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
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.
Amtrak Expanding Service in California’s Central Valley
Amtrak is planning a major expansion to the passenger rail lines connecting the Central Valley and the Bay Area.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions