited service in case of New Year's strike.
• Rendell says he'd shut down PATCO over dredging battle (AP)
  PA governor says he could shutdown commuter rail if agency doesn't back project.
• Subway Crime At Lowest Level In Almost 10 Years (NY1)
  3,100 felonies in the NYC subways represents 5.5% decline from last year.
• JR East chairman apologizes for fatal derailment at site (Crisscross)
  Chairman apologizes for Sunday's deadly derailment in Japan.
• NJ Transit to add service for holiday travelers (Asbury Park Press)
  Additional train and bus service to NYC added for New Year's Eve.

Tuesday/Wednesday, December 27-28

• Passenger trains running between Seattle and Portland (Post-Intelligencer)
  Amtrak resumes Cascades service following Sunday mudslide.
• For speed on rails, make it Michigan (Chicago Tribune)
  Illinois seeks high speed trains, as Michigan's Wolverine service reaches 110mph.
• A New Emphasis on Rail to Dulles (Washington Post)
  Washington airports authority wants rail line to serve air travelers as well as commuters.
• Bloomberg Estimates $1 Billion Loss During Transit Strike (AHN)
  NYC Mayor Bloomberg says businesses lost $1 billion from three-day strike.
• The subway deal (Newsday)
  NYC transit union approves labor contract; workers get raises but must pay healthcare.
• Japan Train Derailment Death Toll Hits 5 (AP)
  Death toll rises in train crash that occurred Sunday during a blizzard.
• London Underground Proposes Resumption of Talks to Avert Strike (Bloomberg)
  London transit agency seeks to resume talks with union to avoid New Year's Eve strike.
• Name of the game is leave it the same (Philadelphia Inquirer)
  Opinion: Amtrak should reject proposal to rename 30th Street Station as Ben Station.
• Singapore to stage mock terror attacks on subway (Reuters)
  Series of mock bombings will test emergency preparedness next month.
• Making sense of CTA fare hike (Chicago Tribune)
  Chicago transit fare rises by 25 cents to $2.00 this Sunday.

Friday/Saturday, December 23-24

• New York transit strike called off after 3 days (Reuters)
  NYC transit operations resume Thursday afternoon; contract agreement not yet reached.
• Tube strike talks break down (Reuters)
  London Underground and union fail to reach agreement; strike set for New Year's Eve.
• Metra Gets 'Urgent Safety Recommendation' (AP)
  NTSB urges Chicago commuter railroad to install automatic braking system.
• Via Rail, union reach deal to avert strike (CTV)
  Canada's national passenger rail network avoids December 24 strike.
• Liberals fire Pelletier from railway -- again (Globe and Mail)
  Canadian government fires Via Rail chairman Jean Pelletier.
• Train speeds up: Get to D.C. 10 minutes faster (The Hook)
  Amtrak will begin using faster Norfolk Southern track near Charlottesville, VA.

Wednesday, December 21

• NYC to seek restraining order against strikers (CNN)
  Mayor Bloomberg says city will request temporary restraining order against union workers.
  For more information: MTA Strike Contingency Plan
• Commuters turn to PATH during strike (AP)
  NYC transit strike forces New Jersey commuters to seek alternatives.
• NTSB's final report blames engineer for 2003 derailment (AP)
  Distractions caused Metra commuter rail engineer to exceed speed limit.
• Metra Engineer: 'Trains Don't Stop On A Dime' (CBS2)
  Chicago commuter train engineer speaks out about railroad crossing safety.
• Railway firms face passenger anger at 58-hour shutdown (The Times)
  Britain and Irish Republic are only countries in Europe to shut down railways for holiday.

Monday, December 19

• Strike shuts NYC transit system (CNN)
  New York City transit union strikes Tuesday morning, shutting down subways and buses used by seven million riders daily.
  Clang clang of trolley heard again in the city (AP)
  Historic trolley service restored in New Orleans.
• Rail idea on slow track to reality (Sun-Sentinel)
  Passenger service on Florida East Coast Railway may be 7 to 14 years away.

