July 22, 2024Jul 22 1 hour ago, KJP said: The state-owned portion west of New Haven could be a 125-160 mph corridor but the state has not embraced a speed upgrade here. There are still some bridges that need to be replaced, but the overhead catenary system was replaced with a constant tension system that allows higher speeds. So, I'm not sure what the problem is here except state interference. East of New Haven, Amtrak has done and is doing everything it can to speed up a curvaceous right of way along the coast that's subject to worsening flooding. Connecticut needs to understand that local and regional passenger rail service here is not going away unless mother nature takes it. But this section as totally inappropriate for high speed rail. Reroute Acela across northern Connecticut from the state capital to Providence and add a station stop such as at Mansfield for the University of Connecticut. The nutmeg state doesn't have to lose anything from this. I recall that some years ago, Amtrak wanted to build a cutoff to eliminate some of the curvier sections of the Shore Line east of New Haven but NIMBY opposition killed it. Edited July 22, 2024Jul 22 by neony
July 22, 2024Jul 22 Adjacent to all of this, the Inland Route was selected as part of Corridor ID. So while it's great that new service is moving forward, I'm curious if this is a political concession within CT to not address the obvious upgrades Ken mentioned that are needed for the NEC proper. Additionally, Vermont was selected into the CID program for improved service on the Vermonter but the only impacts on CT would be increased frequencies. It sounds like improved speeds is only within MA and VT.
July 23, 2024Jul 23 Author 6 hours ago, Dev said: Adjacent to all of this, the Inland Route was selected as part of Corridor ID. So while it's great that new service is moving forward, I'm curious if this is a political concession within CT to not address the obvious upgrades Ken mentioned that are needed for the NEC proper. Additionally, Vermont was selected into the CID program for improved service on the Vermonter but the only impacts on CT would be increased frequencies. It sounds like improved speeds is only within MA and VT. Part of the issue with the Connecticut Valley Line is that it still has a couple of sections of single track. One is through the elevated Hartford station south to Elmwood, about two miles. The other is from near Windsor Locks north to Thompsonville, across the Connecticut River bridge, about four miles. Fill in those more expensive gaps and more Amtrak and commuter trains could be offered and with faster trip times. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
August 7, 2024Aug 7 This is huge news! The Salt Lake City Council unanimously supports the Rio Grande Plan. With the Olympics coming back to SLC in 10 years a revitalized arena district along with a possible MLB stadium district, and the state's rapid growth; this is a no-brainer plan to open up tons of room for development. It also increases safety and hopefully leads to more transit and rail options. Now the state has to get on board, and that's a tougher hurdle to climb in Utah since the state government doesn't like SLC that much. https://www.abc4.com/news/wasatch-front/slco-council-support-rio-grande/
August 15, 2024Aug 15 aww yeah, i’m finally gonna get a heritage unit on camera — 😂 https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-NsZIqxXVy/?igsh=MTlwb2hkZ2FmcHQ4dw==
August 28, 2024Aug 28 Author Virginia is a rail leader. And NS will play ball with passenger rail when it's in their own financial interest. Virginia, NS advance new pact to enable passenger-rail expansion https://www.progressiverailroading.com/passenger_rail/news/Virginia-NS-advance-new-pact-to-enable-passenger-rail-expansion--72717 "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
September 3, 2024Sep 3 Author At $64m, that's sounds more like a environmental clearance document. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
September 4, 2024Sep 4 Author Charlotte City Council voted to buy Norfolk Southern’s O-Line tracks, moving them closer to building the Red Line from Uptown to Mooresville. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
September 4, 2024Sep 4 1 hour ago, KJP said: Charlotte City Council voted to buy Norfolk Southern’s O-Line tracks, moving them closer to building the Red Line from Uptown to Mooresville. Good. I've traveled I-77 and it's a congested mess in what otherwise is a beautiful area.
September 4, 2024Sep 4 42 minutes ago, KJP said: Charlotte City Council voted to buy Norfolk Southern’s O-Line tracks, moving them closer to building the Red Line from Uptown to Mooresville. My parents now live up near Lake Norman. I could actually see myself taking this. I'd still have to drive to the station, but it could be great for going to a game/concert in Charlotte, and if they manage to get the silver line connection to the airport it could be very useful.
