Guest post by Theo Anderson Chicago’s intercity bus terminal is in limbo. Chicago has resisted calls for the city to buy and renovate the station. FlixBus, whose parent company sold the facility to a private-equity firm after buying Greyhound in 2021, now leases it on...
Newsletter 11/15/24: High Speed Rail Champions Share Lessons for Success
Rep. Moulton Dishes on How to Build a Big Tent of High Speed Rail Supporters
Rep. Seth Moulton joined a recent Alliance webinar to discuss the future of high-speed rail after Republicans won the presidency and both chambers of Congress in the recent elections.
Moulton, a Democrat whose House district encompasses several communities north of Boston, said the results underscore the need to build strong, bipartisan support for fast, frequent trains. “We’ve got a lot of work ahead of us,” he said. “Republicans control everything in Washington.”
Moulton cited economics and experience as the critical tools for broadening HSR’s base of support.
Watch our webinar with Rep. Moulton on the future of high-speed rail in America
Amtrak Accelerates: A Conversation with ‘Train Daddy’ Andy Byford
Last year, Andy Byford—the transportation executive who earned the nickname ‘Train Daddy’ while managing New York City’s subways—became Amtrak’s Senior Vice President for High-Speed Rail Development Programs. Amtrak has also begun working with Texas Central on the proposed high-speed line linking Dallas and Houston, and it has work underway to improve Acela service between Washington, DC and Boston. In this online talk, we hear from Andy Byford about Amtrak’s plans and the best possibilities for faster, more frequent American train service.
Watch the Video
What the Election Means for the Future of Passenger Rail
People want better trains for lots of reasons: For convenience when traveling. To strengthen our economy and communities. To slash carbon pollution.
Whichever of these reasons matter most to you, this work has to go forward. In fact, with new starts underway all over the country, now is exactly the time to keep advocating for fast electrified trains, modernized and expanded stations, and round-the-clock service for all kinds of travelers. It’s important not to settle for less.
After such a contentious election, many people are worried about what comes next. This includes many of us who want better trains. So let me say this: through the Alliance, you can make your voice heard to elected officials, regardless of party.
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When you join the High Speed Rail Alliance, you support elected officials and other local leaders working for fast, frequent, and affordable trains connecting communities all over North America. Every donation gives advocates for better train service a stronger voice. And, you can get some cool merch to help share the news with your friends.
High Speed Rail in Australia
When: Thursday, November 21 at 4pm CT on Zoom
Our speaker will be Dr. Garry Glazebrook, a transport and urban planner with over 40 years of experience in government, consulting and academia. He founded the organization Fastrack Australia to raise awareness of the potential for higher speed rail.
Indiana: Bringing Better Passenger Rail to the Crossroads of America
When: Friday, December 6 at 12pm CT on Zoom
While Hoosier decision makers in recent decades have focused on highway and air travel, there is hope for better transportation options in Indiana. We’ll discuss what is currently brewing and what it will take for it to become reality. Our speaker, Tod Bassler, grew up in Illinois, Ohio and Europe. He has been a member of HSRA for more than 15 years, and today he leads the Indiana Passenger Rail Alliance.
What’s up With Britain’s HS2 High-Speed Rail Project?
When: Friday, December 13 at 12pm CT on Zoom
The UK has long been a world leader in rail infrastructure, and HS2 represents the largest investment in the rail network since the Victorian era. It is a huge undertaking that brings with it challenges and opportunities. 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!
Luncheon: Lessons From Japan’s Shinkansen “Bullet Trains”
When: Tuesday, January 7, 2025 @ 12:00 PM
Where: Maggiano’s Little Italy, 516 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654
Our keynote speaker will be Naohisa Kitada, the General Manager of the Central Japan Railway Company’s office in Washington, DC.
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