Bills to Expand Illinois Railway Program Announced Illinois has always been at the heart of America’s rail network, and it is uniquely poised to lead the country towards great trains. Because of its political heft and Chicago’s role as the nation’s rail hub, a growing...
Newsletter 1/17/25: California’s Visionary New Rail Plan Offers Hope
In a Time of Crisis, California’s Visionary New Rail Plan Offers Hope
While literal and political firestorms rage over Southern California, new hope for a better future has emerged. On January 7, California released its new State Rail Plan. Years in the making, the Plan aims to connect California with fast, frequent trains and transit by 2050, using a statewide fleet of vehicles that produce zero emissions.
Why is this so important, especially now?
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Capitol Corridor Success Story: Part 2
How the Sacramento-to-Bay Area line went from zero to hero in just a few years
From the late-1990s to the mid-2000s, the Capitol Corridor line transformed from a barely functioning system to one of most successful and reliable passenger-rail lines in the US. Ridership spiked from about 500,000 to more than 1 million people from 1998 to 2002, even as the train cost per passenger fell from 33 cents to 25 cents.
Three elements drove the Capitol Corridor’s rapid ascent: a good relationship with the freight carrier Union Pacific; a steady increase in the frequency of service; and a creative, collaborative approach to improving the line. (See Part 1 for an overview of the Capitol Corridor’s history.)
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Fixing Chicago Union Station
When: Friday, January 24 at 12pm CT
Join us to learn about the five essential fixes needed to remake Union Station into the hub for a modern rail network and a powerful engine of the region’s economy. Amtrak and the State of Illinois are planning important improvements to the station, but some additional work will allow the station to reach its full potential.
Virginia Passenger Rail Authority: How Crippling Traffic Led One State to Find Its Own Transportation Solutions
When: Friday, February 7 at 12pm CT
DJ Stadtler, Executive Director of the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority, will share how Virginia, seeking relief from what had become an “all day rush hour,” turned to rail and found new ways to expand service across the state.
Overnight Sleeper Trains’ Role in America’s Transportation Infrastructure
When: Friday, February 14 at 12pm CT
Dreamstar Lines is reimagining the overnight train experience, blending the nostalgia and romance of classic rail journeys with modern comfort and convenience. This presentation will explore Dreamstar’s vision for a new standard in U.S. night trains, addressing gaps left by current inter-regional services and offering a compelling alternative to air and car travel.
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