Prototype News

Sound Transit opened the world’s first floating light rail bridge across Lake Washington on March 28, connecting the agency’s two lines into a unified system for the first time ever.

For years, Seattle’s light rail system had been divided by the lake, with Line 1 connecting Lynnwood and Federal Way, and Line 2 connecting Bellevue and downtown Redmond. With the opening of the new bridge alongside Interstate 90, Line 2 now extends to downtown Seattle and Lynnwood. The extension of Line 2 along the same route as Line 1 between downtown Seattle and Lynnwood also doubles frequency at 14 stations in the busiest part of the system (one train every four minutes during peak hours).

The floating bridge was constructed in 1989. The part used by the rail line was once reversible express lanes for the adjacent highway. The first trains ran over the bridge in September 2025. Along with the bridge, Sound Transit also opened two new stations at Judkins Park and Mercer Island. 

—Justin Franz 

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SEPTA on April 1 reported that the Exo Board in Quebec has formally approved its $8.58 million bid for 24 coach cars, which will be used to bolster the Regional Rail fleet. The cars, which were built by Bombardier Transportation in the 1980s, will operate with SEPTA’s existing ACS-64 electric locomotives. SEPTA said it is currently working out logistics for transporting the cars from Montreal. SEPTA will perform modifications to the cars’ doors and other systems once they arrive in Pennsylvania, as part of an upgrade program to meet its standards. A timeline for placing the cars into service will be developed later this spring.

Funding for the purchase of these railcars comes from the nearly $220 million in additional capital dollars allocated by Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro in November 2025 to support safety upgrades and infrastructure improvements.

“SEPTA has been in contact with transit agencies across North America in recent months about potential railcar purchases, following FRA-mandated inspections and repairs of its 50-year-old Silverliner IV fleet last fall,” the agency said. “The Silverliner IVs make up approximately two-thirds of the Regional Rail fleet, and large portions had to be removed from service while this work was performed. This caused trip cancellations and reduced capacity for several months.

“While required repairs have been completed on most Silverliner IVs, SEPTA has committed to an enhanced maintenance program moving forward to ensure the fleet remains safe and reliable while replacement rail cars are procured. In an effort to avoid further service disruptions, SEPTA has explored shorter-term alternatives such as leasing and purchasing used railcars from other agencies.”

Earlier this year, 10 railcars leased from MARC in Maryland were placed into service.

“We are grateful for Gov. Shapiro’s continued support of SEPTA, and we are committed to continuing to deliver improvements for our customers,” SEPTA General Manager Scott A. Sauer said. “These additional railcars will help us enhance reliability and expand capacity for our customers while we work toward replacing our aging Regional Rail fleet.”

• Report: SEPTA Working to Boost Regional Rail Capacity
• NTSB Recommends Sidelining SEPTA Silverliner IVs
• Exo Selects Transdev Canada for Rail Rolling Equipment Operation, Maintenance
• Montreal’s New CRRC Bilevels Entering Service

The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) Transportation Department late last month released a video highlighting Amtrak’s Heartland Flyer.

“The train nearly stopped last year,” NCTCOG said in the announcement. “When money for the popular passenger rail service did not make it into the final state budget in 2025, Dallas-Fort Worth transportation officials stepped in to keep it on the tracks. Last summer, the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approved a $3.5 million emergency infusion to ensure Amtrak’s Heartland Flyer could keep moving between Fort Worth and Oklahoma City. The funding represents half the state’s biennial contribution to the operation of the Amtrak route.

“The Heartland Flyer is funded jointly by the states of Texas and Oklahoma, the only two states in which the service operates. The Texas Transportation Commission gave final approval for the RTC funding in August 2025. The emergency infusion lasts for a year, meaning more action will be required to keep the train going until the Texas Legislature reconvenes, in January 2027, and has a chance to revisit the matter.

“Significant growth in ridership could help bridge the gap, as the additional revenue realized would reduce the subsidy and could entice more funding partners to come forward. In Fiscal Year 2025, Heartland Flyer ridership grew 1% to almost 81,000 passengers.”

The new video covers a trip made by NCTCOG staff members, who traveled the route “to experience first-hand the ease of traveling by train,” NCTCOG said. They also visited the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, Scissortail Park, Myriad Botanical Gardens and The Jones Assembly restaurant and music venue.