Tuesday, December 20

• Strike shuts NYC transit system (CNN)
  New York City transit union strikes Tuesday morning, shutting down subways and buses used by seven million riders daily.
  For more information: MTA Strike Contingency Plan

Monday, December 19

• NYC transit strike begins (AP)
  Limited bus strike begins Monday; systemwide subway/bus strike possible Tuesday.
  For more information: MTA Strike Contingency Plan

Sunday, December 18

• NYC transit union set for limited strike (AP)
  Limited bus strike to begin Monday; systemwide subway/bus strike possible Tuesday.
• Rail idea on slow track to reality (Sun-Sentinel)
  Passenger service on Florida East Coast Railway may be 7 to 14 years away.

Friday, December 16

• NYC Transit Union Calls Selective Strike (AP)
  Bus and subway workers put off Friday strike; selective strike to begin Monday.

Wednesday, December 14

• Government Considers Marshals On Trains (WESH)
  Federal marshals placed on trains, buses, and ferries for one week experiment.
• NYC could face transit strike Friday (AP)
  Walkout would shutdown subways and buses used by seven million riders daily.
• As strike looms, railroad plans (Poughkeepsie Journal)
  Metro-North commuter railroad releases contingency plan for NYC transit strike.
• NJ Transit fares to remain unchanged (Asbury Park Press)
  Transit agency says it will not increase fares in 2006 despite higher fuel costs.
• Area officials: More railroad security needed (The Advocate)
  Connecticut officials express concern over train station security.

Sunday, December 11

• Amtrak continues struggle to manage itself, with subsidies (NY Times)
  Congress ties $8.3 million in federal money to increased premium freight.
• Amtrak Downeaster service on rebound (WHDH)
  Boston to Portland ridership up 15% this year, boosted in part by higher gas prices.
• Belen-to-Santa Fe rail costs scrutinized (Albuquerque Tribune)
  Lawmakers question $393 million project for commuter rail to Santa Fe.
• Commuter rail idea gathers steam (The State)
  Rail advocates seek commuter service to Columbia, South Carolina.

Friday, December 9

• New York subway builders find 200-yr-old wall (Reuters)
  17th century stone wall found when constructing new subway station.
• Metrolink chugs ahead with crash technology (LA Daily News)
  Crash-energy management to provide shock absorption for LA's push-pull trains.
• Freight derails, slowing Amtrak (News Journal)
  Minor freight derailment delays Amtrak between Philadelphia and Washington.
• Wabtec Gets N.Y. Subway Work Train Order (AP)
  Order for up to 38 work train locomotives could be worth $122 million.

Wednesday, December 7

• Deadline on subway cell fone bids on hold (NY Daily News)
  New York's MTA has delayed proposals to wire stations for cell phone use.

Tuesday, December 6

• Design finished, new train cars are put out to bid (Stamford Advocate)
  Metro-North's New Haven Line to receive 50 new cars by 2008.

Sunday, December 4

• More freight trains could be diverted through the region (Gainesville Sun)
  CSX considers rerouting traffic to free up Orlando rails for commuter trains.
• Judge upholds random subway bag searches (Newsday)
  Federal judge upholds NYPD searches of subway rider bags.
• SEPTA mum on bids for railcars (Philadelphia Inquirer)
  Philadelphia transit agency won't name bidders for 104 railcars
• PATCO extension into Glouco overdue (Courier-Post)
  Opinion: Growing population and traffic requires rail expansion into South Jersey.
• Light Rail Service Resumes (AP)
  Baltimore reopens light rail after double-track construction.
• Tri-Rail issues delay warnings (Sun-Sentinel)
  CSX will suspend 21 miles of signals near Fort Lauderdale to put new track in service.
• Amtrak: Tragedy or farce? (Roanoke Times)
  Opinion: Amtrak President Gunn was fired due to success in rehabilitating company.
• Amtrak's Future (Washington Post)
  Opinion: Amtrak board that fired the company's president is inadequate.

Thursday, December 1

• Bush, in reversal, clears $1.3B in aid to Amtrak (Star Ledger)
  Funding package requires changes to food service and first class service.
• Negotiators: Transit Strike Talks Not Going Well (WABC)
  New York City subway and bus workers' contract expires December 15.
• Monorail accident caused by human error (AP)
  Seattle monorail collision was caused by human error, shutting down service until 2006.
• Amtrak expansion urged (State Journal-Register)
  Midwest High Speed Rail Association seeks more trains on three Illinois routes.
• No ticket? $74, just for being on platform (Jersey Journal)
  NJ Transit tickets individuals who loiter at light rail station platforms.

