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Amtrak Invests $770 Million to Advance Accessibility Projects Across the Country

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WASHINGTON – Amtrak has invested $770 million since 2011 in station accessibility upgrades and improvement projects across the national network to ensure a safe, efficient, and comfortable travel experience for customers with disabilities. The improvements include repairs and upgrades to platforms, ramps and sidewalks, renovations to entranceways and restrooms, and Amtrak is working toward 100% completion by 2029.

More accessibility improvements projects are underway on existing and new fleets as well as on how customers book tickets and navigate digital channels.

“These investments benefit all of our customers by improving the travel experience at every aspect of the journey from trip planning, to purchasing tickets, to using our stations, trains and services,” Amtrak President Roger Harris said. “The execution of work depends on the strong collaboration and shared commitment from the community, the Department of Transportation, local governments, freight railroads and other partners.”

Amtrak is advancing projects in the following areas:

Stations

  • Bringing stations elements including parking, station building and platforms into compliance through a comprehensive multi-year, multi-billion dollar design and construction program providing an accessible and compliant passenger experience. To date we have brought 117 stations into compliance and another 67 stations have been made accessible.
  • Designing and deploying assistive boarding equipment, including bridge plates, to help customers with reduced mobility board and depart from the train.
  • Displaying audio and visual train status and boarding information through passenger information display systems at stations.

Equipment

  • New Acela and Amtrak Airo trains will offer a public address customer information system to provide real-time information such as train location, train speed, and conductor announcements in audio and visual formats.
  • Amtrak Airo and new Acela trains will feature spacious and accessible restrooms, vestibules, and Café Cars with integrated boarding equipment for customers with reduced mobility.
  • Accessibility improvements across all fleets include adding handrails to Superliner accessible bedrooms, stair handrails, folding tray tables at accessible seating areas, slip-resistant vestibule flooring, and compliant service counters in Café Cars.

The Amtrak Americans with Disabilities Act Stations Program oversees accessibility-related station improvement projects to ensure customers with disabilities can successfully navigate the rail network. The program has identified another 39 stations for completion this fiscal year at a forecasted investment of $140 million.

“As author of the All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP) Act, a historic bill that was included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, I’m proud that Amtrak is showing its commitment to making passenger rail accessible for everyone, all while creating jobs and bringing investment to Illinois,” said U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL). “Today’s announcement gets us closer to a nation where Americans of all ability statuses can safely and confidently enjoy public transit.”

With $1.2 billion in investments from the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act (IIJA), Amtrak will continue advancing a comprehensive improvement program to ensure a safe, efficient and comfortable travel experience with a focus on accessibility and inclusion.

Source: Amtrak

City

Metrolink Expands Service: San Bernardino Line Supports I-10 Closure

Metrolink expands service on San Bernardino Line to ease traffic congestion during I-10 freeway closure, providing a convenient alternative for travelers.

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Image: Metrolink

In response to the recent closure of a crucial section of the I-10 freeway in downtown Los Angeles, Metrolink has stepped up to provide expanded weekday service along the San Bernardino Line. This measure aims to ensure that travel from the Inland Empire to downtown Los Angeles remains accessible during the closure period. The closure, caused by fire damage, has significantly affected the daily commute of over 300,000 vehicles. Governor Gavin Newsom estimates that repairs will take 3-5 weeks.

https://stmdailynews.com/use-metro-and-public-transit-to-avoid-i-10-closure-in-dtla/

Expanded Service:
Starting November 14, Metrolink will introduce four extra trains in each direction, with three in the morning and one in the afternoon, connecting L.A. Union Station and the Covina Station. These trains will make stops at all stations in between. Additionally, an evening train will run between L.A. Union Station and the Rancho Cucamonga Station. To accommodate the increased demand, extra passenger cars will be added to San Bernardino Line trains.

Benefits for Travelers:
Metrolink’s additional service on the San Bernardino Line will greatly alleviate traffic congestion caused by the freeway closure. It provides a safe and convenient alternative for travelers who need to reach downtown Los Angeles. Moreover, Metrolink ticketholders can enjoy free connections to most local public transit services, including all LA Metro bus and rail lines.

Metrolink’s proactive response to the I-10 freeway closure demonstrates its commitment to supporting commuters and ensuring their access to downtown Los Angeles. By expanding service on the San Bernardino Line and offering free connections to other public transit options, Metrolink aims to minimize the impact of the closure on travelers and alleviate traffic congestion. This temporary measure will provide a reliable and convenient transportation solution until the freeway repairs are completed. https://metrolinktrains.com/news/metrolink-news/metrolink-expands-service-on-san-bernardino-line-to-support-travelers-impacted-by-i-10-freeway-closure/

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Alstom and partners celebrate launch of Edmonton Valley Line Southeast LRT

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Image Credit: Alstom

  • Edmonton Valley Line Southeast LRT opened for passenger service on November 4, 2023
  • Features 11 street-level stops along 13 km connecting downtown Edmonton to Mill Woods
  • 26 Canadian-built 100% low-floor light rail vehicles (LRV) serve the new line
  • Key partner in providing operations and maintenance of the full system until 2050
  • Project demonstrating Alstom’s Turnkey and Services unmatched leadership and expertise

Edmonton, Alberta – Alstom, global leader in smart and green mobility, celebrates the November 4 launch of the new Edmonton Valley Line Southeast Light Rail Transit (LRT). This project was delivered by TransEd, a consortium comprised of Alstom, along with Bechtel, EllisDon and Fengate, contributing to the enhanced connectivity of Edmonton’s residents today and for the future. The city is expecting it to serve about 30,000 riders per day.