• Heartland Flyer Gets a Lifeline
• Heartland Flyer End of the Line?

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NJDOT officials on March 30 announced that Priya Jain was sworn-in as Commissioner, making her the 21st Chief Executive of the Department. The full New Jersey State Senate unanimously confirmed her nomination on March 23. New Jersey Gov. Sherrill nominated Jain on Janu. 19, 2026, and she has served in an acting capacity since then. She will continue her work overseeing the Department and will also serve as Chair of New Jersey Transit, the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, and the South Jersey Transportation Authority. 

Jain brings more than three decades of experience leading major and complex transportation and infrastructure programs. She began her career as a civil and environmental engineer and has worked in engineering, policy, and program management to support public agencies in advancing complex capital projects. Most recently, she served as the President of Americas for Mace Consult. Prior to that, she was Executive Vice President and Chief Growth Officer for Atlas. As Senior Vice President for Sales and Strategy at Atkins, she spearheaded the firm’s expansion across North America. Jain has also held senior leadership roles at CH2M.

According to NJDOT, Jain’s connection to New Jersey’s transportation system began early in her career, as an engineer on the original ARC Tunnel project. “That experience shaped her understanding of the complexities of large, multiagency projects and continues to inform her focus on efficient permitting, interagency coordination, and timely project delivery,” the Department noted.

Jain is a member of the Board of Directors of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the Northeast Association of State Transportation Officials (NASTO), and The Eastern Transportation Coalition (TETC). Additionally, she is an Advisory Board Member for Civil Engineering at the City College of New York. She holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and master’s degree in physics from Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani, as well as a master’s degree in environmental engineering from the University of New York at Buffalo.

• For NJT, A ‘Rapid Action Plan’

Alstom on April 1 reported the appointment of Martin Sion as CEO. He succeeds Henri Poupart-Lafarge, who, after a decade at the throttle, has decided not to seek a further term as CEO.

“Under Henri Poupart-Lafarge’s leadership since 2016, Alstom achieved a strong leadership position in the global rail industry, marked by significant growth, a broadened product portfolio, and a reputation for strong partnerships worldwide,” the company reported. “Henri’s tenure saw the company’s revenues rise from around €6 billion to €18.5 billion with a profitability among the highest in the industry. The successful integration of Bombardier Transportation [in 2021] https://www.railwayage.com/cs/alstom-completes-bombardier-transportation-takeover/ gave Alstom the power, the scale, and the competitiveness required to be one of the world leaders in rail transportation. The Board of Directors expresses its deep gratitude for Henri’s many achievements and unwavering dedication, which have positioned Alstom well to seize the opportunities of a rapidly evolving transportation market worldwide.”

Philippe Petitcolin, Chairman of Alstom’s Board of Directors, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Martin Sion as our new CEO. Martin brings a wealth of experience in industrial leadership, most recently as CEO of ArianeGroup. We are confident that Martin will further reinforce Alstom’s execution capabilities and lead the company forward to realize the ambitions set. I would like to thank Henri Poupart-Lafarge for his long term vision and commitment to making Alstom the leader it is today.” 

Martin Sion said: “I am extremely honored to join Alstom and look forward to working with the talented teams to advance the decarbonisation of transport and deliver innovative mobility solutions worldwide. I thank Henri for his leadership and for laying solid foundations, including building a capable leadership team that will enable Alstom’s continued success.”

• Toronto Commuter Operating Contract Extension Signed
• Amtrak Releases Video on Fleet Maintenance Facility Program
• Toronto Orders New Subway Train Fleet
• Mexico Awards $1B Passenger Fleet Contract
• Finch West LRT Opens
• Alstom Appoints North American VP, RSC
• Alstom, CTDOT Unveil Commuter Railcar Mockup

Miner, a railcar component manufacturer based in Geneva, Ill., has announced that Mike Downey has joined its sales team as a General Sales Manager and that Michael List has been appointed to its field services team as a representative.

“Downey brings more than 30 years of commercial, operational, and strategic experience in the North American rail industry,” said Paul Aspengren, Director of Sales for Miner, which has more than 130 years of experience in railcar equipment design and manufacturing, and supplies draft gears, brake beams, outlet gates, constant contact side bearings, and other high-performance components. “His deep understanding of rail operations, market dynamics and customer needs will be a tremendous asset as Miner continues to grow and deliver industry‑leading railcar components and systems. We’re excited to welcome Mike to the Miner team and look forward to the expertise and energy he brings.”

