If you’ve followed the Alliance for a while, you know that we often focus on Illinois. That’s because of Chicago. Investment in the Windy City’s railway hub benefits a huge region, with hundreds of communities on rail lines that radiate out of Chicago. State lawmakers...
Newsletter 2/21/25: California HSR Investigation and Canada HSR Announced
Transportation Secretary Duffy Launches Federal Investigation of California High Speed Rail
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced a federal investigation into the California High Speed Rail project. This was announced at a press conference at L.A. Union Station, where more than 60 pro-rail protesters shouted “build the rail!” throughout the announcement.
Despite the constant criticism, legal challenges, and gaps in consistent funding, a poll this month showed that a majority of Californians still support the project. California has continued to make progress on high-speed rail, and it has the best state rail plan in the United States. By 2050, the state is working for world-class train and transit service. High frequency and high speed will make these options more convenient, more appealing, and more affordable than driving or flying. It’s a fantastic plan, and other states should aim this high too.
As advocates, we need to continue supporting this transformational project as it faces adversity.
Sign the petition supporting California High-Speed Rail
Read More:
Protests Disrupt USDOT Secretary’s Attack on California High-Speed Rail
Senator Wiener Responds to Trump Targeting California High-Speed Rail With Sham Compliance Review
FRA Chief Counsel Letter to CHSRA
Majority of Californians Still Support High-Speed Rail Project, Polling Shows
Canada Commits to High Speed Rail Project Alt
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced plans for Alto, a high-speed rail line connecting Toronto, Montreal, and Quebec City with 186 mph trains. The government has committed $2.74 billion (U.S.) for the design and development over the next six years.
The project is being developed through a public-private partnership. The Cadence consortium was chosen to co-design, build, finance, operate and maintain the project in cooperation with the Crown corporation Alto.
“Canada is getting high-speed rail. Today’s announcement of Alto, a high-speed rail system between Toronto and Quebec City, will transform our economy – drastically shortening commute times for millions of Canadians, turbocharging economic growth, creating thousands of good-paying jobs, improving productivity, and reducing emissions. Montréal to Toronto in three hours – you can’t beat that.” – Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Read 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.
Rep. Reed on The Intercity Passenger Rail Improvements Priorities Act
Northern Michigan Passenger Train Moves Forward With Planning Phase
Start-Up Lunatrain Plans Private Night Trains in East, Midwest
Amtrak Independence at Stake, Status of Approved FRA Infrastructure Grants Uncertain
What’s the Holdup With Amtrak’s Pittsburgh-to-Harrisburg and New York City Expansion?
New Train Routes Planned to Link London to European Holiday Destinations
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