Largest Amtrak union won't join work stoppage
The Transportation Communications Union said the one-day work stoppage was counter-productive to its stated purpose of prodding Congress for more funding.
The union representing half of Amtrak's unionized employees said Tuesday it won't participate in a work stoppage planned for next week to draw attention to the railroad's funding problems said the Associated Press. The Transportation Communications Union said the one-day work stoppage was counter-productive to its stated purpose of prodding Congress to pass the highest possible federal subsidy for Amtrak operations. The union, which represents 10,000 Amtrak employees, said some lawmakers "will not give in to what they perceive as strong-arm tactics by labor." In addition, some supporters are concerned "that they might lose swing votes that are necessary to keep Amtrak alive," the union said in a statement posted on its Website. Six other Amtrak unions representing more than 5,000 of Amtrak's 18,500 unionized workers announced that their members would stay off the jobs Oct. 3 to protest efforts by the Bush administration and House Republicans to block additional funding, said the AP. Amtrak officials are considering seeking a court injunction to block the work stoppage, which they termed an illegal strike, spokesman Clifford Black said.
More Rail

Amtrak Finalizes Pre-Development Agreement for Penn Station Overhaul
The agreement advances plans for a $7 billion to $8 billion transformation of New York's busiest transit hub, with construction expected to begin by the end of 2027.
Read More →
New York MTA Leverages Zoning Program to Advance Station Accessibility
Accessibility enhancements at Nevins St Station will be financed through a development agreement tied to the MTA's Zoning for Accessibility initiative.
Read More →
Virginia's $28.5B Transportation Plan Targets Transit and Rail
Approved by the Commonwealth Transportation Board, the program supports ongoing infrastructure projects while providing new investments in transit, state of good repair and transportation alternatives.
Read More →
DOT: Brightline Corridor Incidents Fall 30% Following Federal Safety Upgrades
Safety improvements funded through a $25 million federal investment are credited with reducing trespassing and train-vehicle collisions along the Brightline Florida corridor.
Read More →
D Line Expansion Fuels Growth Across LA Metro's Rail System
Weekend rail ridership was especially strong, soaring 18% as riders embraced expanded access to jobs, entertainment, dining, and cultural destinations, said the agency. Total system ridership for May, including bus and rail, was 26,966,657.
Read More →
Southern California's Metrolink Debuts Contactless Fare Payment Pilot
Customers traveling between Redlands and Los Angeles can now tap their preferred payment method, including a credit or debit card, mobile wallet, or wearable device, at station validators before boarding and again while exiting.
Read More →
California's BART Approves FY27 Budget While Maintaining Service Levels
The budget covers July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, a period when pandemic emergency funds run out, the District faces a structural deficit of $375 million, and a regional transit funding measure may appear on the November ballot.
Read More →
Penn Station Transformation Advances with Design Unveiling
The historic redesign will transform the busiest transit hub in the Western Hemisphere from the tracks to the street level, creating a more efficient, cleaner, and functional experience for more than 600,000 daily commuters and millions of visitors.
Read More →
Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 Advances into Major Construction Stage
New York Governor Kathy Hochul joined leadership from the MTA, elected officials, and Harlem community leaders to break ground on the major construction stage of the transformative Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 project.
Read More →
The Invisible Infrastructure of Passenger Flow
What a seat reservation system on Austria’s Railjet trains reveals about the future of rider experience, and why U.S. agencies should pay attention.
Read More →