Brightline, a private train operator, is an intriguing option for train service to some rail advocates.
Rail advocates argue that Phoenix and Tucson need daily rail transit between the two cities. Early examinations of the idea determined that a $6 billion dollar investment could build the service. "The problem with that plan has to do with the Arizona Constitution. Article 9, Section 14 states that money generated from fees, taxes or the use of vehicles on highways and streets must be spent on the highways and streets," Shaq Davis reports for the Arizona Daily Star.
Amtrak runs a once-every-three-days service from Maricopa to Tucson, but lacks the infrastructure to complete the trip. "Amtrak would need approval for increased capacity on the rail line from Union Pacific Corp., which operates it. What halted the change is the asking price to upgrade the track and restore it between Maricopa and Phoenix, which hasn’t been used in 20 years. The cost was determined to be at least $500 million," Davis writes. Some in the region are promoting a private option. Virgin Trains USA, formerly Brightline, is the only private passenger rail service in the country, operating in Florida. All Aboard Arizona hopes to convince them to consider the Tucson-to-Phoenix corridor on a future next project.
FULL STORY: Group hopes private company will lead to rail service between Tucson and Phoenix
Depopulation Patterns Get Weird
A recent ranking of “declining” cities heavily features some of the most expensive cities in the country — including New York City and a half-dozen in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
California Exodus: Population Drops Below 39 Million
Never mind the 40 million that demographers predicted the Golden State would reach by 2018. The state's population dipped below 39 million to 38.965 million last July, according to Census data released in March, the lowest since 2015.
Google Maps Introduces New Transit, EV Features
It will now be easier to find electric car charging stations and transit options.
Ohio Lawmakers Propose Incentivizing Housing Production
A proposed bill would take a carrot approach to stimulating housing production through a grant program that would reward cities that implement pro-housing policies.
Chicago Awarded $2M Reconnecting Communities Grant
Community advocates say the city’s plan may not do enough to reverse the negative impacts of a major expressway.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
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HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
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ULI Northwest Arkansas
Town of Zionsville
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