From Impact News, April 29, 2009...
Six weeks after safety violations forced Capital Metro to reschedule the launch of its new commuter rail line, the line’s private operator has hired a new safety director.
Randall "Randy" Jamieson is the new director of safety, training and regulatory compliance in Austin for Veolia Transportation, the company announced in a press release Tuesday.
On March 20, Capital Metro cancelled the March 28 MetroRail grand opening celebrations for the commuter rail service from Leander to downtown Austin because of alleged safety violations by Veolia workers.
Train services have been delayed indefinitely. Capital Metro promised to present the status of the MetroRail and an action plan by May 15.
Read more...
Showing posts with label Commuter Rail. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Commuter Rail. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
Cap Metro working on new metro rail timeline
From News 8 Austin, April 1, 2009...
In a statement issued Wednesday, Capital Metro said it is working on a new timeline to get rail service rolling.
The rail line's planned launch was delayed after allegations of safety violations by the rail contractor, Veolia Transportation.
A Cap Metro spokesperson said it is "working closely with Veolia, the Federal Railroad Administration and the Texas Department of Transportation to ensure all components of the MetroRail line are ready and all outstanding issues are addressed before a single passenger boards a train."
Cap Metro has yet to announce a prospective launch date.
Read more...
In a statement issued Wednesday, Capital Metro said it is working on a new timeline to get rail service rolling.
The rail line's planned launch was delayed after allegations of safety violations by the rail contractor, Veolia Transportation.
A Cap Metro spokesperson said it is "working closely with Veolia, the Federal Railroad Administration and the Texas Department of Transportation to ensure all components of the MetroRail line are ready and all outstanding issues are addressed before a single passenger boards a train."
Cap Metro has yet to announce a prospective launch date.
Read more...
Cap Metro - The Wheels Come Off
From Austin Chronicle, March 27, 2009...
To say things are not going well at Capital Metro right now ... well, let's not even bother with polite euphemisms. It's all going to hell.
More than a year behind schedule, the transit agency's new commuter train has been delayed yet again – this time indefinitely. And that announcement came after revelations in the Austin American-Statesman that the agency owes millions of dollars to the city of Austin and other communities it serves – but has drained its cash reserves to build its nonfunctional train and other pricey projects and apparently can't pay it back. According to the Statesman's Ben Wear (March 15), Cap Metro's savings, which once reached into the hundreds of millions, are now down to a mere two-month safety cushion.
Read more...
To say things are not going well at Capital Metro right now ... well, let's not even bother with polite euphemisms. It's all going to hell.
More than a year behind schedule, the transit agency's new commuter train has been delayed yet again – this time indefinitely. And that announcement came after revelations in the Austin American-Statesman that the agency owes millions of dollars to the city of Austin and other communities it serves – but has drained its cash reserves to build its nonfunctional train and other pricey projects and apparently can't pay it back. According to the Statesman's Ben Wear (March 15), Cap Metro's savings, which once reached into the hundreds of millions, are now down to a mere two-month safety cushion.
Read more...
Monday, March 9, 2009
Capital Metro takes media for a rail ride
From KVUE, March 2, 2009...
During Capital Metro's five recent open houses, the public has gotten a look inside rail cars, but the train never moved. Monday, members of the media got to take a real ride.
Reporters, photographers and Capital Metro staffers boarded the red line shortly after noon in North Austin. The abbreviated trip would take riders to Leander and back.
Read more...
During Capital Metro's five recent open houses, the public has gotten a look inside rail cars, but the train never moved. Monday, members of the media got to take a real ride.
Reporters, photographers and Capital Metro staffers boarded the red line shortly after noon in North Austin. The abbreviated trip would take riders to Leander and back.
Read more...
Thursday, March 5, 2009
MetroRail sneak peekwith speedy ride
From KXAN, March 2, 2009...
People get an inside look Monday at the new Capital Metro Commuter Rail . A media open house was held Monday afternoon starting from the station near U.S. Highway 183 and Burnet Road in North Central Austin. Six cars were available for boarding, and they will officially start shuttling passengers later this month.
The track runs 32 miles from Leander to Downtown Austin near the Austin Convention Center , and at times, the train reached close to 60 mph while traveling from North Austin to Leander. The train comes with Internet capabilities.
Read more...
People get an inside look Monday at the new Capital Metro Commuter Rail . A media open house was held Monday afternoon starting from the station near U.S. Highway 183 and Burnet Road in North Central Austin. Six cars were available for boarding, and they will officially start shuttling passengers later this month.
