Published: May 25. 2010 1:15AM

All Aboard Erie seeks more members

By TIM HAHN

[email protected]

 

All Aboard Erie is looking for more people to climb aboard.

 

The local grass-roots organization is on the hunt for more members as it advances its mission of increasing access to convenient and affordable mass transit.

 

The group, known mostly for its push for high-speed rail service through the Erie region, has eight board members.

 

Invitations have been sent to educational, medical and "social justice" institutions, asking that they send representatives to participate in two upcoming meetings where All Aboard Erie will be legally formed as a nonprofit advocacy group.

 

Full story at: http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100525/NEWS02/305249916/-1/ETN

Bootstrapping Rail Transit: Progress in the Mountain Metros

Mark Muro, Kenan Fikri

The New Republic

May 25, 2010 | 10:04 am

 

Check out the Intermountain West states on this map from the Metro Program’s “State of Metropolitan America.” Now look at the major metropolitan areas—Phoenix, Denver, Provo and Ogden, Albuquerque and others. Do you notice how most of the major metropolitan areas excepting Las Vegas, Salt Lake, and Boise have being seeing growing shares of their workers commuting by public transit?

 

It’s but one finding among dozens in the extensive drill-down on what’s happening in U.S. metros that is the “State of Metropolitan America,” but the blue dots on the “Change in share of workers commuting by public transportation since 2000” map point to a major development: The Intermountain West is not just a region of solitary auto drivers and, in fact, has begun to make impressive strides in improving the availability of especially rail alternatives to the car.

 

The story is truly impressive. Ever since our 2007 report Mountain Megas we have been noticing that the Intermountain West metros—too young to have obtained the massive federal transport investments of 1960s and 1970s but growing too fast to be able to wait—have exhibited a striking appetite for self-help on transportation and economic development issues. But when it comes to rail and light rail, the Mountain metros’ story of do-it-yourself leadership is world class as makes clear this presentation given by John Inglish of the Utah Transit Authority at the Copenhagen United Nations climate talks last winter.

 

Full story at: http://www.tnr.com/blog/the-avenue/75154/bootstrapping-rail-transit-progress-the-mountain-metros

^ that is indeed truly impressive. it wasnt long ago when those cities had nada.

 

***

 

sad to see nj transit cut back like this:

 

Updated 05/24/2010 02:14 PM

N.J. Transit Cuts 31 Trains

 

video:

http://www.ny1.com/content/news_beats/transit/119157/n-j--transit-cuts-31-trains/

Its not that bad as most people thought it would be , they didn't cut the important Rush hour trains and 2 trains per line is like a grain of salt.

New Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn asked residents for their ideas about what the city needs (See: http://www.seattlepi.com/local/420748_mayorsurvey27.html).

 

Their top three requests were:

 

1.  Expand light rail and the subway

2.  Legalize pot

3.  Establish a nude beach

 

I guess us rail/transit backers are in good company!

the Intermountain West metros—too young to have obtained the massive federal transport investments of 1960s and 1970s but growing too fast to be able to wait—have exhibited a striking appetite for self-help on transportation and economic development issues. But when it comes to rail and light rail, the Mountain metros’ story of do-it-yourself leadership is world class

 

As a resident of Denver metro, I don't know how much can really be learned from this. If FasTracks were floated today, I doubt it would pass, at least not via a sales tax hike.

 

The timing of the initiative was crucial. Despite the bursting of the tech bubble, we were still in the midst of a lengthy 'boom' period, whereas Ohio cities are not so fortunate. Our population growth in & near downtown has mirrored that of the suburbs, and as the article points out, our roads haven't kept up with that growth; if you're not right near one of the main arteries, you're probably not doing a lot of commuting, or if you are, you're probably spending a lot of time in traffic. Rail service is an easier sell in that kind of environment. The Ohio cities I've lived in or been to have meek downtowns, and are in regions still enduring decades of decline. Those regions are neither prosperous enough that the average resident is going to be amenable to a tax hike, nor so poorly planned that a fair amount of their transportation woes can't be solved with more lanes & better interchanges on existing roads. Rail, as a worthwhile part of a multipronged solution, just doesn't seem like quite the no-brainer in such areas.

 

(That said, I could see Columbus maybe doing it, but not out of necessity so much as sheer civic penis envy.)

 

Anyway, there's now another New Republic blog post by the same guy, discussing funding options in more detail:

 

http://www.tnr.com/blog/the-avenue/75191/helping-those-who-help-themselves

Rail ideas await their fate in Milwaukee

Three stalled plans for Wisconsin train travel get reanalyzed in the election year

By Larry Sandler of the Journal Sentinel

 

Railroads and politics have one thing in common: They're all about the timing.

 

Trains run by schedules. Politicians wait for the right moment to make their moves.