Wednesday, November 30

• South Blvd. light-rail line delayed (Charlotte Observer)
  Charlotte light rail opening delayed four months until August 2007.
• New Subway Cars Promise All Kinds of Information (NY Times)
  NYC subway test train demonstrates new cars to be delivered starting in 2007.

Sunday, November 27

• Monorail trains collide (Seattle Times)
  Seattle monorail trains collide Saturday night, injuring two and closing system.
• Goin' off the Amtrak (New York Daily News)
  Ousted Amtrak President David Gunn predicts reform plan will impact NYC transit.
• Utahns favor Provo-S.L. rail, willing to pay (Deseret Morning News)
  Polls indicates support for commuter rail service between Provo and Salt Lake City.
• Amtrak sets Iowa passenger record (AP)
  61,000 Iowans rode Amtrak this year, an increase of 13% over last year.
• Restored Train Service Urged (The Ledger)
  Advocacy groups call for Florida rail passenger service south of Tampa.
• Shore to adjust track route, fares (Post-Tribune)
  South Shore Line tracks to be relocated to speed South Bend to Chicago service.

Friday, November 25

• Groups lobby for rail links (Herald Tribune)
  Passenger service south of Tampa Florida would reduce need for new roads.
• Rail Service Gunn-ed Down (Hartford Courant)
  Opinion: Bush administration incorrectly assessed economics of passenger rail.
• Ridership increases on river route (AP)
  New Jersey Transit sees Camden to Trenton light rail ridership up 24%.
• Is SEPTA service returning to Parkesburg? (Post Ledger)
  Feasibility study consider extending Philadelphia commuter rail to Parkesburg.
• Extra trains on hand today for trek across the Hudson (Star-Ledger)
  NJ Transit adds 18 extra trains to NYC for Thanksgiving holiday.

Wednesday, November 23

• Train hits cars near Chicago; 13 hurt (CNN)
  Metra commuter train strikes three cars in Chicago suburb Wednesday.
• Error cited in 2003 derailment (Chicago Tribune)
  NTSB urges installation of Positive Train Control following Metra investigation.
• Two hundred residents and neighbors protest maglev proposal (Post-Gazette)
  Residents protest Pittsburgh area maglev project.
• Amtrak Adds Trains for Thanksgiving Holiday (AP)
  Amtrak adds 60 trains; expects 125,000 passengers Wednesday.

Sunday, November 20

• BART is first U.S. transit system to offer underground wireless (SF Chronicle)
  San Francisco is first city to have wireless access for all underground riders.

Saturday, November 19

• Amtrak Seeks Turnaround CEO (AP)
  Transportation Secretary Mineta says Amtrak board seeks turnaround CEO.
• Congress says Amtrak must reduce subsidies (Reuters)
  Agreement would provide $1.3 billion for Amtrak and require cost reductions.
• Amtrak adds trains for holiday week (AP)
  Amtrak adds 60 extra trains, mainly on Wednesday and Saturday.
• Amtrak adding fifth roundtrip (AP)
  New side track allows for fifth Downeaster round-trip between Portland and Boston.
• A light rail with no rise in taxes (Seattle Times)
  Seattle considers financial options for light rail after monorail project is dropped.
• Port Authority, Union Avert Strike Vote With Tentative Deal (WTAE)
  Labor negotiators averted a transit strike in Pittsburgh on Saturday.
• Workin' on the railroad (Newsday)
  Long Island Railroad to add service and provide more cleanly trains.

Thursday, November 17

• Transit agency clears way for design of Second Avenue subway (AP)
  MTA votes to commission final designs for $3.8 billion for 30-block subway.
• Chamber survey endorses D.C. rail service (Daily Progress)
  Charlottesville survey indicates demand for rail service to Washington.
• Amtrak Warns Of Possible Strike (All Headline News)
  Two unions protest a six-year moratorium in contract negotiations.
• Train hub to reduce waits (New York Daily News)
  New York's new train station will speed commuter exit when opening around 2010.

