Intercity Rail
A big idea is gaining momentum.
The Urbanist
November's bombshell news about the partnership between Virgin and Brightline has now yielded ambitious plans for private investment in intercity rail service.
Atlanta Business Chronicle
The intercity passenger rail service previously known as Brightline is now Virgin Trains USA.
Miami Herald
The pieces of the still-speculative Southeast High Speed Rail Corridor—connecting Atlanta to Washington, D.C.—are starting to take shape. The latest leg to come into focus would connect Richmond to D.C.
Greater Greater Washington
This is Amtrak between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia: It could cost $13 billion to speed up the tip by 30 minutes, and $16 million to add just one more train.
The Philadelphia Inquirer
New Hampshire House Republicans don't like rail. By removing the New Hampshire Capitol Corridor rail expansion project from the state's transportation plan, they deny the state Department of Transportation $4 million in federal funding for the study.
WMUR Manchester
New pilot projects authorized by the FAST Act include allowing private operators to bid on operating three of Amtrak's 15 long-distance lines for up to eight years "provided they reduce the need for taxpayer support" and allowing pets on trains.
The Wall Street Journal - Business
Friday's foiled attempt by an alleged terrorist to massacre civilians on a Paris-bound, high-speed Thalys train has raised fears that a similar attack could be launched on one of America's lesser-speed trains. Are current security measures adequate?
The New York Times - U.S.
Blog post
For those following the intense debate over intercity passenger rail in the US, the following recent news items might have a few planners scratching their heads:
Jeff McMahon explores the potential of passenger rail in coming years as automobiles and airplanes "become a little more obsolete."
Forbes
Amtrak California's Capitol Corridor service will soon be adding WiFi to its list of customer amenities thanks to a $20 billion transportation bond passed by voters four years ago.
The Sacramento Bee
Intercity rail service has begun operations in Virginia, connecting Lynchburg and Washington D.C.
The Washington Post