 

And timing is everything for rail transportation in southern Wisconsin, where political circumstances have brought three different rail transit plans to the forefront simultaneously - only to thrust them into an election-year controversy where some plans may not survive.

 

http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/95236479.html

 

hudson yards deal

 

 

MTA Finalizes Hudson Yards Deal

 

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced today it's signed a 99-year lease with Related Companies and Oxford Properties Group to develop its Hudson Yards property into a mixed-use community.

 

The MTA says the 26-acre neighborhood on Manhattan's West Side will include 12 acres of public open space, a public school and 12 million square feet of commercial and residential development.

 

"This is a tremendously exciting development project that together with the extension of the 7 line will turn this area into a vibrant residential and commercial neighborhood,” said MTA Chairman and CEO Jay Walder. "We were also able to maximize value for the MTA and provide a new revenue stream to support many of our vital capital projects."

 

The developers will build a deck over the Long Island Rail Road tracks to avoid service disruptions.

 

video:

http://www.ny1.com/content/news_beats/transit/119295/mta-finalizes-hudson-yards-deal/

 

 

CSX, New York State move ahead on HSR    

Tuesday, June 01, 2010 

Railway Age Magazine

 

CSX officials have confirmed press reports of an accord between the Class I railroad and New York State on implementing HrSR (higher speed rail) along the Empire Corridor, which links Buffalo, Albany, and New York City.

 

CSX is the owner of most of the route’s right-of-way, including between Buffalo and Schenectady, where the state is focusing on improving speeds from 79 mph to 110 mph. The agreement does not specify a 110 mph target; however CSX has suggested 90 mph would be more readily attainable. Amtrak trains south of Albany reach 110 mph for a short distance.

 

Full story at: http://www.railwayage.com/breaking-news/csx-new-york-state-move-ahead-on-hsr.html

Caltrain lands FRA waiver for passenger operations   

Tuesday, June 01, 2010 

 

Caltrain officials say the Federal Railroad Administration has granted a waiver allowing operation of electric multiple-unit (EMU) passenger rail equipment built to European standards in mixed traffic.

 

The waiver, deemed by Caltrain to be critical to its electrification and modernization program, relies heavily on installation of Positive Train Control along Caltrain’s 55-mile San Jose-to San Francisco route. Without the waiver, Caltrain says it would be unable to complete its $1.5 billion project to electrify its route, which is linked to the Golden State’s 700-mile, $44 billion high speed rail plan.

 

Full story at: http://www.railwayage.com/breaking-news/caltrain-lands-fra-waiver-for-passenger-operations.html

 

Electric train plan granted key waiver

By Mike Rosenberg

San Mateo County Times

 

Posted: 05/27/2010 08:14:57 PM PDT

Updated: 05/27/2010 11:24:14 PM PDT

 

Caltrain officials have convinced federal safety authorities to allow quick European-style electric trains to zip from San Francisco to San Jose, a national first that paves the way for fast electric commuter and high-speed trains in the Bay Area and around the country.

 

Although common in Europe, the smaller electric trains are illegal in the United States because federal officials have long considered them too small, poorly designed and unsafe. But after three years of tests and research, Caltrain will become the first railroad in the nation to use the technology after being granted a waiver, a copy of which was obtained by the Bay Area News Group, on Thursday.

 

More at: http://www.mercurynews.com/peninsula/ci_15178764?nclick_check=1

That's awesome news about Caltrain (and New York!). Combine the Caltrain electrification with the new Transbay Center (love the video here: http://transbaycenter.org/) and its downtown rail extension through the new tunnel (run that video too!), will be huge.

 

Meanwhile Ohio bickers.

Business Journal: More Money For Railyards Track Work 

By: Ron Trujillo

California Public Radio

 

  The upcoming infrastructure work at Sacramento’s downtown Railyards got another boost in federal funds Tuesday.

 

  The Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority has approved $6.2 million to the city of Sacramento for moving railroad tracks and modernizing the Sacramento Valley Station. The dollars will account for about 15 percent of the $43 million project, which includes relocating about two miles of freight tracks, installing passenger rail tracks and station platforms, as well as providing new tunnels and walkways for passengers and workers. The project will create about 1,200 jobs over the next few years.

 

Listen to story at this link:

http://www.capradio.org/articles/articledetail.aspx?articleid=8328

Rail transit expansion projects move forward in two cities....

 

Met Council to award first Central Corridor heavy construction contract

Wednesday, June 02, 2010 

 

The Central Corridor Project Office in the Twin Cities will recommend a contractor in June for the heavy construction work for the line's eastern seven miles. The Metropolitan Council is expected to make the award June 23.

