Latest news with #RedLine
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
Plan ahead: TRAX Red Line to be rerouted during ‘MexTour' event at Rice Eccles Stadium
SALT LAKE CITY () — On Saturday, June 7, the Mexican national soccer team will be making a rare visit to the Beehive State against Switzerland at Rice Eccles Stadium. But if you were planning on making use of the TRAX's Red Line train to make it to the stadium, you'll need to adjust your travel plans. The TRAX line, which typically runs up 400 South to Rice Eccles Stadium on the University of Utah campus, will and along Main Street in downtown Salt Lake City. This temporary reroute could cause significant delays of up to 45 minutes to the commute, the University of Utah warned. 6 Utah cities ranked among the best 250 places to live in the U.S. — and Salt Lake didn't make the cut To make up for the lack of trains, UTA plans to increase services for bus routes 1, 2, and 4 to help passengers traveling to the University of Utah. Passengers will be encouraged to take the Red Line to Gallivan Plaza Station and transfer to any of the three bus lines to reach the stadium in time for the game. The Red Line closure will allow for UTA maintenance crews to perform maintenance near the Rice-Eccles Stadium station, including at the S-Curve to the University of Utah. The closure and reroute are expected to be in place until Aug. 17. However, normal services will temporarily resume over the July 4 weekend to help accommodate events on the University of Utah campus. Supreme Court allows Trump to revoke Biden's parole program; Sotomayor, Jackson issue scathing dissent Appeals court allows President Trump to continue collecting tariffs GOP runs into voter buzzsaw of criticism on Trump's 'big, beautiful bill' Disney offering Disney+, Hulu subscribers new perks, discounts CBP seizes $184,000 from Mexican man, woman trying to leave US in a Fiat Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
2 days ago
- General
- CBS News
5 former MBTA employees accused of lying about performing Red Line track inspections
Five current and former MBTA employees have been arrested after they allegedly lied about Red Line inspections they were supposed to do last year. Brain Pfaffinger, 47, of Marshfield; Ronald Gamble, 62, of Dorchester; Jensen Vatel, 42, of Brockton; Nathalie Mendes, 53, of New Bedford; and Andy Vicente, 36, of Bridgewater have all been indicted for falsification of records, among other charges. All five were MBTA track inspectors; the MBTA said four stopped working for them last year and the fifth person is currently on leave. According to court documents, the five employees falsified track inspection reports, claiming they performed track inspections when they really didn't. Court documents said the five were seen on surveillance video elsewhere, including a parking lot and working on private vehicles, when they were supposed to be performing track inspections. Pfaffinger, who was the supervisor, allegedly not only knew about this but is also accused of having subordinates work on his own vehicle. "Their actions do not reflect the values of the MBTA, and they will not impact the improvements we continue to make across the system. We are taking these allegations very seriously, as we have an obligation to the public and to our workforce to ensure that every employee meets the highest standards of conduct," the MBTA said in a statement. The five face up to 20 years behind bars for falsifying records, along with three years of supervised released and a $250,000 fine.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Five people arrested for falsifying MBTA track inspection records, US Attorney says
Four former Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority employees and one current MBTA employee were arrested and charged Thursday with allegedly falsifying Red Line track inspection reports. Brian Pfaffinger, 47, of Marshfield; Ronald Gamble, 62, of Dorchester; Jensen Vatel, 42, of Brockton; Nathalie Mendes, 53, of New Bedford; and Andy Vicente, 36, of Bridgewater have been indicted for falsification of records, aiding and abetting; and false statements, aiding and abetting, U.S. Attorney Leah Foley said in a statement. Pfaffinger, Gamble, Vatel, Mendes and Vicente were arrested Thursday morning and were expected to appear in federal court in Boston later Thursday. Boston 25 has reached out to the MBTA for comment on the arrests. According to the charging documents, Gamble, Vatel, Mendes and Vicente were former MBTA track inspectors. Rather than complete inspections, prosecutors said during the period between Sept. 3, 2024 to Oct. 15, 2024, Gamble, Vatel, Mendes and Vicente allegedly falsified track inspection reports, which stated that they completed track inspections for Red Line tracks when they did not perform the inspections. Prosecutors allege that instead, at the time of the inspections, Gamble, Vatel, Mendes and Vicente were inside Cabot Yard, an MBTA location that contained a coffee and breakroom for Red Line inspection employees. Cabot Yard also contained a large garage where Gamble, Vatel and Vicente allegedly worked on private vehicles during