Last week, the Alliance took part in the US High Speed Rail Association’s annual meeting in Washington, D.C. Attendance at the event has grown steadily in recent years, and the momentum continued this year. There were about two dozen sponsors, 50 speakers, 18 panel...
Newsletter 4/18/25: Big Changes in Texas and New York
Big Changes in Texas and New York
This week, US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced major shifts in direction for two important projects.
As advocates for quality trains, we need to speak up for the changes we want to see.
On Tuesday, Sec. Duffy announced that Amtrak will no longer be involved in the Texas high-speed rail project. He also rescinded funding previously awarded to Amtrak to refresh the already approved Environmental Impact Statement.
On Thursday, Sec. Duffy rescinded the grant previously awarded to the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority for expanding Penn Station. Instead, project management will be consolidated under Amtrak. The project had been split, with MTA responsible for upgrading the existing station and Amtrak focused on building a new one, called “Penn Station South.”
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Illinois Railway Advocacy Day
When: Wednesday, April 30 11am – 4pm CT
Where: Stratton Building 401 S. Spring St, Springfield, IL
Proposed state legislation aims to create a growing and dynamic railway program in Illinois, and to renew Chicago’s role as the nation’s rail hub. Hearing directly from constituents is one of the most effective ways to bring legislation like this to lawmakers’ attention, and to get it passed. Join us for a day at the Capitol in Springfield, Illinois.
AI-led Risk Forecasting and Risk Management Within the Rail and Transit Industry
When: Tuesday, May 13 at 11am CT
Speakers: Richard Bendall-Jones & Alexi Kostopoulos, nPlan
nPlan has worked on major rail projects across the world, including with Network Rail, HS2, City of Ottawa Stage 2, Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU), MTR in Hong Kong, and more. Join us for an overview and discussion of how AI can revolutionize the way teams reduce risk during the delivery of major capital projects. We’ll also present real-world examples of how AI has been implemented on major rail projects.
What's the Latest on Federal Funding?
When: Friday, May 16 at 11am CT / 12pm ET on Zoom
Speaker: Beth Osborne, Director of Transportation for America and Rick Harnish, High Speed Rail Alliance Executive Director
The first months of Donald Trump’s return to the White House have brought sweeping changes to federal transportation priorities and funding, plus ongoing questions and concerns. A power struggle over federal funding has put investment in limbo for new and improved trains and transit from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Inflation Reduction Act, and other measures. Register to learn more.
Budget Passed by Ohio House Would Fund Return to Regional Passenger Rail Group
Studies, Plan for Green Bay Amtrak Service, New Wisconsin Routes Still in the Works
Fight Over Freight Delays Could Hit Amtrak’s Wallet
New Madrid-Lisbon High-Speed Train to Cut Journey Time From 10 Hours to Three
Maine Passenger Rail Advocates Say New Poll Shows Broad Support for Expansion
Passenger Rail Bill Derails On Senate Floor
Japan to Gift Shinkansen E5, E3 Series for India’s Bullet Train Project
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