October 14, 2024Oct 14 what a nightmare accident — very sad NJ Transit operator killed, several injured after train strikes downed tree By Verónica Del Valle Published Oct 14, 2024 https://gothamist.com/news/new-jersey-transit-operator-killed-several-injured-after-tree-falls-on-train
October 14, 2024Oct 14 a big transit center for new rochelle — Renderings Unveiled For New Rochelle Transit Center Redevelopment Plan BY: MAX GILLESPIE 7:30 AM ON OCTOBER 12, 2024 New renderings have been unveiled for a redevelopment of the New Rochelle Transit Center in downtown New Rochelle. Designed by FXCollaborative and developed by the City of New Rochelle, the project aims to reposition the historic center into a modern pedestrian-oriented hub for daily commuters and visitors. more: https://www.newyorkyimby.com/2024/10/renderings-unveiled-for-new-rochelle-transit-center-redesign.html Renderings of New Rochelle Transit Center. Designed by FXCollaborative
October 17, 2024Oct 17 nj transit rush b like — 😂 https://www.instagram.com/reel/DA6h1c7vs5W/?igsh=MWtvZ2IxbmhvOWZpdA==
October 17, 2024Oct 17 Author 19 minutes ago, mrnyc said: nj transit rush b like — 😂 https://www.instagram.com/reel/DA6h1c7vs5W/?igsh=MWtvZ2IxbmhvOWZpdA== What is happening here and why? "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
October 17, 2024Oct 17 7 hours ago, KJP said: What is happening here and why? i would guess they changed the train from one platform to another last minute after it was announced. happens rarely, but occassionally.
October 18, 2024Oct 18 Author Imagine Brightline zipping through here on the way to/from Ohio "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
October 19, 2024Oct 19 who sez we don’t have nice things? colebrookdale railroad rides — https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBKcjrVoGey/?igsh=MXFzZDEwMTl3Z2VzdA==
October 26, 2024Oct 26 Author MBTA (Boston) update South Coast Rail project moves forward as East Taunton train station construction completed https://www.tauntongazette.com/story/news/2024/10/18/mbta-east-taunton-station-construction-finished-south-coast-rail-project/75718275007/ "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
October 27, 2024Oct 27 the southeast florida 11.5 mile coastal link service plans — About the Project Broward Commuter Rail (BCR) South Project more: https://www.fdot.gov/projects/broward-commuter-rail-south/about-the-project
October 30, 2024Oct 30 Author $20 MILLION IN CONSTRUCTION FUNDING FOR NYC-SCRANTON SERVICE ANNOUNCED TODAY - An award of a Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant in the amount of $8.9 million from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) was announced today at a news conference in Scranton, PA with representatives from Amtrak, PENNDOT, local, state and federal officials, and the Pennsylvania Northeast Regional Railroad Authority. The announcement also included PENNDOT matching funds and other Congressionally-directed funding. The total amount of funding exceeds $20 million. The grant would fully fund the replacement of the Slateford Road Bridge (please see map), the only physical obstruction on the 136-mile NYC-Scranton, PA Corridor. The original Slateford Road Bridge was torn out about 1990 and was subsequently filled-in and paved over, creating a physical impediment. This project would replace the original bridge, removing the impediment and allowing Amtrak direct access to the Delaware River Viaduct for its future rehabilitation. In addition, the funding would be used to upgrade the existing section of track between Slateford Jct. and Gouldsboro (approx. Mileposts 74-114) to FRA Class 4 track, which would permit a maximum speed of 80 mph for passenger trains. As such, the funding would provide for the replacement of crossties, the installation of continuously-welded rail, as well as any grade crossing improvements deemed to be necessary to accommodate future Amtrak service. The roughly 20-mile section between Gouldsboro and Scranton is already primarily at FRA Class 3, permitting a maximum speed of 60 mph for passenger trains, which should be acceptable for Amtrak service given the curvature of the railroad in that section. Collectively, this would essentially upgrade the 60 miles of trackage in Pennsylvania (Slateford-Scranton) to Amtrak standards. Given the process that would need to be followed, it is anticipated that construction would not start until sometime next year. Finally, it should be emphasized that is NOT "study money", but rather PASSENGER SERVICE CONSTRUCTION MONEY, the first such grant for this project ever. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/CQkW1H6MxNEUw3Ho/ "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
October 31, 2024Oct 31 in minnesota, they don’t debate about building a passenger rail line. they debate about which ones to build next — 🎉 MN: Should passenger rail line between A.L. and Northfield be in next state rail plan? Oct. 29, 2024 Local government leaders across southern Minnesota are continuing to discuss the possibility of passenger rail lines in this part of the state, including a line between Albert Lea and Northfield and then north to the Twin Cities. https://www.masstransitmag.com/rail/news/55238873/mn-should-passenger-rail-line-between-al-and-northfield-be-in-next-state-rail-plan
