Transportation News

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FMCSA Wants Drug-Test Database for CDL Holders

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) today announced a proposed rule to establish a drug and alcohol clearinghouse for all national commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders. The clearinghouse would help improve roadway s [...]

FAA issues rule on PEDs in the cockpit

The Federal Aviation Administration Feb. 12 issued a final rule that reinforces that airline pilots cannot use portable electronic devices for personal use in all operations. The rule codifies existing FAA policies and procedures and meets an FAA Modernization and Reform Act [...]

FMCSA wants drug-test database for CDL holders

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) today announced a proposed rule to establish a drug and alcohol clearinghouse for all national commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders. The clearinghouse wou [...]

Amtrak's Boardman: Rural needs trump extras

Amtrak’s CEO says passenger rail service in Southeastern Colorado is more important than some other amenities such as chocolates on the pillows for long-distance travelers. “Our most essential goal is to ensure Amtrak continues to serve small town America that is being abando [...]

Amtrak suspends some service ahead of storm

WASHINGTON – Amtrak is suspending some trains as a winter storm threatens the South and the Northeast. Amtrak says the suspensions Wednesday are meant to reduce the exposure of passengers, crews and equipment to extreme weather. Read the complete story at the Associated Press.

MBTA buses get live video technology

BOSTON – Homeland Security in Washington DC has awarded the MBTA about $7 million to outfit buses with the latest in live video technology. Sophisticated new 360-degree lenses embedded in the ceilings and walls of the buses will now capture everything. And on some buses, ther [...]

Losing bidder for commuter rail contract to appeal

The loser in the battle for a $2.68 billion contract to run Massachusetts commuter rail trains is not going away quietly, vowing that it will appeal to state officials Friday to change their minds. Executives from the Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad Co. said they intend t [...]

Amtrak launches new loco at Boston’s South Station

Amtrak will launch the first of a fleet of new locomotives out of Boston’s South Station on Friday, officials said. The 70 new locomotives have advanced technology and modern equipment that company officials hope will provide more reliable service. Read the complete story at [...]

SMART TD members picket CP in Minn.

Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton on Thursday (Feb. 6) proposed initiatives to enhance railroad safety on the same day that rail workers protested Canadian Pacific’s safety practices by picketing its U.S. headquarters in Minneapolis. The governor announced through his press secretar [...]

NARP says oil shipments hurting passengers

A combination of bad weather and a large number of oil shipments has been severely delaying Amtrak riders in northern Plains states – and a rail passenger advocacy group is trying to do something about it. It hasn’t been easy to be a rail passenger lately – especially if you’ [...]