work hours, prosecutors said. On Sept. 19, 2024, during the time that Vicente allegedly performed a track inspection, video surveillance depicted Vicente (circled in red below) sitting inside of Cabot Garage holding his cellular phone, prosecutors said. On Sept. 23, 2024, during the time that Mendes allegedly performed a track inspection, video surveillance depicted Mendes (circled in red below) sitting inside her vehicle. Mendes allegedly did not leave her vehicle until well after her inspection ended. On Sept. 24, 2024, during the time that Vatel allegedly performed a track inspection, video surveillance depicted Vatel (circled in red below) chatting with other MBTA employees in the parking lot outside of Cabot Garage. On Oct. 8, 2024, during the time that Gamble allegedly performed a track inspection, video surveillance depicted Gamble (circled in red below) performing detail work on a private vehicle inside of Cabot Garage. Pfaffinger, the former supervisor for Gamble, Vatel, Mendes and Vicente, allegedly not only knew that his subordinates worked on private vehicles during work hours, but had his subordinates work on his own vehicle, prosecutors allege. On Oct. 14, 2024, Gamble created an inspection report alleging he conducted an inspection, but surveillance video showed that Gamble was inside of Cabot Garage with Pfaffinger, prosecutors said. Despite knowing that the inspection report was false, and that Gamble was at Cabot Garage on Oct. 14, 2024, the following day, Pfaffinger allegedly created supporting documentation for Gamble's Oct. 14, 2024, inspection, which he knew to be false, prosecutors said. If convicted of the charge of falsification of records and aiding and abetting the falsification of records, Pfaffinger, Gamble, Vatel, Mendes and Vicente face a sentence of up to 20 years in prison to be followed by up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. If convicted of the charge of false statements and aiding and abetting false statements, Pfaffinger, Gamble, Vatel, Mendes and Vicente face a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Thursday's arrests came one day after former Norfolk County Sheriff's Deputy Superintendent Thomas Brady was arrested and charged with extortion. Brady, 53, of Norwood, is accused of forcing his subordinates to perform free labor at his house during their public work shifts, Foley said Wednesday. He has been indicted by a federal grand jury on four counts of extortion and three counts of use of interstate facilities to commit bribery and extortion. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
Gulf Insider
3 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Dubai Metro Blue Line Set To Ease Traffic Congestion In The City
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has recently launched the Dubai Metro Blue Line project. It marks the landmark expansion of the Dubai's metro network designed to improve urban mobility, reduce road congestion, and support sustainable development. Set to open on September 9, 2029, marking the 20th anniversary of the Red Line which was also opened on September 9, 2009, the 30-kilometre Blue Line will link key residential and commercial areas, ultimately serving nearly one million people. The Dh20.5 billion project was awarded to a consortium of top Turkish and Chinese firms, MAPA, LIMAK, and CRRC, following an international tender process involving 15 global infrastructure specialists. 'The Blue Line marks a major milestone in Dubai's journey toward becoming the world's best city to live in,' said Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at the RTA. 'This project builds on the outstanding success of the Dubai Metro, which has transported nearly 2.5 billion riders since its launch in 2009 and remains the backbone of the city's public transport system,' he said during the official announcement ceremony of the Blue Line last year. Al Tayer said that the new line supports the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, offering sustainable mobility solutions that improve quality of life and promote economic growth. The Blue Line will comprise two main routes designed to ensure seamless integration with the existing Red and Green Metro lines. A 21-kilometre section connecting Al Khor (Green Line) to Academic City via 10 stations A 9-kilometre section connecting Centrepoint (Red Line) to International City via 4 stations Route 1 (Green Line connection) Begins at Al Khor Interchange Station on the Green Line in Al Jaddaf and passes through the Dubai Festival City, Dubai Creek Harbour, Ras Al Khor, International City 1, International City (2) and (3), Dubai Silicon Oasis and Dubai Academic City and terminating at Al Ruwaiyah 3 Depot. This line will be 21 kilometres long with 10 stations. Route 2 (Red Line Connection): Route 2 to of the Blue Line starts at Centrepoint Interchange Station on the Red Line in Al Rashidiya and will pass through Mirdif, Al Warqaa and International City (1) where it will connect to Route 1. Total length of this line is 9 kilometres with four stations. 'These routes were carefully selected to connect Dubai's most populous and fastest-growing areas,' Al Tayer explained earlier. 