Amtrak CEO Forced Out This week, Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner abruptly resigned from his position, saying it was “to ensure that Amtrak continues to enjoy the full faith and confidence of this administration.” Read More: The Amtrak Chief Executive Abruptly Resigned From...
Newsletter 2/14/25: Bills to Expand Illinois Railway Program
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 and dynamic railway program in Illinois will transform the national conversation.
Three newly introduced pieces of legislation offer a roadmap to realize this vision. We would like to thank Senator Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro), Senator Mike Porfirio (D-Burbank), Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford), Representative Matt Hanson (D-Batavia), and Representative Martin Moylan (D-Des Plaines), for their leadership on this effort.
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New Order Outlines DOT Agenda Under Trump. It Makes a Powerful Case for Trains.
The US Department of Transportation recently issued an order that, if interpreted literally, makes a powerful case for big investments in high-speed rail, transit, and conventional passenger trains.
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Brightline West Moving Towards Construction
Brightline West, the Las Vegas to Southern California high-speed line, expects to start construction very soon. The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) says they are waiting on Brightline West to secure financing for the $12 billion project, as well as finalizing its design and contractor deals.
Senior Project Manager at NDOT Eric Scheetz says he “expects shovels to hit the ground within the next few months, kicking off heavy work on the project.”
Read More:
Heavy Work on Brightline’s Vegas-to-LA Project May Begin Soon
Brightline West Revealed – Newest Information and HSR Route Analysis (Video)
Brightline West – Fast, Clean Connection between Los Angeles and Las Vegas
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What’s up With Britain’s HS2 High-Speed Rail Project?
When: Friday, February 21 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!
Put Michigan on the Fast Track
When: Friday, February 28 at 11am CT on Zoom
Imagine a Michigan where fast, frequent, and affordable trains connect small towns and cities. An integrated network of trains, regional buses, and local transit can become the backbone of a thriving state economy and revitalize communities. Michigan already has a head start, thanks to its established passenger-rail program. This gives the state a chance to lead the nation by embracing modern, sustainable transportation. In this talk by Alliance executive director Rick Harnish, you can learn about the state’s assets, the most strategic investments, and how to make great trains in Michigan a reality.
Amtrak Officials Weigh Return of Train Station to Michigan Central
Op-Ed: Amtrak Isn’t Profitable and That’s Okay
Trump Administration Shakes up Funding Formulas for Rail Projects
Michigan Central Station Could Again Be a Transportation Hub in Detroit
Cocoa Makes Another Try at Landing $47 Million Grant for Brightline Station
Caltrain Jumps Into the Future From Diesel Trains to Electrification
Talking Transportation: Retail Competition for Amtrak
South Dakota Lawmakers to Discuss Efforts to Bring Amtrak to Rushmore State
Baltimore to Washington Maglev Train Project Still in Motion
Unflooding the Zone: What Do the Trump Administration’s Latest Actions Signal for Transportation
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