Feds find no problems with N.Y. train brakes, kick union out of probe
The general chairman of ACRE conducted a press conference and a series of media interviews during which he discussed and interpreted information related to the ongoing investigation.

Metro-North Railroad crews at work repairing a damaged section of track near the Spuyten-Duyvil station on Tue., December 3, 2013 where a derailment occurred on Sunday, in preparation for limited restoration of service on the Hudson Line the following morning. Photo: Marc A. Hermann / MTA New York City Transit

NEW YORK — AP is reporting that National Safety Transportation Board (NTSB) investigators looking into the derailment of a Metro-North train on Sunday found no problems with the brake system or track signals along its route, while the engineer was being questioned again.
The Metro-North Railroad commuter train was traveling at 82 mph as it approached a 30 mph zone and jumped the tracks along a sharp curve, killing four passengers. For the full AP report, click here.
Meanwhile, two law enforcement officials told NBC 4 New York that the train’s engineer said he zoned out just before the crash and was not able to recall specifics about the moments before the accident.
The NTSB said at a Tuesday briefing that authorities could not yet describe the engineer's condition just before the crash. Investigators are still probing whether human or mechanical error was responsible for the train speeding. For the full story, click here.
Additionally, the NTSB removed the Association of Commuter Rail Employees, or ACRE, as a participant in its investigation into the derailment.
Under the NTSB's procedures, organizations and agencies are invited to provide technical expertise in support of the NTSB's investigation. The organizations designated as parties sign an agreement to abide by NTSB rules for the duration of the investigation. Maintaining confidentiality of investigative information is one of the rules that parties agree to, further, they agree that their organizations will neither reveal nor comment on investigative information.
On Tuesday, Anthony Bottalico, general chairman of ACRE, conducted a press conference and a series of media interviews during which he discussed and interpreted information related to the ongoing investigation. As a result of this violation of the party agreement, the organization was advised it was removed from the investigation.
"While we value the technical expertise that groups like ACRE can provide during the course of an investigation, it is counterproductive when an organization breaches the party agreement and publically interprets or comments on investigation information," said NTSB Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman. "Our rules exist to avoid the prospect of any party to an NTSB investigation offering its slant on the circumstances of the accident."
More Rail

Biz Briefs: STV teams with Amtrak, Motorcoach Operators Boost Fleet and Land Contracts, and More
From manufacturers and suppliers to transit agencies and motorcoach operators, these updates offer a snapshot of the projects, partnerships and business moves driving the industry forward.
Read More →
Metra Celebrates 100 Years of Electric Rail, Looks to the Future
The event was also a celebration of recent reforms to public transportation in the Chicago area, changes that could be as transformative in the future as the major civic achievement a century ago, said officials.
Read More →
LA Metro Marks Banner Year, Sets Ambitious Goals for New Fiscal Year
Incoming LA Metro Board Chair and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass joined outgoing Board Chair Fernando Dutra and LA Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins to review accomplishments from fiscal year 2026, which included the opening of new rail extensions, advancement of major transit projects, expanded safety programs, and new rider amenities.
Read More →
DART Taps Nathaniel P. Ford Sr. as Next President/CEO
Since 2012, Ford has served as the CEO of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority
Read More →
California High-Speed Rail Authority Signs MOU to Advance High Desert Corridor
The agreement deepens collaboration between the California High-Speed Rail Authority and the High Desert Corridor Joint Powers Agency, supporting design integration, cost savings, and faster delivery of a key Southern California rail link.
Read More →
Building the Next Generation of Transit Technology
In this edition of METROspectives, Luminator CEO Magnus Friberg discusses the company's transformation, the growing role of AI and software, and what's next for transit technology.
Read More →How Data, Strategy, and Community Engagement Are Reshaping Transit
In this edition of METROspectives, strada360 CEO Steve Lassey discusses how transit agencies can better align planning with operations, leverage data to improve decision-making, and build public trust as they prepare for the future of mobility.
Read More →
TTC Launches Camera Pilot to Curb Illegal Passing of Streetcars
During the pilot, the cameras will measure how often illegal streetcar passing occurs and test the technology's reliability for future automated enforcement.
Read More →
NJ TRANSIT Secures Capital Funding, Adopts FY2027 Budget
The budgets continue investments in infrastructure and equipment to maintain the system in a state of good repair and enhance the overall customer experience.
Read More →
Biz Briefs: Masabi Teams with St. Louis Metro and More
In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at recent news from Transdev, Hitachi, and more partnerships making headlines across the transportation sector.
Read More →