November 1, 2024Nov 1 Author Our next-door neighbors are doing stuff.... https://www.wpprrail.org/resources/advancing-pa-rail-keystone-west/status/ Status of Norfolk Southern Infrastructure Projects (from PennDOT updates) October 16, 2023 The comprehensive agreement between PennDOT and Norfolk Southern (NS) was executed on August 23, 2023. PennDOT and NS continue to meet monthly to discuss project engineering progress. Engineering design and environmental clearance for the four Early Action projects are Lemoyne (90% design in progress), Camp Hill (90%), Enola to Duncannon (60%) and Johnstown (30%). Work on these projects began earlier in 2023. They have a scheduled completion date in 2026. The second round trip of the Pennsylvanian can start as early as late 2026 following completion of the Early Action projects. The signed agreement means work can begin on the seven other projects between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg which are anticipated for completion by 2031. NS is finalizing consulting agreements for the remaining projects. The second Pennsylvanian project was not selected for federal funding through the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grants. Selections were announced 9/25/23. PennDOT has a second grant application for federal funding through the FRA Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail (FSP) grant program. Selections are expected in November/December. PennDOT has begun to coordinate with Amtrak to be ready with train equipment and crew, schedule changes, marketing, and ticket sales. ### "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
November 2, 2024Nov 2 let’s all get ready to go to long island — 😂🎉 https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBmmacKPijQ/?igsh=NTR2emRmZmt4OGNz
November 2, 2024Nov 2 2 hours ago, mrnyc said: let’s all get ready to go to long island — 😂🎉 https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBmmacKPijQ/?igsh=NTR2emRmZmt4OGNz About 80% of the RTA Rapid operators should take lessons from this guy. They care so little they cannot be bothered to utter more than an unintelligible mumble about a stop....
November 2, 2024Nov 2 Author More next-door neighbors doing stuff.... Amtrak Receives Federal Grants to Improve Chicago Service and Support Partner Projects across the Midwest https://media.amtrak.com/2024/10/amtrak-receives-federal-grants-to-improve-chicago-service-and-support-partner-projects-across-the-midwest/ "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
November 2, 2024Nov 2 5 hours ago, mrnyc said: let’s all get ready to go to long island — 😂🎉 https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBmmacKPijQ/?igsh=NTR2emRmZmt4OGNz I love the LIRR. It's efficiency is always amazing; and, at last - based on a September trip, post-Covid ticket sales seem to be way up. Remember: It's the Year of the Snake
November 2, 2024Nov 2 18 hours ago, KJP said: Our next-door neighbors are doing stuff.... https://www.wpprrail.org/resources/advancing-pa-rail-keystone-west/status/ Status of Norfolk Southern Infrastructure Projects (from PennDOT updates) October 16, 2023 The comprehensive agreement between PennDOT and Norfolk Southern (NS) was executed on August 23, 2023. PennDOT and NS continue to meet monthly to discuss project engineering progress. Engineering design and environmental clearance for the four Early Action projects are Lemoyne (90% design in progress), Camp Hill (90%), Enola to Duncannon (60%) and Johnstown (30%). Work on these projects began earlier in 2023. They have a scheduled completion date in 2026. The second round trip of the Pennsylvanian can start as early as late 2026 following completion of the Early Action projects. The signed agreement means work can begin on the seven other projects between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg which are anticipated for completion by 2031. NS is finalizing consulting agreements for the remaining projects. The second Pennsylvanian project was not selected for federal funding through the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grants. Selections were announced 9/25/23. PennDOT has a second grant application for federal funding through the FRA Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail (FSP) grant program. Selections are expected in November/December. PennDOT has begun to coordinate with Amtrak to be ready with train equipment and crew, schedule changes, marketing, and ticket sales. ### It would be great if Ohio (a demonstration project?) would immediately undertake to improve the Pittsburgh-Cleveland trackage and tie into Pennsylvania's program. It could be a cheaper proof of concept ahead of the 3C&D effort. Pipe dream, I suppose. Remember: It's the Year of the Snake