The track runs 32 miles from Leander to Downtown Austin near the Austin Convention Center , and at times, the train reached close to 60 mph while traveling from North Austin to Leander. The train comes with Internet capabilities.
Read more...
Riding the Red Line
From statesman, March 5, 2009...
A Q&A about Capital Metro's passenger rail line.
Q: When does service start?
A: March 30, probably. Training and final testing is behind schedule, and problems have cropped up with the gate and track control system. So the opening might not occur until April.
A: There are nine stations on a 32-mile route between Leander, just north of RM 2243 and downtown Austin at Fourth and Trinity streets. The first four stations are widely spaced, then there are much shorter intervals as you get closer to Central Austin. Look at the map on this page to get a better idea of where they are.
Q: I see the rail line passes through Cedar Park, but there's no station. Why?
A: The City of Cedar Park pulled out of the Capital Metro service area in 1998. However, the city may eventually reach a deal with the transit agency to pay an annual fee for a station.
Read more...
A Q&A about Capital Metro's passenger rail line.
Q: When does service start?
A: March 30, probably. Training and final testing is behind schedule, and problems have cropped up with the gate and track control system. So the opening might not occur until April.
A: There are nine stations on a 32-mile route between Leander, just north of RM 2243 and downtown Austin at Fourth and Trinity streets. The first four stations are widely spaced, then there are much shorter intervals as you get closer to Central Austin. Look at the map on this page to get a better idea of where they are.
Q: I see the rail line passes through Cedar Park, but there's no station. Why?
A: The City of Cedar Park pulled out of the Capital Metro service area in 1998. However, the city may eventually reach a deal with the transit agency to pay an annual fee for a station.
Read more...
Capital Metro prepares to launch rail line
From KVUE, March 3, 2009...
Capital Metro is ready for the big kickoff of its new rail line serve on March 30th, and they want the public to be ready to ride as well.
It's holding a special meeting Tuesday night to let potential riders and members of the community know what to expect.
This week Cap Metro gave its staffers, along with members of the media, a first hand look at just how the new rail line will work -- taking them on a short trip to Leander and back.
Read more...
Capital Metro is ready for the big kickoff of its new rail line serve on March 30th, and they want the public to be ready to ride as well.
It's holding a special meeting Tuesday night to let potential riders and members of the community know what to expect.
This week Cap Metro gave its staffers, along with members of the media, a first hand look at just how the new rail line will work -- taking them on a short trip to Leander and back.
Read more...
CapMetro commuter rail could be stalled on the tracks
From News 8 Austin, February 27, 2009...
There are roughly 31 days and counting until Capital Metro starts its commuter rail service.
But the transit agency has hit a few bumps in the road. Testing and training continue in the brain center of the rail system.
Read more...
There are roughly 31 days and counting until Capital Metro starts its commuter rail service.
But the transit agency has hit a few bumps in the road. Testing and training continue in the brain center of the rail system.
Read more...
Capital Metro rail to start on time -- but trains could be limited
From KVUE, February 27, 2009...
The Capital Metro rail line from Leander to downtown Austin remains scheduled to begin March 30, but there is a possibility that technical difficulties could limit the number of trains put into service that day.
Friday night marks the last chance to attend an open house for Capital Metro rail, but it's the first time some commuters learned of possible safety issues at certain intersections.
Read more...
The Capital Metro rail line from Leander to downtown Austin remains scheduled to begin March 30, but there is a possibility that technical difficulties could limit the number of trains put into service that day.
Friday night marks the last chance to attend an open house for Capital Metro rail, but it's the first time some commuters learned of possible safety issues at certain intersections.
Read more...
Rail opening could be delayed
From statesman, February 27, 2009...
With testing and training behind schedule and troubles with signals, Capital Metro's passenger rail line might miss its March 30 opening date, agency officials say. Or the agency might initially run trains only southbound in the morning and northbound in the evening.
That would be a change from the intended operating plan for the 32-mile, Leander-to-downtown-Austin line, which is to have seven trains running south from Leander in the morning and three going the opposite way and then seven trains outbound from downtown in the evening rush hour and three coming south from Leander.
Read more...
With testing and training behind schedule and troubles with signals, Capital Metro's passenger rail line might miss its March 30 opening date, agency officials say. Or the agency might initially run trains only southbound in the morning and northbound in the evening.
