TRANSPORTATION

A federal judge ruled this week that the government is liable for a nighttime collision in the March 2019 crash that nearly killed snowmobiler Jeff Smith.

On Wednesday, the company Autism Double-Checked and Breeze Airways are holding a practice boarding event at Bradley International Airport. Those attending will get to practice the entire airport experience — except for flying.

After the Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 448, voted to strike this past weekend, the union and management reached a tentative agreement. On Tuesday the union voted to ratify a three-year contract.

The Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 448 in Springfield, Massachusetts said it plans to hold a vote Saturday on whether to strike. Negotiations with DGR broke down after the union rejected a contract proposal on Tuesday.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation looked at six passenger rail options on the extension of the old Fitchburg Railroad line. MBTA commuter rail service on the line currently ends in Fitchburg at Wachusett Station, though tracks continue west toward New York.

The program, which provides electric-assist bicycles for rent in several western Massachusetts towns and cities, did not operate last year. That's after the previous vendor went bankrupt.

The money will help cover several critical elements of the West-East rail project designed to expand passenger rail service between the western part of the state and Boston.

It's now 14 years that Massachusetts lawmakers have not agreed on a full-year budget before the start of the state's fiscal year. But that doesn't mean state office buildings are shut down.

Uber hails the "new operating model," as an industry-backed ballot question campaign ends.

Bills dealing with the climate, and guns only have until July 31st to be dealt with by Mass. legislators. The end of formal sessions of the two-year General Court are just weeks away.