Two of the proposed lines would bring passenger rail to rural parts of Utah and drastically reduce travel time between Los Angeles, Seattle, and Denver.
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has announced conceptual plans for new rail lines that will serve stations in Utah, writes Mike Christensen, executive director of the Utah Rail Passengers Association, in Building Salt Lake.
The Los Angeles to Denver and Seattle to Denver routes would both serve stations in Ogden, Salt Lake City, and Provo, among other Utah cities.
“While traveling with Amtrak between Los Angeles and Denver is currently possible by riding the Coast Starlight and the California Zephyr, it requires an overnight layover in Emeryville, California. This proposed Los Angeles to Denver route would cut the travel time by more than 24 hours.”
The routes would connect rural communities in the Wasatch Front, where rail service was discontinued in 1997.
FULL STORY: Feds finalize new plan for Amtrak’s future long-distance trains through Utah
Op-Ed: Why an Effective Passenger Rail Network Needs Government Involvement
An outdated rail network that privileges freight won’t be fixed by privatizing Amtrak.
How to Make US Trains Faster
Changes to boarding platforms and a switch to electric trains could improve U.S. passenger rail service without the added cost of high-speed rail.
Amtrak Breaks Ridership Record in FY 2024
More Americans than ever rode the rails last year, also bringing the agency its highest ticket revenue.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?
Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.
In California Battle of Housing vs. Environment, Housing Just Won
A new state law significantly limits the power of CEQA, an environmental review law that served as a powerful tool for blocking new development.
Boulder Eliminates Parking Minimums Citywide
Officials estimate the cost of building a single underground parking space at up to $100,000.
Orange County, Florida Adopts Largest US “Sprawl Repair” Code
The ‘Orange Code’ seeks to rectify decades of sprawl-inducing, car-oriented development.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont