Why a better Metra is key to quantum computing in Illinois—and high-speed rail in the Midwest. This week, Crain’s Chicago published our piece about the push by Illinois to support the Quantum and Microelectronics Park, which aims to make the state a global leader in...
Newsletter 8/8/25: Amtrak Announces NextGen Acela Debut
Amtrak Announces NextGen Acela Debut
The long awaited fleet of new Acela trainsets will begin entering service on August 28th. The new Acela Avelia Liberty trainsets will offer significantly more passenger capacity, will operate at top speeds up to 160 mph, and will allow Amtrak to offer more frequent service. The first five higher-speed trainsets will enter service this month and the rest of the 28 trainsets will be phased into service through 2027.
This is part of a larger effort to improve the Northeast Corridor. Amtrak is upgrading its infrastructure to increase track capacity, improve ride quality and offer greater reliability.
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Amtrak NextGen Acela Debuts on August 28
Farewell to Deputy Director Chris Ott
After four years with the High Speed Rail Alliance, our deputy director Chris Ott is moving on. Later this month, Chris will start a new job with the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin.
“I first became an Alliance member in 2014, and I’ve really appreciated the opportunity to work here,” says Chris. “It’s been great to meet and work alongside so many other people who want great train service. It’s also really exciting to see progress, like the construction of high-speed rail that’s underway now in California and Nevada, and ambitious plans for more in other parts of the U.S. and Canada.
“One of my best experiences with the Alliance came this spring. Illinois is stepping up as a leader, and it was great to travel to Springfield with other Alliance members in April for our railway advocacy day. We directly showed support to state lawmakers, and we rode the Lincoln service, which delivers a smooth ride up to 110 mph and passes the traffic on I-55 right by. Alliance work years ago helped to bring this train into service, and now we’re focused on electrified trains that will travel twice as fast. Thank you all for helping to make it happen.”
Ensuring Robust Intercity Passenger Rail in the Pacific North West: Amtrak Cascades as a Case Study
When: Friday, September 12 at 12pm CT
Speakers: Arvia Morris, Brandon Bowersox-Johnson, Tim Gould
Amtrak Cascades Intercity Passenger Rail is part of the Federal Corridor Identification & Development Program, with potential for vastly improved service linking Vancouver BC, Seattle, Portland, and Eugene, Oregon. In this talk, you can hear from local passenger rail advocates about the Cascades service and their campaign to accelerate the work to increase frequency, reliability and faster trip times.
Accelerating the Permitting Process for High Speed Rail Projects
Speaker: Terry Hynes, Senior Counsel, Sidley
When: Friday, October 24, 12pm CT
Environmental review and permitting of high-speed rail projects can take many years or even more than a decade. This increases the cost of projects, discourages private investment, and makes the public wait to enjoy the benefits of high-speed trains. In this talk, you can learn about a proposal to designate the Surface Transportation Board as the lead agency for all high-speed rail projects, to accelerate review and permitting.
Weldon to Raleigh Passenger Rail Talks Back On the Table
Belgrade Joins Effort to Get New Passenger Rail Service in Montana and Beyond
Texas High-Speed Update as Alternative Route Proposed
The United State: Should Have More Electric Trains, But…
Amtrak Virginia Closes State Fiscal Year with Record Ridership
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