www.railroad.net US Railroad news. 5th November 2011

Toronto To Install New Light Rail Technology

Starting in 2013, Toronto will be replacing its outdated streetcars with sleeker and more modern light rail vehicles.  Bombardier, a leader in the light rail sector, is taking on the project.  They plan to phase in the new light rail cars, with hopes of replacing the entire fleet of existing streetcars eventually.  The current Canadian Light Rail Vehicle models date back to the late 1970s, so commuters and commissioners alike are ready for the design makeover.
The light rail cars are getting more than a facelift though.  Serving approximately 285,000 commuters a day, the current 15-metre long cars need to depart every two to three minutes during rush hour.  The new cars will be twice as long in measure, so they will depart less frequently, which will help to avoid bunching.  Replacement costs will approximately total $1 billion for the 204 new rail cars.  The Toronto Transit Commission has posted mock-ups and details of the new cars on their website.  The Commission has also scheduled times for the Public Display Event, where citizens can experience the new design in person on November 12, 13, 14, and 15th.  Light rail technology is gaining popularity across the globe, with Bombardier light rail vehicles being installed in Spain, Austria, Germany, France, and Belgium to name a few.


Weekend Boston – New York Services Canceled

The Wall Street Journal has reported that passengers trying to use Amtrak service between Boston and New York will have trouble traveling this weekend.  Amtrak’s Northeast Regional Service will not be running from 4 p.m. Saturday through noon on Sunday.  The cancellation in service is due to important replacements on the East/West Harbor Bridge in Stonington, Conn.  These bridge improvements are part of $22.1 million project that has in the works for two years.
Trains Cancelled Include:
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Southbound Trains 165, 176, 169 and 67: Canceled Boston – New York
Northbound Trains 82, 88, 194 and 168: Cancelled New York – Boston
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Southbound Trains 195, 99 and 161: Canceled Boston – New York
Northound Trains 66, 150 and 160 Canceled New York – Boston
Amtrak will not provide any alternative services for the weekend, but passengers are encouraged to take later trains or book a greyhound/private bus service.  Passengers using local commuter trains to and from Springfield, as well as Amtrak’s shuttle between New Haven and Springfield will not be affected by the service cancellation.
Hopefully not to many passengers will be effected by the brief cancellation of trains on the Northeast Regional Service.  At least Amtrak is getting these improvements out of the way on the weekend, so busy weekday commuters will not be inconvenienced.

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