The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials has released a report, "Achieving the Vision: Intercity Passenger Rail" to guide investment of the $8 billion Recovery Act and future funding on passenger and freight rail.
"The board recommendations call for a national rail policy to cover both passenger and freight rail and supports the creation of an intercity passenger rail account, funded at $35 billion over six years from a diversified portfolio of new revenue sources."
Report:
"A National Rail Policy should address a national intercity passenger rail system which includes:
* High-Speed Rail Corridors (110 mph and above)-Corridors under 500 miles with travel demand, population density and congestion on competing modes warrant high-speed rail service.
* Regional Corridors (79–110 mph)-Corridors under 500 miles, with frequent, reliable service competing successfully with auto and air travel.
* Long-Distance Service-Corridors greater than 500 miles in order to provide basic connectivity and a balanced national transportation system.
Giving the nation the intercity passenger rail service it needs will require a strong and continuous collaboration between the federal government, the states, the freight railroads, Amtrak, and all of the interested parties who support this objective."
Thanks to TRB Transportation Research E-Newsletter
Read the full story: Achieving the Vision: Intercity Passenger Rail
California Assembly Continues to Debate High-Speed Rail
With a train-friendly administration in Washington, supporters of the project hope that state leaders will make a stronger commitment to funding the full project.
Beyond Oil: Trains Turn to LNG Fuel and Hybrid Locomotives
According to a new EIA report, the cost advantages of liquefied natural gas make it an attractive alternative to diesel fuel for major U.S. freight railroad companies. Hybrid diesel-electric locomotives on order for 5 states will power HSR routes.
Why are America's trains so slow?
A brief historical inquiry.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement
The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.
Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion
Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.
NYC DOT wants faster, more permanent street upgrades
The city is examining ways to build more concrete infrastructure without getting entangled in 'decades-long' projects.
'Something we’ve never seen before:' rising utility rates could strain city finances nationwide
Data centers, climate change and other factors have caused utility rates in the United States to increase by 38% since 2020.
Trump to overrule local leaders, lease millions of acres of America’s Pacific Island territories’ seafloors to mining companies
International law says that the Indigenous people of America’s territories have a right to prior and informed consent regarding projects that impact their countries.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
KFH Group Inc.
Greater Baltimore Committee
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello