California’s Amtrak-operated Pacific Surfliner and San Joaquin routes are due for an equipment upgrade following a Federal Railroad Administration $100 million direct grant to the California DOT (Caltrans).
Amtrak operates the routes under contract to Caltrans.
The money must be used for 27 domestically manufactured bilevel passenger cars and two domestically manufactured diesel-electric locomotives, under Buy America provisions of the grant.
The Pacific Surfliner route experienced a 65 percent increase in ridership over the past 10 years, while the San Joaquin route had a 45 percent increase in ridership over 10 years.
Related News
- New SEPTA operator’s stabbing shows how members’ safety is at risk
- SMART-TD Statement on Railroad Safety Enhancement Act of 2024
- SMART-TD, regulators testify that railroads can’t be trusted to regulate themselves
- K.C. bus agreement follows SMART-TD’s focus on coaching local officers
- Section 6 suggestions deadline is July 24
- Retired General Chairperson David Haack passes
- NTS Day 3: Railroad safety improvements driven by member reports
- NTS Day 3: America’s transit safer because of union member efforts
- TD NTS: STB chair and vice chair address officers, assure labor will have input
- TTD president: Labor needs to stick together to maintain progress