November 2, 2024Nov 2 Author On 11/2/2024 at 1:58 PM, Dougal said: It would be great if Ohio (a demonstration project?) would immediately undertake to improve the Pittsburgh-Cleveland trackage and tie into Pennsylvania's program. It could be a cheaper proof of concept ahead of the 3C&D effort. Pipe dream, I suppose. Not at all. It actually happened for a brief time. That was my first advocacy effort, starting at Kent State University in the late-1980s. In January 1989, as a 21-year-old, I went to Washington DC. and got Ross Capon, the head of NARP (today's Rail Passengers Association) to come with me to meet with several Amtrak executives at the Amtrak HQ. I was able to get Amtrak to commit to extending the Pennsylvanian IF Ohio paid for the capital costs which included upgrading the traffic control/signal system between Cleveland and Alliance (about $26 million IIRC) and add a layover/servicing track at Cleveland with a widened platform (another $1 million). Amtrak estimated that the extension to Cleveland would generate enough ridership and revenue to more than cover the additional operating costs of the extension -- an incremental profit! En route stations would be addressed later (this was before Alliance gained a station resulting from the Broadway/Capitol reroute a year later). And that reroute actually made the Pennsylvanian extension more likely, as Conrail paid to upgrade the Cleveland-Alliance traffic control system and built a direct track connection from the Cleveland-Alliance line into the Cleveland Amtrak station. Now all we needed was the layover track/widened platform. But that became moot because Amtrak decided to get into the mail/package express business in a big way and decided to extend the Pennsylvanian all the way to Chicago (but shortened the east end, moving the terminus from New York to Philadelphia). The Pennsylvanian extension began service on Nov. 7, 1998. Unfortunately, Amtrak totally screwed it up with comically bad marketing and incompetent management, a fact aggravated by the Conrail split in 1999 that caused a major meltdown in eastern rail traffic for months. On some days, the Pennsylvanian ran 6+ hours late, snaking its way through numerous stopped freight trains for which crews were unavailable. Then Amtrak rescheduled the train to depart Chicago late at night and few people used it. When Amtrak was pressured by the freight railroads to get out of the mail/express business, the Pennsylvanian extension ended in early February 2003. After that happened, I was pretty bitter. I stopped being a passenger rail advocate until I went to Europe for the first time in 2007. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
November 2, 2024Nov 2 on the bright side, with nj doing incremental upgrading and now pennsylvania throwing in, it looks like scranton may actually get its commuter rail connection to nj/nyc back at some point.
November 3, 2024Nov 3 22 hours ago, KJP said: Not at all. It actually happened for a brief time. That was my first advocacy effort, starting at Kent State University in the late-1980s. In January 1989, as a 21-year-old, I went to Washington DC. and got Ross Capon, the head of NARP (today's Rail Passengers Association) to come with me to meet with several Amtrak executives at the Amtrak HQ. I was able to get Amtrak to commit to extending the Pennsylvanian IF Ohio paid for the capital costs which included upgrading the traffic control/signal system between Cleveland and Alliance (about $26 million IRC) and add a layover/servicing track at Cleveland with a widened platform (another $1 million). Amtrak estimated that the extension to Cleveland would generate enough ridership and revenue to more than cover the additional operating costs of the extension -- an incremental profit! En route stations would addressed later (this was before Alliance gained a station resulting from the Broadway/Capitol reroute a year later). And that reroute actually made the Pennsylvanian extension more likely, as Conrail paid to upgrade the Cleveland-Alliance traffic control system and built a direct track connection from the Cleveland-Alliance line into the Cleveland Amtrak station. Now all we needed was the layover track. But that became moot because Amtrak decided to get into the mail/package express business in a big way and decided to extend the Pennsylvanian all the way to Chicago (but shortened the east end, moving the terminus from New York to Philadelphia). The Pennsylvanian extension began service in Nov. 7, 1998. Unfortunately, Amtrak totally screwed it up with comically bad marketing and incompetent management, a fact aggravated by the Conrail split in 1999 that caused a major meltdown in eastern rail traffic for months. On some days, the Pennsylvanian ran 6+ hours late, snaking its way through numerous stopped freight trains for which crews were unavailable. Then Amtrak rescheduled the train to depart Chicago late at night and few people used it. When Amtrak was pressured by the freight railroads to get out of the mail/express business, the Pennsylvanian extension ended in early February 2003. After that happened, I was pretty bitter. I stopped being a passenger rail advocate until I went to Europe for the first time in 2007. Ah yes, I remember it well. Amtrak even wanted us to do marketing for them, something a small group could not possibly do. This was also the time when and Amtrak exec had the roof of the station painted with an Amtrak sign in hopes that the Goodyear blimp would show it on TV, never mind that the street level sign needed to be replaced!
