Newsletter 5/23/25: Key Takeaways From High-Speed Rail Conference

Key Takeaways From the US High Speed Rail Association’s 2025 Annual Meeting

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 discussions, and hundreds of attendees. Topics ranged from “the business case for high-speed rail” to “building Brightline West” to “turbocharging American job growth.” In a session about building local support for high-speed rail, the Alliance’s executive director, Rick Harnish, talked about the successes of a grassroots base of train advocates in our home state, Illinois.

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O’Hare Union Station Link

A recent news article and opinion piece in the Tribune have an important connection. The Tribune Editorial Board enthused about successes at O’Hare International Airport, and Ron Grossman gave a fascinating look at Chicago Union Station’s storied past. 

Together, this coverage highlights the best possible future for Chicago transportation: connecting these two assets via a quick train ride. The key is bringing intercity and regional rail passengers within walking distance of O’Hare’s ticket counters. The best transit systems in the world provide this.

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Trains Across America: The Columbus Way

Trains Across America: The Columbus Way

Columbus, Indiana, is located 50 miles south of Indianapolis and has only 50,000 residents. Yet seven of its buildings are designated as National Historic Landmarks. That puts it in the same league as cities like Chicago and San Franciscofor the quality and...

Newsletter 6/6/25: A Path for California High-Speed Rail

Newsletter 6/6/25: A Path for California High-Speed Rail

Yes, Mr. Secretary, There is a Viable Path for CA High-Speed Rail This week, the U.S. Department of Transportation notified the California High Speed Rail Authority that it intends to claw back roughly $4 billion in federal funds for the Los Angeles – San Francisco...