Wednesday, November 16

• Supporters urge ousted Amtrak president be reinstated (AP)
  Congress asks Amtrak board to reinstate President David Gunn.
• Amtrak chairman admits secret talks to sell assets (Star-Ledger)
  Chairman tells Congress he has conducted meetings to sell Amtrak's Northeast Corridor.
• Amtrak, Subway agree to food service trial (Billings Gazette)
  Subway Restaurants to provide food service on NYC-Albany route.
• Tri-Rail moves for faster hurricane rebound (Palm Beach Post)
  Miami commuter railroad to develop plan for faster hurricane recovery.

Monday, November 14

• Little engines that could: Imagine VRE with more money (Fredericksburg.com)
  Virginia Railway Express suffers from local city and county control.
• Going Down The Wrong Track (The Ledger)
  Amtrak Chairman fires President just two months after praising accomplishments.
• Metra Tests System To Warn Engineers Of Crossovers (AP)
  Chicago commuter railroad developing audible alert system following derailment.
• SEPTA's next challenge: Find permanent funding (Philadelphia Inquirer)
  Philadelphia transit strike resolved, but long-term funding issues remain.
• Metra riders to pay more in '06 (Chicago Sun-Times)
  Chicago commuter rail fares to raise five percent.

Friday, November 11

• The Railroading of Amtrak (FAIR)
  Trains, planes and automobiles held to different standards.
• No way to run a railroad (Star Tribune)
  Editorial: Bush administration is determined to shutdown Amtrak.
• Federal government considering investment in Via Rail (Canadian Press)
  Canada's Transport Minister says government must invest in passenger rail.
• Tri-Rail's northern expansion pushed to 2012 (Palm Beach Post)
  Commuter rail extension to Jupiter Florida has been delayed until 2012.
• Commuter rail to run through Central Texas (News 8)
  Rerouting UP would allow passenger service between Georgetown and San Antonio.
• Explosive detection devices coming to subway (Newsday)
  Handheld explosive detectors to be used in random NYC subway searches.
• Las Vegas monorail not attracting more riders (AP)
  Ridership stagnant at approximately half of initial expectations.
• SEPTA needs long-term funding to thrive (Daily Pennsylvanian)
  Competition could help Philadelphia transit agency achieve better management.
• Metra officials cringe as 'Derailed' movie opens (AP)
  Chicago commuter railroad filmed in movie prior to fatal derailment.

Thursday, November 10

• Amtrak Fires Its President in Dispute Over Future (New York Times)
  Bush-appointed Amtrak board fires President Gunn, pushes for additional reform.
• Amtrak chief who opposed Bush fired (The News Journal)
  Move could signal an end to long-distance train service.
• Amtrak derailed (Boston Globe)
  Editorial: Firing of President Gunn jeopardizes Amtrak's future.
• CTA Fare Hike For Some Riders (CBS 2)
  Chicago transit cash fare to rise from $1.75 to $2.00.

Wednesday, November 9

• Monorail dream appears to reach end of line (Seattle Times)
  Seattle voters reject monorail proposal due to funding concerns.
• Voters Approve Transit Bonds for $2.9 Billion (New York Times)
  Bond act that will finance transportation projects statewide, including 2nd Ave Subway.
• U.S. Department of Transportation to Tighten Oversight of Amtrak (DOT)
  Transportation Secretary Mineta says GAO report supports greater financial oversight.
• Pittsburgh bus, rail drivers to vote on whether to strike (AP)
  Transit officials working without a contract will vote on strike November 20.
• The Portable, Personal Subway Strap (ABC 7)
  Transtrap designed for those who can't reach bar, don't want to touch bar.
• How deal was made for union, SEPTA (Philadelphia Inquirer)
  Governor agreed to advance healthcare funds; workers to pay only 1% of salary.

Monday, November 7

• Clarke Urges More Subway Searches (AP)
  Former White House counter-terrorism adviser says more cities should have bag searches.
• SEPTA, striking union reach agreement after all-night talks (AP)
  Tentative agreement ends Philadelphia transit strike early Monday morning.
• Seattle Voters to Decide on Monorail Plan (AP)
  Tuesday vote will decide fate or controversial monorail proposal.
• SEPTA, city extend lease of subway (Philadelphia Inquirer)
  City of Philadelphia and transit agency agree to two year extension of subway lease.
• TriMet gives light-rail riders an audible push (The Oregonian)
  Portland light rail announcements get "bossier" to enforce rules.