November 4, 2024Nov 4 19 hours ago, neony said: Ah yes, I remember it well. Amtrak even wanted us to do marketing for them, something a small group could not possibly do. This was also the time when and Amtrak exec had the roof of the station painted with an Amtrak sign in hopes that the Goodyear blimp would show it on TV, never mind that the street level sign needed to be replaced! As many vanity shots as downtown gets during sporting events, I think painting the roof of the Amshack with an Amtrak logo is actually a good idea. When is the last time I-71 turned a profit?
November 4, 2024Nov 4 Author 1 hour ago, Boomerang_Brian said: As many vanity shots as downtown gets during sporting events, I think painting the roof of the Amshack with an Amtrak logo is actually a good idea. Except I was looking hard for it and I couldn't see it. Most people wouldn't be looking for it. And it wasn't the logo. IIRC, they painted "Amtrak 1-800-USA-RAIL." "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
November 5, 2024Nov 5 the first of 174 new multi levels for njt — https://www.instagram.com/reel/DB1XHS7KTHA/?igsh=MXZtcmd1ejYyejFkbw==
November 5, 2024Nov 5 two states making rail plans — TX: Is rail dream real? Local leaders revive talk of S.A.-to-Austin train service. Nov. 4, 2024 Better rail service could spur economic growth and help the environment. By Richard Webner Source San Antonio Express-News (TNS) more: https://www.masstransitmag.com/rail/news/55240192/tx-is-rail-dream-real-local-leaders-revive-talk-of-sa-to-austin-train-service *** Chippewa-St. Croix Rail Commission selects consultant team led by HDR and HNTB to complete Step 1 for Eau Claire-Twin Cities Passenger Rail Project Nov. 1, 2024 Step 1, which features the scoping phase, will provide a roadmap for the region to begin rail planning activities and establish the scope of work, schedule and budget for the project. more: https://www.masstransitmag.com/rail/infrastructure/press-release/55239977/chippewa-st-croix-rail-commission-chippewa-st-croix-rail-commission-selects-consultant-team-led-by-hdr-and-hntb-to-complete-step-1-for-eau-claire-twin-cities-passenger-rail-project
November 13, 2024Nov 13 so true — 😂 https://www.instagram.com/reel/DB802N-hgBc/?igsh=Y3dzOWc4eXc0M3Jh
November 14, 2024Nov 14 the 4th annual 20th century limited ride — 🎉 https://www.instagram.com/reel/DB4A4w0uYd7/?igsh=cnJlenVtOHBmdW45
November 16, 2024Nov 16 Author MIND BLOWN!!! 🤩 This is Michigan City, Indiana along East 11th Street at Pine. In the August 2019 (BEFORE) picture, you can see the greenish waiting shelter at right for the South Shore trains to Chicago and South Bend. In the background is the original but vacant interurban station from a century ago with the terra cotta façade and the chimney behind it. Then we jump ahead a mere five years to July 2024 and see the result of the removal of most of the street, ending in-street running of trains, double-tracking and the construction of a new station with a parking deck still ongoing. An absolutely stunning change for anywhere in America, but especially in Indiana. Projects like this make the South Shore a candidate for routing intercity trains over it into Chicago rather than using the busy NS freight corridor. Check out some of the street views on the west side of town, too (move out toward the track in West 10th and then turn the view around to look back-- wow!). OK, here's two more views in Michigan City. This a couple of blocks east, looking east (the opposite direction as above) at East 11th at Lafayette. Again, the first view is in August 2019. The AFTER view is from July 2024. The only thing recognizable is the house with the brown roof, just to the left of the second catenary post. Just incredible.... "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
November 23, 2024Nov 23 ^ now how about the other direction? abandoned woodhaven junction queens lirr station — closed 1962 — https://www.instagram.com/p/C_ItibcuMgW/?img_index=9&igsh=MWVmZzB5Y2FvdzRhMA==
December 9, 2024Dec 9 Author ADOT forms panel to guide study of potential Phoenix-Tucson rail line https://www.progressiverailroading.com/passenger_rail/news/ADOT-forms-panel-to-guide-study-of-potential-Phoenix-Tucson-rail-line--73455 "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
