Amtrak

Silver and blue train passing by on track at the edge of Pacific Ocean in San Clemente, California.

Storms Sever California Rail Line—Again

The coast-hugging rail corridor linking Los Angeles and San Diego faces an uncertain future as mudslides once again force part of the line to close.

February 6, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

Blue suitcase sits on empty train platform with sign above labeled "Pittsburgh."

Allegheny County Charts 2024 Transportation Priorities

The region will see expansions in air travel options, Amtrak improvements, and a redesigned bus system to better serve post-pandemic needs.

December 31, 2023 - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Aerial view of yellow Brightline high-speed rail train in Deerfield Beach, Florida.

A Passenger Rail Revolution?

An injection of federal funding could help make train travel a key component of the U.S. transportation network.

December 27, 2023 - Route Fifty

Texas Eagle Amtrak train pulling into station in Austin, Texas with glass high-rise buildings in background.

Texas DOT to Explore Passenger Rail

The agency’s plan to study potential passenger rail routes is giving hope to transit advocates in the historically car-oriented state.

December 21, 2023 - Texas Monthly

Amtrak train on Southern California coast.

State Leaders Warn of Risks to Southern California Rail Corridor

Coastal erosion and rising sea levels threaten one of the nation’s most scenic—and strategically important—rail corridors.

December 14, 2023 - The San Diego Union-Tribune

Close-up of 'To Trains' sign above blurred train platform in Washington, D.C.

Federal Grants for Passenger Rail Top $8 Billion

The Federal Railroad Administration announced the grants to dozens of projects for expanding or building new rail corridors.

December 11, 2023 - Mass Transit

Close-up of old-fashioned trains departure board with yellow text on black background in Boston, Massachusetts train station.

The Bright Future of U.S. Passenger Rail

High-speed rail may still be a distant vision in the United States, but conventional passenger rail is having a resurgence.

November 14, 2023 - Fast Company

Close-up of Amtrak logo on blue passenger train stopped at outdoor station platform.

Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor Awarded $16.4 Billion in Federal Funds

The funding will support track construction, bridge replacement, and other upgrades to make passenger train service faster and more reliable.

November 7, 2023 - Streetsblog Massachusetts

Blue and silver Pacific Surfliner train at platform in San Diego, California.

Amtrak Introduces ‘Renewable Diesel’ on Pacific Surfliner

The California train will begin using fuel made from used cooking oil and other non-fossil fuel sources.

October 9, 2023 - Smart Cities Dive

View from inside glass top floor of Amtrak passenger train with Rocky Mountains scenery outside.

Making Colorado’s Front Range Rail a Reality

Local leaders are scrambling to bring together the funding and political support to create new intercity rail service in the fast-growing region.

September 27, 2023 - Governing

Springfield, MA outdoor Amtrak station platform with train pulling in.

USDOT Awards $108 Million Grant for Massachusetts Rail Improvements

The grant will fund track and signal improvements to allow more trains to run faster on a segment between Boston and Springfield.

September 27, 2023 - Streetsblog Mass

Chicago Intercity Rail

Amtrak Ramping Up Infrastructure Projects

Thanks to federal funding from the 2021 infrastructure act, the agency plans to triple its investment in infrastructure improvements and new routes in the next two years.

September 25, 2023 - Smart Cities Dive

Rendering of California high-speed rail train viaduct with arches

Tracking U.S. ‘Higher-Speed’ Rail Progress

Five projects are moving the United States forward on so-called “higher-speed” rail.

September 5, 2023 - The Washington Post

Arlington to D.C.

Virginia Passenger Rail Sets Ridership Records, Seeks More Wins

Virginia’s commitment to intercity rail is paying off in record ridership numbers, but more work will be necessary to achieve the state’s ambitions for passenger rail.

September 1, 2023 - The Washington Post

Silver Metrolink commuter train on tracks next to beach in San Clemente, California with palm trees and wooden pier in background.

Southern California Rail Corridor In Danger From Erosion, Lack of Leadership

With a patchwork of management and local agencies involved, the imperiled rail corridor has no unified plan for improving or relocating tracks impacted by coastal erosion.

August 18, 2023 - Streetsblog California

Small brick building with green roof housing old train station and visitor center in Van Buren, Arkansas

Arkansas DOT Solicits Input for Rail Plan Update

Transportation advocates want to see expanded intercity and regional rail service, along with improved core bus services.

August 15, 2023 - Arkansas Democrat Gazette

Rendering of Texas Central high-speed rail train stopped at covered platform in Dallas, Texas

Amtrak Exploring Partnership for Central Texas Bullet Train

A privately funded high-speed rail line could link Houston and Dallas.

August 14, 2023 - Houston Chronicle

Amtrak train coming out of stone tunnel

New York-to-New Jersey Tunnel to Break Ground

The long-delayed new tunnel linking New York and New Jersey will begin construction in the next month.

August 13, 2023 - Bloomberg CityLab

An eastbound Amtrak Empire Builder passes through the Cascade Mountains as the trees turn fall colors in Skykomish, WA

A Look at Amtrak’s Ambitious Expansion Plan

The agency wants to add new lines, improve service, and modernize its fleet as part of a $75 billion plan to revive U.S. train travel.

July 16, 2023 - Bloomberg CityLab

Map of proposed alignment of new Hudson Tunnel between New Jersey and New York City

Gateway Tunnel Awarded Largest-Ever Federal Transit Grant

The $6.8 billion federal grant will fund the construction of a new tunnel at a key crossing under the Hudson River to supplement and replace tunnels damaged in Hurricane Sandy.

July 9, 2023 - The New York Times

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