Friday, November 4

• Transit strike enters fifth day with no end in sight (AP)
  Philadelphia transit strike continues; governor to intervene.
• High speed rail: Reality or pipe dream? (Vail Daily News)
  Proposal includes high-speed connection between Cheyenne, Denver, and Albuquerque.
• North light-rail route gets top federal rating (Seattle Times)
  Federal Transit Administration gives Seattle light-rail extension top rating.

Thursday, November 3

• Proposition No. 2 Promises 2nd Ave. Subway (Epoch Times)
  New Yorkers to vote on the construction of a new Manhattan subway.
• SEPTA woes go beyond union pay, insurance (Daily Pennsylvanian)
  Little progress seen toward ending Philadelphia transit strike.
• Las Vegas Monorail Looks at Expanding to McCarran Airport (KLAS TV)
  Proposed expansion expected to significantly increase ridership.
• It's the Quiet Car. No, Really. (Fairfield County Weekly)
  Amtrak's "quiet car" challenges those with cell phones.
• Railway passengers to be scanned (BBC)
  Airport-style screening to be tested at railway and underground stations in the UK.

Wednesday, November 2

• Philadelphia transit workers vow to remain on strike (AP)
  Transit workers may strike for months, forcing 400,000 daily riders to find alternatives.
• Trading the Car for the Train (New York Times)
  More transit-oriented development expected in Los Angeles.
• Subways getting emergency exits (New York Daily News)
  Emergency exit gates will be installed in all New York City subway stations.

Tuesday, November 1

• NYPD defends subway bag searches (Newsday)
  Police officials say program is still needed to keep terrorists off guard.
• Amtrak Hikes Last-Minute Fares (AP)
  Tickets purchased close to departure time are now 15-25% higher.
• Richmond rallies against rail route (Houston Business Journal)
  Houston businesses concerned about interruption from proposed light rail route.

Saturday, October 29

• Transit Strike Deadline Looms in Philly (AP)
  Union president walks out of talks; subways, trolleys, busses to shutdown Monday.
• Tracks await power; 125 traffic signals operating (Palm Beach Post)
  Miami's Tri-Rail unlikely to resume Monday due to widespread power outage.
• Building subway under Wilshire deemed safe (Los Angeles Times)
  Experts deem LA subway extension safe despite underground gasses.
• Clocker car's time runs out (The Times)
  End of Amtrak's Clocker service spells end to private club car for Princeton passengers.

Friday, October 28

• Area Braces For SEPTA Strike (NBC 10)
  Philadelphia transit strike would shutdown subways, busses, and trolleys on Monday.
  For more information: SEPTA Service Interruption Plan
• North commuter trains sought (Daily Herald)
  Commuter rail proposed between Bellingham and Everett, Washington.
• PATH unveils redesigned rail cars (Asbury Park Press)
  Port Authority reveals design for 340 new railcars, to begin service in 2008.

Thursday, October 27

• Inquiry into rush-hour derailment (BBC)
  Investigators seek answers in Wednesday's commuter train derailment in Liverpool
• Commuter rail gains support (Arizona Republic)
  Phoenix will explore commuter rail in addition to light rail currently being built.
• Holiday fare cut approved for commuters (Newsday)
  New York's MTA will lower subway and commuter rail fares later this year.
• Light rail's success defies the doubters (Philadelphia Inquirer)
  NJ Transit Camden-Trenton River Line ridership up 29% over last year.
• Researchers Studying Light Rail Feasibility (HometownChannel.com)
  Study to determine funding requirements for light rail in northwest Arkansas.

Wednesday, October 26

• The Investigators: Are SEPTA Trains Secure? (NBC 10)
  Whistleblower shows Philadelphia area train yards are vulnerable to attack.
• SEPTA, union not even close (Philadelphia Daily News)
  Healthcare costs remain key issue, leading to potential strike next Monday.
• Seattle Monorail board OKs new financing plan; will voters? (AP)
  Voters to decide on scaled-back 10-mile monorail plan.
• Light rail is gaining steam (Jersey Journal)
  NJ Transit extends Hudson-Bergen Light Rail to Port Imperial this weekend.
• State weighs downtown light-rail routes (Cincinnati Enquirer)
  Ohio Department of Transportation seeks best light rail route for Cincinnati.

Tuesday, October 25

• Amtrak train delayed by bomb threat (AP)
  Boston to Washington train delayed for two hours due to bomb threat

Monday, October 24

• Keystone State's quantum leap (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
  Pennsylvania's Philadelphia-Harrisburg corridor improvements could serve as a model for other states, including Virginia's Washington-Richmond route.
• A strike may push SEPTA off course (Philadelphia Inquirer)
  Philadelphia transit agency could lose funding and ridership if union strikes.

Friday, October 21

• Subway Service Back To Normal After Fire At Manhattan Station (NY1)
  New York City subways shutdown for hours following Friday morning fire.
• Amtrak Ends Private Cars; Princeton's '200 Club' to Ride Local (Bloomberg)
  Private car from Princeton to NYC ends as NJ Transit replaces Amtrak's Clocker service.
• Fare Cuts for Holidays Are Called Into Question (NY Times)
  Fiscal analysts criticize MTA plan for New York City transit discounts.

Thursday, October 20

• Fare Cuts for Holidays Are Called Into Question (NY Times)
  Fiscal analysts criticize MTA plan for New York City transit discounts.
• Metra riders could pay 5% more next year (Chicago Sun-Times)
  Fare increases intended to cover rising fuel and security costs.

Wednesday, October 19

• Amtrak Ridership of 25.4M Marks Third Straight Year of Record Increases
  Increase comes despite 5-month Acela Express disruption and hurricane cancellations.
• Mass transit systems looking to cope with high fuel costs (AP)
  Service cuts, layoffs, and fare increases considered to meet rising diesel fuel prices.

Tuesday, October 18

• SEPTA union: We had a deal (Philadelphia Daily News)
  Opinion: Union says Philadelphia transit agency should pay full healthcare costs.
• MTA stresses need for service expansion (The Advocate)
  New York agency needs funds to protect and expand subway and commuter service.

Monday, October 17

• Metra rail engineer attempts suicide (AP)
  Chicago commuter train engineer in last month's derailment attempts suicide.
• Valley rail passenger service: When and how much? (Morning Call)
  Lehigh Valley's growing population supports rail service to Philadelphia and NYC.
• Experts Dig Into Subway Project (Los Angeles Times)
  Mayor seeks subway expansion to ocean; study to examine underground methane gas.
• Plans for shorter monorail line announced (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
  10-mile route from West Seattle to Interbay would cost $3.9 billion.
• An attack on Amtrak (Boston Globe)
  Opinion: Bush appointees didn't consult states prior to spinoff vote.
• Abandoning Amtrak (North Jersey Media Group)
  Opinion: Congress must step forward to stop the Northeast Corridor spinoff plan.
• Record numbers ride Amtrak (Billings Gazette)
  Amtrak reported record ridership in the 2005 budget year ended last month.

Thursday, October 13

• Amtrak Breakup Advances (New York Times)
  Amtrak Board approves Bush administration plan to breakup railroad, create separate Northeast Corridor division shared by federal government and states.
• 3,000 seats added to morning rail rush (Star-Ledger)
  More NJ Transit trains to New York will help replace Amtrak Clocker service.
• NJ Transit envisions upscale revival for Hoboken Terminal (Star-Ledger)
  Study to explore adding shops and eateries, as well as improving access for commuters.
• Counting down to a SEPTA shutdown (Daily Pennsylvanian)
  No compromise in sight for Philadelphia transit agency, employee union.

Wednesday, October 12

• Engineer In Fatal Train Derailment Speaks Out (NBC5)
  Metra engineer says he had all clear signals, differs with NTSB investigation.
• NYC Officials Question Subway Hoax Reports (AP)
  New York City officials question reports that subway threat was a hoax.
• Cumberland gets backing in opposing commuter rail (Patriot-News)
  County opposes Corridor One proposal to bring rail service to Pennsylvania corridor.
• End of the line for Princeton's Dinky? (Trenton Times)
  Buses could replace shuttle train connecting Princeton with Northeast Corridor.
• Ridership on trolleys, buses rises 5.6 percent (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
  Pittsburgh transit ridership rises due to high gas prices.
• CSX holds the key: Politicians push rail carrier to open its tracks (MetroWest)
  Doubling Worcester/Framingham commuter rail frequency requires CSX support.