That would be a change from the intended operating plan for the 32-mile, Leander-to-downtown-Austin line, which is to have seven trains running south from Leander in the morning and three going the opposite way and then seven trains outbound from downtown in the evening rush hour and three coming south from Leander.
Read more...
Central Texas drivers should prepare for commuter rails
From KEYE, February 23, 2009...
Capital Metro warns drivers who might be on a 'track' with tragedy. The transportation agency that serves the Austin metropolitan area is getting its fleet of six commuter trains ready to roll out for the first-of-its-kind mass transit on the rails here in Central Texas.
The Red Line is slated to go online March 30th, and will run from Leander to Downtown Austin, and back. Cap Metro is conducting final tests of the hardware and all appears to be flowing smoothly.
Read more...
Capital Metro warns drivers who might be on a 'track' with tragedy. The transportation agency that serves the Austin metropolitan area is getting its fleet of six commuter trains ready to roll out for the first-of-its-kind mass transit on the rails here in Central Texas.
The Red Line is slated to go online March 30th, and will run from Leander to Downtown Austin, and back. Cap Metro is conducting final tests of the hardware and all appears to be flowing smoothly.
Read more...
Quarries present quandary for commuter rail push
From statesman, February 23, 2009...
A half-dozen quarries line the Union Pacific track in Round Rock-San Antonio corridor, making it problematic to move freight traffic to a new line east of Austin.
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A half-dozen quarries line the Union Pacific track in Round Rock-San Antonio corridor, making it problematic to move freight traffic to a new line east of Austin.
Read more...
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Rail safety caution ahead of MetroRail
From KXAN, February 18, 2009...
In just weeks the new commuter rail starts moving passengers from Leander to Downtown Austin. However, with more than 40 public crossings, transportation leaders are trying to prevent accidents.
Austin police and officials with Capital Metro warned the public Wednesday about rail safety, on the heels of the official opening of the new MetroRail . Capital Metro has been working with schools along the tracks to make sure the community is aware trains will be running more frequently, faster much quieter, which could lead to tragic consequences if pedestrians and drivers do not stay back.
Read more...
In just weeks the new commuter rail starts moving passengers from Leander to Downtown Austin. However, with more than 40 public crossings, transportation leaders are trying to prevent accidents.
Austin police and officials with Capital Metro warned the public Wednesday about rail safety, on the heels of the official opening of the new MetroRail . Capital Metro has been working with schools along the tracks to make sure the community is aware trains will be running more frequently, faster much quieter, which could lead to tragic consequences if pedestrians and drivers do not stay back.
Read more...
Capital Metro increases rail testing as launch approaches
From KEYE, February 18, 2009...
The scheduled debut of the Capital Metro rail line may start on Monday, March 30, but trains will start running on the tracks even sooner.
Starting Sunday, Feb. 22, expect to see more of the rail trains when Capital Metro begins more testing in the morning, middle of the day and afternoon.
The Red Line will run on 32-miles of existing freight tracks between Leander and Downtown Austin. Meanwhile the Austin Police Department, Austin Independent School District, Capitol Metro and the City of Austin Transportation Department want to remind you about rail safety and enforcement actions for violations regarding railroad crossings and property.
Read more...
The scheduled debut of the Capital Metro rail line may start on Monday, March 30, but trains will start running on the tracks even sooner.
Starting Sunday, Feb. 22, expect to see more of the rail trains when Capital Metro begins more testing in the morning, middle of the day and afternoon.
The Red Line will run on 32-miles of existing freight tracks between Leander and Downtown Austin. Meanwhile the Austin Police Department, Austin Independent School District, Capitol Metro and the City of Austin Transportation Department want to remind you about rail safety and enforcement actions for violations regarding railroad crossings and property.
Read more...
Friday, January 16, 2009
Rail line could roll through Round Rock
From News 8 Austin, January 7, 2009...
A quicker commute could be in the works for folks living in Round Rock and workers coming to town.
City officials have come up with a possible plan to put in tracks where they know stops are needed most.
The daily congestion on Interstate 35 and three tollways which run through Round Rock made commuters in the area eager to hear buzz about a possible rail line for them to board.
Read more...
A quicker commute could be in the works for folks living in Round Rock and workers coming to town.
City officials have come up with a possible plan to put in tracks where they know stops are needed most.
The daily congestion on Interstate 35 and three tollways which run through Round Rock made commuters in the area eager to hear buzz about a possible rail line for them to board.
Read more...
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Metro Rail will sneak through Cedar Park
From Austin Business Journal, December 24, 2008...
Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced that its new commuter train will quietly sweep past neighborhoods in Cedar Park.