Under this partnership, Alstom played a pivotal role in the design, supply, installation and testing and commissioning of the LRVs, signalling, communications, power supply and distribution, overhead catenary system, and related depot equipment, as well as system integration. This turnkey project is a Public-Private Partnership (P3) that includes a now completed design-build stage, and an operation and maintenance (O&M) commitment extending until 2050.

“Alstom is proud to celebrate this important milestone with the City of Edmonton and our partners. We look forward to serving the citizens of Edmonton with a world-class LRT service for years to come.”

Michael Keroullé
President and CEO, Alstom Americas

Alstom assumes a majority share in the joint venture responsible for the O&M of the system for TransEd. This includes maintaining the complete fleet, tracks, catenary, stations, maintenance facility and all other elements of the system, as well as all aspects of operating the fleet including crew training and dispatching, control room management, customer service and passenger experience. A team of more than 125 experts is devoted to delivering exceptional services to the Edmontonians. Notably, this represents the first LRT system where Alstom is involved in the complete O&M scope of the system.

The 26 Flexity LRVs, each capable of carrying up to 275 passengers along the 13 km system, offer a 100 per cent low-floor design, ensuring easy access and a comfortable ride for all passengers. Step-free boarding is an important part of this enhanced passenger experience for persons with reduced mobility, wheelchairs, mobility aids and strollers.

Alstom takes pride in designing and assembling these vehicles in Canada, creating good-paying Canadian jobs. With 4,500 employees in Canada, including those in Edmonton, Alstom is committed to delivering safe and reliable mobility solutions while actively fostering local supply chains and regional economies.

Michael Keroullé, President and CEO, Alstom Americas said: “Alstom is proud to celebrate this important milestone with the City of Edmonton and our partners. We look forward to serving the citizens of Edmonton with a world-class LRT service for years to come.”

With more than 20 references in the world, Alstom has again demonstrated its turnkey and services capabilities to deliver, operate and maintain a new LRV system that has been designed, built and commissioned to be safely, efficiently and reliably operated in extreme weather conditions over decades of operation.

Alstom’s LRV product range is the reference for modern low-floor tram solutions. It is at the heart of many urban renewal projects around the world, offering an improved passenger experience, driver ergonomics, low energy consumption and optimized life cycle costs. About 8,000 Alstom trams and LRVs have been ordered or are already in revenue service, in more than 140 cities around the world. In addition, these vehicles require four times less energy consumption than a bus, and 10 times less than a car, enabling cities to offer passengers the best options in sustainable mobility.

As the number one private operator in North America, Alstom offers best-in-class train operation solutions, including both fully automated and manual operations, with train crew and station staff, ticketing, and scheduling. Alstom offers scalable maintenance solutions for the entire railway system, including rolling stock, signalling, as well as railway and civil infrastructure. Alstom’s North America references include more than 25 rail systems across the United States and Canada. Its comprehensive services portfolio also includes modernization, parts, repairs, overhauls, and digital and support services

Alstom™ and Flexity™ are protected trademarks of the Alstom Group.

Source: Alstom

https://www.alstom.com/press-releases-news/2023/11/alstom-and-partners-celebrate-launch-edmonton-valley-line-southeast-lrt

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Transforming Travel: The Automated People Mover (APM) Train System Coming to LAX

“LAX’s Automated People Mover: Transforming travel with seamless connectivity, sustainability, and job opportunities.”

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A rendering of the Automated People Mover train as it passes over Century Boulevard. Image: LAWA


LAX, one of the busiest airports in the world, is set to revolutionize the traveler experience with the introduction of the Automated People Mover (APM) train system. As part of the $5.5 billion Landside Access Modernization Program (LAMP), this state-of-the-art transportation solution will provide seamless connectivity, time-certain access to terminals, and a long-awaited link to the regional transportation system.

Enhanced Connectivity and Convenience:
The APM, developed and operated by LAX Integrated Express Solutions (LINXS), will feature a 2.25-mile elevated guideway with six stations, three inside and three outside the Central Terminal Area (CTA). With nine trains running during peak hours, the APM will transport up to 50 passengers per train, carrying them swiftly at speeds of up to 47 mph. Travel time from the Consolidated Rent-A-Car Facility to the West CTA Station will be a mere 10 minutes, ensuring efficient and hassle-free transfers for travelers.

Sustainability and Environmental Impact:
The APM is not only transforming travel but also reducing the airport area’s carbon footprint. The fully electric fleet of 44 cars, constructed with 98% recyclable materials, incorporates regenerative braking to generate their own power. Additionally, the command center and maintenance facility operate on solar energy, showcasing the project’s commitment to sustainability and its aim to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification.

Job Creation and Community Investment:
The APM project represents a historic investment in Los Angeles’ business sector and workforce. With over $585 million allocated to local, small, or disabled veteran-owned businesses, the development is set to create more than 2,000 construction jobs. Opportunities have been reserved for residents of Los Angeles and communities near LAX, ensuring equitable access to employment. Furthermore, partnerships with community-based organizations and initiatives like HireLAX will create infrastructure career pathways for underrepresented groups, including women, former foster youth, individuals transitioning out of gang involvement, and persons with disabilities.


The Automated People Mover (APM) train system coming to LAX is poised to transform travel, providing guests with a seamless and convenient transportation experience. With its cutting-edge technology, sustainability practices, and commitment to job creation and community investment, the APM represents a significant milestone in LAX’s mission to enhance connectivity, reduce congestion, and create a greener future for air travel. As the APM opens in 2024, travelers can look forward to a new era of efficient and sustainable transportation at LAX. https://www.lawa.org/transforminglax/projects/underway/apm

Source: LAWA

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