Saturday, October 8

• US needs to step up rail security planning (Reuters)
  Congressional investigators cite need for a consistent approach for analyzing risks of subway, commuter rail, and Amtrak services used by 11 million each weekday.
• Credibility issues over New York subway threat (Reuters)
  New York Mayor defends his decision to put the city on high alert.
• On LIRR, caution rides the rails (Newsday)
  Long Island Rail Road stepped up security Friday due to subway threat.

Friday,  October 7

• Amtrak gives passengers more choice in fares (Times Union)
  Northeast fares now tiered based on demand, providing price reductions on some trains.
• New York subway system on alert (CNN)
  Same intelligence led to U.S. raid in Iraq, military source says.
• CTA Heightens Security After NYC Subway Threat (CBS)
  Chicago police heighten security throughout public transit system.
• NJ Transit steps up security after NYC terror threat (AP)
  NJT steps up police patrols, use of K-9 teams, and baggage inspections.
• CTA Proposes Fare Increase (CBS)
  Chicago Transit Authority says it must raise fares to cover budget shortfall.
• SEPTA union threatens strike beginning Oct. 31 (Springfield Sun)
  Strike would shutdown city and suburban transit, including subways, trolleys, and buses.
• Caltrain schedules to receive facelift (San Francisco Examiner)
  Schedule change set for peak hour trains between San Jose and San Francisco.

Thursday, October 6

• New York hikes subway security after terror plot (Reuters)
  Police stepped up security on Thursday after what authorities called the most specific threat yet of a terrorist attack on the subway system in the coming days.
• Regional and Acela Trains Running Normally with Minimal Delays (Amtrak)
  Full New York to Boston service expected Friday as power is restored.
• Transit Could Play Stronger Role in Emergencies (Engineering News-Record)
  Officials say rising fuel prices and hurricanes highlight changing role of mass transit.

Tuesday, October 4

• Is the Triangle ready for rail? (News & Observer)
  Critics question need for proposed Raleigh-Durham commuter rail service
• Stillwell Avenue Subway Station Powered By Solar Panels (NY1)
  New York subway station powered by 2,700 solar panels on the roof.
• Light-rail preview (East Valley Tribune)
  Arizona's 20-mile light rail route scheduled to open in 2008.
• Rail's appeal is no match for car culture (News & Observer)
  Traffic and high gas prices aren't enough for many to choose the train.
• Metra engineer suspended for speeding (UPI)
  Engineer suspended for speeding near the site of last month's fatal Chicago crash.
• Amtrak strikes gold last month in Golden State (East Bay Business Times)
  High gasoline prices may be providing a boon to Amtrak's California routes.

Monday, October 3

• Maglev pulling interest as airport alternative (Union-Tribune)
  Proposal would link Southern California airports with 300mph maglev trains.
• More Than 40 Lawsuits Filed In Metra Derailment (AP)
  Lawsuits filed against Chicago rail operator following last month's derailment.
• Red Line derailment delays commute (Chicago Sun-Times)
  Chicago Transit Authority work train derailed early Monday.
• SEPTA union sets Oct. 31 strike date (AP)
  Health benefits pose stickiest issue in Philadelphia transit agency's negotiations.
• Local commuter rail service off schedule (Milford Daily News)
  Boston-area commuters weigh soaring gasoline prices against frustrating train delays.
• Growing pains along the L.A. Gold Line (LA Times)
  Six-mile extension will bring years of traffic disruptions to LA's Eastside.
• Easy, cheap rail proves elusive (News & Observer)
  North Carolina's $100 million commuter rail plan is now estimated at $759 million.
• Trains Start Rolling on New Light Rail Line (News 10)
  Regular service on Sacramento-Folsom route begins October 15.
• Wabtec gets $217-mln contract from Canada's GO Transit (Reuters)
  Contract includes 53 commuter locomotives for Toronto's transit agency.

For older archives, please select from the following:

• Third Quarter 2005 (August 1 through September 30)