Downey, a bilingual business development professional, has held senior sales and marketing roles with major railcar lessors, as well as Class I, short line and passenger railways. He holds an MBA from the University of Ottawa, along with degrees from McGill University.

Downey said: “My values align closely with Miner’s commitment to engineering excellence and customer‑focused innovation. I’m excited to bring that commitment to our customers and help them achieve and exceed their goals and expectations.”

List began his career in 2001 as a welder with FreightCar America in Danville, Ill. He advanced to Quality Manager, and established quality programs across multiple facilities, while leading engineering inspections. In 2017, he changed gears and became a Service Engineer, primarily supporting customers in the field. His expertise spans hot-bearing inspections, truck teardowns, product promotion, and technical support.

“List brings to Miner deep technical expertise and a passion for solving complex challenges, with more than two decades of rail industry experience,” Paul Aspengren said. “His dedication and troubleshooting skills have earned him an impressive reputation for excellence in quality inspection, automated testing, and leadership roles.”

• On the Rocks
• Force Control
• High Expectations, Hot Market
• Miner Celebrates 40 Years of AggreGate® Ballast Discharge Systems
• For Miner, a ‘Milestone’

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Members of the TCU intermodal group on April 1 announced the ratification of a new collective bargaining agreement with BNSF Railway. The five-year agreement covers BNSF members at Cicero, Corwith, Seattle, and Memphis Intermodal facilities.

“The ratification of this agreement is a clear reflection of the strength of our partnership with TCU’s intermodal team members,” said BNSF President and Chief Executive Officer Katie Farmer. “Their confidence in this path forward energizes our efforts to keep raising the bar on our shared purpose of safety and service.”

The agreement covers 746 employees and gives covered members wage increases totaling 17.5% over five years (18.8% compounded) with retroactive pay beginning July 1, 2025, as well as accelerated enhancements in vacation and preserved health care benefits.

“The overwhelming support for this agreement is a testament to the hard work and preparation of our bargaining committee,” said Charles Soukep, TCU national representative.

The agreement follows the same terms as the current national pattern. More than 95% of BNSF’s workforce is currently covered by ratified agreements, according to the Class I.

NS recently congratulated Mercedes-Benz on its $4 billion investment in its Alabama operations.

“We’re proud to serve the Mercedes‑Benz U.S. International plant in Vance today and to support American manufacturing through a safe, reliable, and sustainable rail network. Investments like this strengthen U.S. supply chains, create jobs, and reinforce the Southeast’s role as a global automotive and export hub,” the Class I wrote in a social media post. “We look forward to continuing our partnership as Mercedes‑Benz grows its footprint in Alabama!”

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Marmon Rail announced the launch of a unified Railserve brand, bringing together Railserve, Ameritrack, and Powerhouse under a single brand, Railserve, with a refreshed visual identity. The move, the company says, “simplifies how Marmon Rail’s railyard services come together making it easier for customers to understand the services available and to connect with the right team.”

“Customers work with us in different ways,” said Railserve President Laurie Stiles. “Bringing our capabilities together under Railserve makes it easier for customers to see the full range of services we provide. It creates one clear identity in the market and one simple way for customers to engage with us.”

Under the Railserve brand, customers have access to industrial switching, material handling, transloading, track construction and maintenance, and locomotive repair—delivered across a broad geographic footprint. This singular brand, the company says, “reflects how customers already work with the organization today and supports clearer accountability and better coordination when work spans multiple service areas.”

“A unified Railserve organization strengthens our position in the market and supports our long-term strategy,” said Chris Hagge, Group President, Marmon Railyard and Repair Services. “It creates a strong platform for growth and continued investment, while making it easier to bring our capabilities together to support customers more effectively.”

As Railserve, the organization combines the strength of three experienced teams under one new identity, “making it easier to coordinate work, deliver connected solutions, and support customers more completely,” the company noted. “This builds on how the business already operates today and positions Railserve for continued growth.”