'By linking existing metro lines, we are creating a truly integrated transport network that supports Dubai's vision of a smart, sustainable, and inclusive city,' he added. The Blue Line will introduce several signature elements: A 1.3-km bridge over Dubai Creek, the first of its kind for the Metro A showpiece station at Dubai Creek Harbour, designed by world-renowned architectural firm SOM International City (1) — the largest underground interchange station in the network, covering over 44,000 square meters and handling up to 350,000 passengers daily. It will connect high-density residential and commercial zones, directly serving approximately 1 million residents by 2040. All stations and infrastructure will comply with platinum-grade green building standards, setting a benchmark for eco-friendly transit projects in the region. Easing traffic congestion The Blue Line is expected to reduce traffic congestion by 20% on major corridors, increase property values by up to 25% around metro stations and deliver Dh56.5 billion in economic and environmental returns by 2040. Connect directly to Dubai International Airport, enabling travel times of just 10—25 minutes between key locations. 'The Blue Line is not just about moving people. It is about empowering communities, enhancing connectivity, and supporting sustainable urban growth,' Al Tayer stated. Capacity With a projected capacity of 46,000 passengers per hour in both directions and train intervals of just two minutes, the Blue Line is designed to accommodate 200,000 daily riders by 2030 and 320,000 daily riders by 2040. Upon completion, Dubai's train system, including metro and tram, will span 131 kilometres with 78 stations, solidifying Dubai's position as home to the world's longest driverless metro network. A dedicated train depot will also be constructed in Al Ruwaiyah 3 to support operations and maintenance. Iconic Creek Harbour Station A standout feature of the project is the iconic Dubai Creek Harbour station, designed by renowned architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), the team behind landmarks like the Burj Khalifa and Chicago's Willis Tower. The station will span over 10,800 square metres and serve up to 160,000 passengers per day. Another engineering marvel is the International City (1) station — the metro network's largest underground interchange, designed to accommodate 350,000 daily passengers across more than 44,000 square metres. Key highlights The Blue Line is a 30-kilometre extension of the Dubai Metro network, comprising: 15.5km of underground track 14.5km of elevated track 14 new stations, including 3 interchange stations
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Sarawak's ART project on track with no cost overruns despite minor delays
KUALA LUMPUR: Sarawak's Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) hydrogen tram project remains financially on course with no cost overruns reported, despite experiencing a slight delay of about 3.97 per cent, according to State Transport Minister Datuk Sri Lee Kim Shin. Responding to a query from Chong Chieng Jen (DAP–Padungan) during the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly, Lee clarified that while there had been minor setbacks in the project timeline, these delays have not led to additional expenses for the state government. "The minor delay has not caused any cost overrun up to this stage," he said. Minister Lee addressed concerns in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly, stating that any delays caused by contractors are subject to standard contract management practices, including the submission and execution of mitigation plans. Lee added that contractors are liable for Liquidated Ascertained Damages (LAD) in cases of delay and that they are required to submit and implement mitigation plans if delays arise to ensure project continuity and minimise disruption. The ART project, part of Sarawak's initiative to modernise its public transportation network, spans a 52-kilometre route through Kuching and is powered by hydrogen fuel cell technology. The project spanning Kuching, Samarahan, and Serian is reportedly expected to cost RM6 billion and may take approximately six to seven years to complete. The state government chose the ART system as a sustainable and innovative solution to its urban transit challenges. The first phase includes the Red Line, while the Green Line package has yet to be awarded, and the Yellow Line is planned for a subsequent phase. The ART system will feature driverless tram-like vehicles powered by hydrogen fuel cells, operating on dedicated trackless lanes. Each vehicle is designed to carry up to 300 passengers at speeds of up to 70 km/h. The first phase is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, with operations commencing in 2026. As for the cost details of awarded packages, Lee said this information would be furnished in writing to Chong, who had submitted a formal request for a written reply. Lee reaffirmed the government's commitment to delivering the project efficiently and transparently, positioning Sarawak as a regional leader in green, future-forward public transport.
