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 2/28/25: Texas HSR, Protests and More
Amtrak is Seeking a Delivery Partner for the Texas High Speed Rail Project
This week, Amtrak issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) seeking a Delivery Partner for the Texas High Speed Rail Project. The project would include a new high-speed line between Dallas and Houston, with an intermediate stop in Brazos Valley. The train would operate at speeds up to 205 mph, offering a 90 minute trip over the 240 mile corridor.
The chosen Delivery Partner would undertake a broad range of responsibilities including program, design and construction management. The Delivery Partner will not actually design or construct the project, but will instead provide professional advice and expertise, under Amtrak’s direction.
Amtrak issued a brief statement: “Amtrak is working to confirm the viability of the concept of a dedicated high-speed rail route between Dallas and Houston. As part of these efforts, we are seeking to identify the interest of potential partners through responses to this Request for Qualifications process.”
Read More:
Notice for the Texas High Speed Rail Project Delivery Partner
High-Speed Rail Supporters Show Up in LA
We’re seeing what it looks like when train advocates punch back. It’s a remarkable sight.
The Trump administration’s DOT head, Sean Duffy, held a press conference last week in LA’s Union Station to discuss the state’s San Francisco to LA high-speed line.
When Duffy gave the critics’ predictable talking points, train supporters gave it right back to him. They booed Duffy and several other speakers—and chanted “Build the rail!”—for half an hour.
Look, we can’t sugarcoat what’s going on in America. The hard truth is that trains and transit are in the crosshairs. It begins with a high-speed rail project. Soon they’ll come for Amtrak, transit, and any transportation mode that isn’t car-centric.
They think they can break our will with bullying. They won’t. Here’s why:
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States Must Invest in Passenger Rail
Turmoil in Washington, DC makes now an important and strategic time to let your state lawmakers know that you support new investment in trains. Wisconsin is one example of a state that should get ready to move forward, with or without federal support.
Work has started on Wisconsin’s next budget. Governor Evers has proposed using $15 million of state funds for passenger rail, over the next two years. As negotiations over this budget get underway, representatives in the Legislature should know that Wisconsin residents support this. In fact, they should work for much greater investment.
On Tuesday, March 4, a coalition of rail advocacy groups, including the High Speed Rail Alliance, will give a briefing at the state Capitol on passenger-rail issues. All legislators and their staff members are invited. If Wisconsin residents let their state lawmakers know that they support passenger rail, it could encourage them to attend and learn more.
Wisconsin Residents: Tell Your Lawmakers to Support New Investment in Trains
Non Wisconsin residents, please share this with any friends or family in Wisconsin. You can also send a message to your own state lawmakers here.
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