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Hitachi Rail on April 2 reported entering into a definitive agreement to acquire Woodbury, N.Y.-based Clever Devices, whose products are said to improve fleet management, the passenger experience, and operational efficiency for public transportation, including passenger rail, fixed-route, bus rapid transit, and paratransit. It has 12 locations in the United States, Canada, Brazil and Italy.

“The proposed acquisition of a company with deep digital expertise and expected 2026 revenues of over $220 million, marks a significant step in Hitachi Rail’s strategy to operate as a leading global digital mobility player,” Hitachi Rail said. “Upon completion, the business will extend its footprint from rail to multimodal mobility and strengthen its presence in North America.”

With more than 600 employees and a customer base that includes eight of the ten largest North American transit agencies, Clever Devices “brings a robust portfolio and a proven track record of innovation and delivery,” Hitachi Rail reported. “Its Intelligent Transport System (ITS) solutions are a critical enabler to growing public transport, making it more attractive and efficient by improving accuracy of information and boosting service punctuality. Clever Devices’ solutions are deployed across public mobility, including buses as well as railway systems. Alongside its strength in North America, Clever Devices has achieved substantial growth in countries such as Brazil and Chile, as well as in Europe in markets including Italy.”

Clever Devices’ offerings include:

• Fleet monitoring products, such as Automatic Vehicle Monitoring, which is said to provide a “single source” of diagnostic information; Clever CAD, which is said to enable dispatchers to “communicate directly with vehicles and manage routes more effectively”; Clever Works for “maximizing integrity and efficiency” of data; and the Electric Vehicle Management Solution.
• Passenger-facing products, including live bus time updates; Automated Voice Announcement; and Clever Vision, which provides real time information to passengers on board.
• Safety and security; business intelligence; and communications products.

According to Hitachi Rail, Clever Devices’ portfolio of onboard and centralized data solutions will complement its HMAX Mobility suite. HMAX Mobility is described as a digital asset management platform that “connects data from fleets of trains, wayside signaling assets, and track infrastructure to create an operational twin of railways.” It is said to bring together “advanced sensor technology, deep rail expertise, and the latest in AI and edge computing to maximize rail performance, extend asset life, and optimize costs.”

Hitachi Rail pointed out that combining Clever Devices’ fleet management technology with its Operation Control Centers “will enable real time multimodal solutions for urban public transport systems,” and “this technology will enable connected and sustainable intermodal transport and support the transition to more sustainable and efficient transit systems.”

The transaction, “subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions” and “the receipt of regulatory approvals,” is expected to close later this year, according to Hitachi Rail, which is being advised by J.P. Morgan and Ropes & Gray LLP.

“This investment is an important milestone in our strategy to accelerate the digital transformation of public mobility,” Hitachi Rail Group CEO Giuseppe Marino said. “Clever Devices’ proven expertise in intelligent transportation systems, combined with our global scale and our HMAX Mobility platform, will allow us to offer our customers a suite of data‑driven mobility solutions that optimize transport infrastructure and services. Together, we will expand our capabilities beyond rail and deepen our presence in North America, supporting cities as they transition to more innovative and efficient transport networks.”

Separately, Hitachi Rail last fall opened its $110 million “digital” Hagerstown, Md., plant, and in February announced a C$30 million investment in a new Canadian headquarters. Clever Devices in late 2025 was awarded contract from Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority for the Advanced Transportation Management System II (ATMS II) dispatching and vehicle location program. The technology will be implemented on more than 500 railcars among six rail yards and 2,400 buses across 12 depots.

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• Hitachi Rail Releases 2025 Sustainability Statement
• Hitachi Rail Adopts New NVIDIA IGX Thor Solution for Real-Time AI
• Hitachi Rail Signs MOU With Ontario Tech University to Support Railway Engineering Specialization
• Hitachi Rail Acquires Omnicom
• SelTrac™ G9 Development Under Way
• The Future of Rolling Stock, Sponsored by Clever Devices – RAIL GROUP ON AIR

Join Railway Age on Oct. 21-22, 2026, for the Next-Gen Rail Systems Conference (formerly Next-Gen Train Control), whose program will encompass the entire system, examining how signaling and train control technologies are modified and improved by telematics, artificial intelligence, deep data analysis, cybersecurity measures and more. Presented by leading experts, Next-Gen Rail Systems will feature in-depth technical sessions and comprehensive project updates on evolutionary and revolutionary developments in advanced and emerging technologies.

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