Amtrak

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

Amtrak train with large curved windows passing through scenic Rocky Mountain red rock canyon

Amtrak Calls for Expansion, Citing Close to 100 Requests for New Lines

The agency told a House committee it has received more than 90 applications for new intercity rail lines from cities around the country.

June 8, 2023 - Smart Cities Dive

An Amtrak train waits at the Uptown Station in Normal, Illinois on its way from Chicago to St. Louis.

Chicago-St. Louis Corridor Trains Cleared for 110-mph Speeds

Amtrak has final federal approval for train speeds of 110 miles per hour between Joliet and Alton, culminating almost ten years of planning and investing.

May 4, 2023 - Amtrak

An Amtrak passenger train is shown on a spring day, rolling through a rural area in Missouri.

Regional Leaders Call for Expanded Amtrak Service

City leaders and transportation officials met to discuss their wish lists for intercity rail service.

April 12, 2023 - Smart Cities Dive

Amtrak Acela Express train passing through Harrison station in Newark, New Jersey

‘Train Daddy’ Andy Byford to Oversee Amtrak’s High-Speed Rail Efforts

Byford, who formerly ran NYC Transit and Transport for London, could bring renewed vigor to the agency’s plans to expand regional rail in the United States.

March 28, 2023 - StreetsBlog NYC

"Fort Worth Central Station" sign on platform at train station

Amtrak To Study New York-to-Dallas Service

A proposal to extend the Crescent line would bring rail service through Mississippi and Louisiana to the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

March 14, 2023 - Mass Transit

Rendering of blue Amtrak Airo train speeding past blurry trees

Amtrak Reveals New, Faster Airo Trains

Trains on at least 14 intercity routes will be replaced with a fuel-efficient model with top speeds of 125 mph.

December 20, 2022 - Smart Cities Dive

View of snowy Union Station building in Cincinnati, Ohio

Ohio Debates Expanded Rail Service

The state has the chance to apply for a piece of $2.3 billion in federal funding to improve and expand Amtrak service.

December 11, 2022 - Governing

Amtrak Sunset Limited train viewed from the side passing low desert hills in West Texas

$4.3 Billion for Amtrak Expected to Modernize Stations and Trains

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 has provided funding for Amtrak to make some sorely needed improvements throughout the system.

December 5, 2022 - Smart Cities Dive

Amtrak Sunset Limited train viewed from the side passing low desert hills in West Texas

Passenger Rail Could Return to the Gulf Coast

Although the details of the deal remain murky, Amtrak and the freight companies that share tracks in the region have agreed to restore passenger train service east of New Orleans.

November 29, 2022 - Smart Cities Dive

Empty subterranean train platform in Jersey City, New Jersey

Hudson Tunnel Project To Move Forward

After facing a series of setbacks, the plan to rehabilitate and expand train tunnels under the Hudson River is moving forward thanks to new federal support.

November 16, 2022 - Smart Cities Dive

Intercity Rail

Virginia Amtrak Ridership Soars Above Pre-Pandemic Levels

The four state-managed Amtrak lines are seeing increases of as much as 65 percent in ridership.

November 15, 2022 - WRIC

Amtrak Sunset Limited train passing by forested area in Cade, Louisiana

More Delays for Restoring Gulf Coast Amtrak Service

Conflicts over freight rail and funding are holding up the restoration of New Orleans-to-Orlando service on Amtrak’s Sunset Limited line.

October 30, 2022 - Governing

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