Northeast Corridor testing for Amtrak’s new Acela trainsets continues, with the second of the new trains set for about two weeks of testing on the North end of the corridor, including operation at speeds up to 165 mph on high speed trackage in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.It will also spend time in Boston for maintenance […]
Railroad: Amtrak
Digest: Miami-Dade seeks federal funding for Miami-Aventura commuter rail service
Miami-Dade applies for federal grant to help fund Miami-Aventura commuter rail service Miami-Dade County has applied for federal funding for its proposed Miami-Aventura commuter rail service which would operate on the southern end of Brightline’s Miami-West Palm Beach route. Miami Today reports the county Department of Transportation and Public Works has submitted an “Infrastructure for […]
Digest: Canadian Pacific, Kansas City Southern announce more support for merger
CP, KCS say 45 more entities have filed statements of support for merger Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern says 45 more customers, ports, and other entities have filed statements with the Surface Transportation Board supporting their planned merger, bringing the number supporting the proposal to more than 300. In a press release, the railroads […]
Digest: Alabama port agency asks regulators to deny Amtrak bid for Gulf Coast service
Alabama port agency asks STB to deny Amtrak effort to start Gulf Coast service The Alabama State Port Authority has asked the Surface Transportation Board to turn down Amtrak’s request for an order allowing it to start passenger service between New Orleans and Mobile, Ala., instead requesting the board compel Amtrak to complete the traffic […]
Digest: Amtrak to end 50% limit on seat sales in May
Amtrak to lift capacity limits on seat sales in May Amtrak will end its 50% capacity limit for ticket sales on May 24, a company spokesman has confirmed to Trains News Wire. The passenger railroad will continue to display information on the percentage of seats available on the Amtrak.com website for those wishing to seek […]
Digest: Progress Rail ends manufacturing at La Grange, Ill., plant
Progress Rail closes La Grange engine plant Progress Rail has closed its La Grange, Ill., engine facility, ending manufacturing at a site that had been part of locomotive production since EMD broke ground for its main plant there in 1935. Progress, which announced plans to close the plant in 2018, said it anticipated the transition […]
Amtrak unveils ‘Connects US’ map that suggests new corridors
WASHINGTON — Citing the need to finally attack a multi-billion dollar backlog of century-old Northeast Corridor bridge and tunnel replacements, Amtrak CEO Bill Flynn followed President Joe Biden’s American Jobs Plan announcement with the first outlines of a proposal that would jump-start expansion of state-supported intercity corridors with an infusion of upfront capital assistance. “President […]
Rail groups’ reaction to Biden infrastructure plan is mostly positive
WASHINGTON — Rail and transit groups are offering mostly positive reaction to the transportation aspects of the $2 trillion infrastructure, climate, and jobs plan announced Wednesday by President Joe Biden, with only the Association of American Railroads qualifying its support. The proposal dubbed the American Jobs Plan would devote $621 billion to transportation infrastructure, a […]
Digest: Federal legislators reintroduce bill supporting fare-free public transit
Massachusetts legislators introduce bill to provide $5 billion annually for fare-free transit U.S. Sen Edward Markey (D-Mass.) and Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass) have reintroduced legislation supporting state and local efforts to create fare-free public transportation. The Freedom to Move Act, originally introduced in 2020, would award $5 billion annually for a five-year period for competitive […]
Rail and transportation officials sign agreement for Virginia passenger plan
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Virginia has finalized agreements with CSX Transportation, Amtrak, and Virginia Railway Express on the $3.7 billion partnership that will improve passenger, commuter, and freight railroad service in the state. “We are celebrating good news: An expansion of rail service that will reduce congestion, boost the economy, and make life better for people […]
Y’All Aboard? Much is riding on dispute over Gulf Coast passenger service
In a perfect world, we’d have fond memories of a bottle of champagne being ceremoniously smashed across the pilot of an Amtrak P42 heading the maiden trip of long-sought passenger service between Mobile, Ala., and New Orleans. And we’d be able to take the train to the beach at Biloxi or the aquarium at Gulfport, […]
Digest: Academy Awards lead to changes for Amtrak at LA Union Station
Use of LA Union Station for Oscars leads to Amtrak operation changes Amtrak operations at Los Angeles Union Station will be affected April 5-27 by the station’s use as one of two sites for the 93rd Academy Awards, to be held April 25. From April 5 to 23, and April 26-27, Thruway buses will be […]