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Celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the Shinkansen – the World’s First High-Speed Line
On October 1st, the Tokaido Shinkansen celebrated its 60th anniversary. Shinkansen translates to “new trunk line” and the Tokaido Shinkansen was the world’s first high-speed trunk line. The first trains traveled up to 137mph and made the 320 mile journey from Tokyo to Osaka in 3 hours and 10 minutes.
First opening in 1964 for the Tokyo Olympics, the high-speed line heralded Japan’s emergence as a restored and booming economy, inspiring many other countries to invest in high-speed rail.
Today, Japan has over 1,800 miles of high-speed tracks and they continue to expand their network, with the most recent high-speed line opening earlier this year.
Learn more about the incredible legacy of the Shinkansen:
The Shinkansen: How High-Speed Rail Transformed a Nation
Shinkansen’s Legendary Operation and Safety Record
Shinkansen’s 50th Anniversary Celebration
High-Speed Rail and the Construction of Space In 1960’s Japan (Video)
$1 Billion Available for Rail Projects Across the Country
The Federal Railroad Administration has released a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for over $1 billion for passenger rail projects outside the Northeast Corridor. These grants can go towards projects that expand or improve existing service, establish new service, or reduce the state of good repair backlog.
Read More:
Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant Program
Regional Rail Would Help Michigan Close Its Graduation Gap
Hourly trains, linking Michigan’s largest cities, would give students greater flexibility to attend the college of their choice – and finish with a degree.
The percentage of working-age adults with a post-secondary degree or certification in Michigan is about 51 percent. That’s 37th in the US—and dead last in the Midwest.
A network of quality trains serving southern Michigan with hourly service would give 80 percent of the state’s population—or 8 million people—easy access to excellent, affordable transportation.
And it would give Michigan a powerful tool for addressing its graduation gap—while also catalyzing growth across the whole economy.
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From the Ramp to the Rails - How Integrating Air and Rail Service is a Win for Everyone
When: Friday, October 11 at 12pm CT on Zoom
As the aviation industry emerges from the challenges posed by the pandemic, it grapples with longstanding structural issues that threaten its future. In this webinar we will discuss how a new national multi-modal transportation system can enhance operational efficiency and provide significant benefits for both airlines and passengers. Our speaker will be Kaleb Neal, an independent transportation analyst based in St. Louis.
Rail is Essential for the Fight Against Climate Change
When: Friday, October 18 at 12pm CT on Zoom
Do you care about the climate crisis and see trains as part of the solution? In 2023, the Sierra Club outlined a detailed series of recommendations to improve both passenger and freight rail and expand rail electrification.
In this talk, Sierra Club staff Katherine García and Yassi Kavezade, who were part of the team that published the report, will provide an overview of their advocacy and the importance of investing in rail in the U.S.
The Need for a National Railway Program
When: Friday, October 25 at 12pm CT on Zoom
With America’s first two true high-speed rail projects underway in California and Nevada—and with Congress appropriating tens of billions of dollars in new railroad funding in recent years—this is an exciting moment for high-speed rail. But to sustain and build on the momentum, “we need to address the intercity rail market with a holistic vision for rail across the country.”
What’s up With Britain’s HS2 High-Speed Rail Project?
When: Friday, December 13 at 12pm CT on Zoom
HS2 is Britain’s new high-speed railway, a once-in-a-generation investment in its transport infrastructure. British-built trains will provide reliable, zero-carbon travel, cutting travel time between London and Birmingham by 40%.
With Phase 1 of the project at peak construction, hear from members of HS2’s Public Affairs team on the latest from the program, the political and communications challenges, and much more!
Amtrak Inspector General Seeks Risks of Cost Overruns, Delays in Baltimore Tunnel Project
Amtrak, Commuter Railroads Say Penn Station Expansion Will Be Required to Handle Growth
The American High-Speed Rail Act Discussion
Toronto to Montreal in 3 Hours? Canada Might be Finally Ready to Build a High Speed Rail Line
Brightline West $3B Grant Signed, Puts Vegas to Southern California Project on Track
Brightline Celebrates First Year of Its Miami-to-Orlando Service
One Year of Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Rail: A New Era in Travel
Alstom Gets Order From French Company Proxima for 12 High-Speed Trains
The Latest from HSRA
Our Latest Blog Posts
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