Rail Travel News
December 7, 2001: The transportation appropriations bill approved by the House on Friday, Nov 30, contains transit program spending totaling $6.7 billion, which is up by $493 million from fiscal year 2001. For Amtrak, the requested level of $521 million was included, and the legislation allows Amtrak to access all the funds on the first day of the fiscal year (which was Oct 1, 2001). The total bill amount to about $60 billion and includes funds for air, rail and highway programs. A new feature of the bill is funding for a new Transportation Security Agency, for which $1.2 billion is provided.

     VIA Rail Canada train 76 had rocks thrown at it in London, Ontario on Dec 4. The engineer was struck in the face by broken glass when the engine's windshield was broken. The train stopped at London and the engineer was sent to a hospital, where he was treated and released. A window on the first passenger car was also cracked, but no other injuries were reported. Damage to the train was reported at about $1500. Police denounced the act and said they will watch the area closely for any new suspects.

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