Federally-approved quiet zones are now in place at six railroad crossings in the North Austin suburb. Federal law requires that trains sound their horns at all public crossings unless a quiet zone has been established.
The quiet zones are around crossings at the following roads: Block House Drive, New Hope Drive, RM 1431, Discovery Boulevard, Park Street and Brushy Creek Road.
Read more...
Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced that its new commuter train will quietly sweep past neighborhoods in Cedar Park.
Federally-approved quiet zones are now in place at six railroad crossings in the North Austin suburb. Federal law requires that trains sound their horns at all public crossings unless a quiet zone has been established.
The quiet zones are around crossings at the following roads: Block House Drive, New Hope Drive, RM 1431, Discovery Boulevard, Park Street and Brushy Creek Road.
Read more...
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Could Central Texas add another commuter rail?
From KVUE, December 1, 2008...
Members of the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) heard a proposal for a new Central Texas rail line Monday.
This new rail line project is currently only in the planning stages, but those in favor of it say it's a necessity to help move Central Texans throughout the region quickly and efficiently.
Read more...
Members of the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) heard a proposal for a new Central Texas rail line Monday.
This new rail line project is currently only in the planning stages, but those in favor of it say it's a necessity to help move Central Texans throughout the region quickly and efficiently.
Read more...
Friday, November 28, 2008
Elgin-Austin rail proposed
From Austin Business Journal, November 28, 2008...
A nearly $200 million, 19-mile rail line between downtown Austin and Manor/Elgin may begin chugging along as regional transportation leaders convene soon to determine how to move the line from concept to reality.
The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization Transit Working Group, tasked with evaluating rail options for Central Texas, will begin reviewing the so-called Green Line proposal in December. Over the next few months the group’s members, led by State Sen. Kirk Watson and Austin Mayor Will Wynn, will decide whether the proposal should appear on election ballots in the near term.
Read more...
A nearly $200 million, 19-mile rail line between downtown Austin and Manor/Elgin may begin chugging along as regional transportation leaders convene soon to determine how to move the line from concept to reality.
The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization Transit Working Group, tasked with evaluating rail options for Central Texas, will begin reviewing the so-called Green Line proposal in December. Over the next few months the group’s members, led by State Sen. Kirk Watson and Austin Mayor Will Wynn, will decide whether the proposal should appear on election ballots in the near term.
Read more...
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Capital Metro finishes Downtown MetroRail station
From Impact News, November 26, 2008...
Capital Metro expects to complete the Downtown Station of the commuter rail line Nov. 26. The station is near the Austin Convention Center on Fourth Street between Neches and Trinity streets and is one of nine stations that will serve Capital Metro’s Red Line between downtown Austin and Leander. Rail service will begin March 30.
The MetroRail extends 32 miles between Leander and the convention center. Trains will run every 30 minutes during morning and afternoon rush hours. Connector buses will be available to take train passengers from the Downtown Station to their final destinations, and several local bus routes are within walking distance.
Read more...
Capital Metro expects to complete the Downtown Station of the commuter rail line Nov. 26. The station is near the Austin Convention Center on Fourth Street between Neches and Trinity streets and is one of nine stations that will serve Capital Metro’s Red Line between downtown Austin and Leander. Rail service will begin March 30.
The MetroRail extends 32 miles between Leander and the convention center. Trains will run every 30 minutes during morning and afternoon rush hours. Connector buses will be available to take train passengers from the Downtown Station to their final destinations, and several local bus routes are within walking distance.
Read more...
Friday, October 24, 2008
Rail relocation could lead to commuter trains
From News 8 Austin, October 24, 2008...
Crossing train tracks is part of life in San Marcos.
With more than 30 rail crossings in the city, Council Member John Thomaides says finding yourself stuck in train traffic can be a common experience.
"Everybody has been stopped by a train in San Marcos absolutely. Traffic is backed up as much as three hours a day from all the freight trains," he said.
Former Austin Mayor Bruce Todd is concerned that congestion caused by freight trains could slow more than traffic.
Read more...
Crossing train tracks is part of life in San Marcos.
With more than 30 rail crossings in the city, Council Member John Thomaides says finding yourself stuck in train traffic can be a common experience.
"Everybody has been stopped by a train in San Marcos absolutely. Traffic is backed up as much as three hours a day from all the freight trains," he said.
Former Austin Mayor Bruce Todd is concerned that congestion caused by freight trains could slow more than traffic.
Read more...
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