December 18, 2024Dec 18 Hudson-Bergen Light Rail to Get New Operator in Major $1.5 Billion NJ Transit Deal ByBill Hartnett December 4, 2024 The Hudson-Bergen Light Rail system will have a new operator in 2025. The New Jersey Transit Board of Directors selected Puerto Rico-based ACI-Herzog JV and awarded them the $1.5 billion contract. The incoming operator will be responsible for operating the entire system and handling maintenance of all light rail vehicles, the right-of-way, and infrastructure. The new contract calls for a 15-year base period with options for two five-year extensions. The current contract ends in 2025, and the transition will begin in the new year, with ACI-Herzog taking complete control by September 15th. more: https://jerseydigs.com/hudson-bergen-light-rail-operator/
December 31, 2024Dec 31 Author Fort Lauderdale now says it will only accept tunnel to accommodate commuter rail https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/fort-lauderdale-now-says-it-will-only-accept-tunnel-to-accommodate-commuter-rail/ "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
January 25Jan 25 The session from the High Speed Rail Alliance this week on how to improve Chicago Union Station (and other downtown stations) was excellent. Call to action - sign the petition: www.FixUnionStation.com Here's the teaser - good for sharing: Here's the full one hour webinar - lots of excellent content. A significant portion is spent on the Five Essential Fixes: 1. Concourse improvements (good news - included in Amtrak's CHIP budget requests) 2. Station Annex (under Post Office - also requested in Amtrak's CHIP) 3. Through Tracks 4. Oglivie Connection - a weather-protected, secure connection to Ogilvie Station a couple blocks north 5. Electrification Five Essential Fixes screen shot: Great point on how the Capital Corridor (in California - San Jose to East Bay to Sacramento) planned for growth; ridership grew with added frequency: What would good rail service to Chicago look like? Perhaps something like this: I love this image of Chicago O'Hare's terminals overlaid on the downtown Chicago train stations at the same scale - Rick Harnish's point has long been that by improving the connections between those stations, they could better function as a transportation hub, much like O'Hare. Obligatory CrossRail Chicago graphic: When is the last time I-71 turned a profit?
January 30Jan 30 ride the budd 3M lirr from l.i. to eny atlantic terminal — https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFVXZTSvVMg/?igsh=cXY0NHhzOW9jcTNt
January 31Jan 31 Regarding Amtrak's Chicago Hub Improvement Plan (CHIP): All Aboard Ohio hosted a session with Ismael Cuevas, Amtrak Government Affairs manager for CHIP, who presented Amtrak's project request. This is an overview of the funding Amtrak formally requested late last year. The presentation includes interesting comments on what was and was not included. (Unfortunately, St Charles Airline falls into the latter because NS is being difficult.) I think you'll find the session very interesting! The AAO web page has both a recording of the meeting and a pdf of Ismael's presentation. https://www.allaboardohio.org/statewide (January meeting recording and presentation links.) When is the last time I-71 turned a profit?
February 1Feb 1 courtesy matters! 😂🎉 https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFfpO-bRqjR/?igsh=OHd3djk1dHRyeW8z
February 5Feb 5 Author Restructured Calif. High-Speed Rail Is Poised to Lay Track Now under new leadership, the California High-Speed Rail Authority is set to move into a new phase of development. Plans are to begin train service in the Central Valley in five to eight years. https://www.govtech.com/transportation/restructured-calif-high-speed-rail-is-poised-to-lay-track "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
February 6Feb 6 16 hours ago, KJP said: Restructured Calif. High-Speed Rail Is Poised to Lay Track Now under new leadership, the California High-Speed Rail Authority is set to move into a new phase of development. Plans are to begin train service in the Central Valley in five to eight years. https://www.govtech.com/transportation/restructured-calif-high-speed-rail-is-poised-to-lay-track By the time they are ready to start service (in 2031-2033?) I'm sure Musk's Hyperloop will be just over the horizon.... But seriously, the voters approved bonds for this project in 2008 and service might not happen until 2033. 25 years. 461 miles -- Ohio's 3C's is around 270 miles, so it should take us about 60% of the time? Maybe 50% because we have more existing track? So high speed rail in Ohio 12-15 years after the project is approved by the Ohio legislature/voters. And we're what, ten years from that happening? Depressing.
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