 

As announced in March, the work would begin in August east of the state Capitol on Robert and 12th streets north of Interstate 94. Most of the heavy construction, though, on University Avenue will occur in 2011 between Emerald Street and Hamline Avenue and in 2012 between Hamline and Robert. The work in downtown St. Paul will occur in 2011-2012. A work schedule will be developed after the contractor is hired.

 

The project budget is $234.4 million for this civil engineering work, including work for cooperating agencies and utilities that have work in the contract.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://www.rtands.com/newsflash/met-council-to-award-first-central-corridor-heavy-construction-contract.html

 

Two Arizona light-rail projects to begin

Wednesday, June 02, 2010 

 

Last summer, the sagging economy spurred Phoenix to indefinitely delay construction of the northwestern extension of Metro light rail, The Arizona Republic reports. But to prepare for future light-rail construction, work in the corridor continues, in July the city plans to begin two projects that will beautify 19th Avenue frontage roads near Bethany Home Road and Dunlap Avenue. Motorists will see road restrictions for several weeks starting in August.

 

Meanwhile, the city has continued to acquire homes and businesses along 19th Avenue, demolishing structures and preparing the land for light-rail-related utility relocation and improvements.

 

Based on staff projections, the city won't have the $200 million necessary to build the 3.2-mile extension until 2023.

 

"I hate that date," Maria Hyatt, an assistant to the city manager, said. "We are looking (for money). This is a huge priority for us. If we found a funding source, it would take about six months to rebid the project and three to four years of construction."

 

READ MORE AT:

 

http://www.rtands.com/newsflash/two-arizona-light-rail-projects-to-begin.html

Virginia seeks options for funding new passenger-rail service

 

Yesterday, the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) announced it will solicit public comments on an intercity passenger-rail operation funding study.

 

Currently, there is no state-sponsored source of operating funds for intercity passenger-rail service, DRPT officials said in a prepared statement.

 

Virginia has contracted Amtrak to operate two state-sponsored trains over a three-year demonstration period. However, funding is not available to sustain the service permanently or to introduce any other new intercity passenger-rail service in the state, DRPT officials said.

 

Full story at: http://www.progressiverailroading.com/news/article.asp?id=23485

More trains run between Raleigh and Charlotte

 

Amtrak's Piedmont train will make a new mid-day run that will complement morning and evening service between Raleigh and Charlotte.

 

http://www.wral.com/traffic/video/7724779/

mta has had design rfp's out for new cab designs. the winner will replace current cabs in 2013. here is a short news video of a good one!

 

 

Australian Company Submits Prototype Of Futuristic Cab

By: NY1 News

 

the unicab ev

 

A company from Australia yesterday unveiled its prototype of the taxi of tomorrow.

 

The futuristic Unicab is all electric, has room for seven people, space for luggage and a ramp for disabled passengers.

 

The front passenger seat is spun around, to let the rider face his or her friends.

 

The model has LED screens on the outside telling would-be ride-sharing passengers where the cab is going and how many seats are available.

 

The Taxi and Limousine Commission has requested proposals for designs. The winning model will replace most cabs by 2013.

 

video link:

http://www.ny1.com/content/news_beats/transit/119739/australian-company-submits-prototype-of-futuristic-cab/

Lots of activity, just not here.....

 

Revitalization of Toronto Union Station is launched

 

The Canadian federal government, the provincial government of Ontario, and the City of Toronto officially kicked off the start of construction to revitalize Union Station and strengthen its position as Canada's premier inter-regional and intermodal transportation hub.

For more on this story, visit:

http://www.rtands.com/newsflash/canada-ontario-and-toronto-launch-revitalization-of-union-station.html

 

 

Connecticut to apply for funds for New Haven-Springfield line

 

The Connecticut Department of Transportation plans to apply for $400 million to $500 million in federal grants this summer to upgrade the New Haven to Springfield rail line, in part to advance a higher-speed rail route on the Inland Route linking New Haven and Hartford, Conn., with Boston.

For more on this story, visit:

http://www.rtands.com/newsflash/connecticut-to-apply-for-funds-for-new-haven-springfield-line.html

 

 

Amtrak addressing Albany-area bottleneck

Monday, June 07, 2010 

 

Amtrak says it will award a contract in July to beginremoval of two former passengers stations in Rensselaer, N.Y., just east of thestate capital, Albany, to allow track capacity improvements on the EmpireCorridor.

For more on this story, visit:

http://www.railwayage.com/breaking-news/amtrak-addressing-albany-area-bottleneck.html

 

 

GO Transit taps AECOM

 

AECOM announced Monday that it has won a $4.1 million assignment from GO Transit and Metrolinx to provide detailed design, as well as serve as the engineer-of-record, for the Strachan Grade Separation project in Toronto. The project will add five new tracks to the existing three-track corridor, including more than 20 switches to integrate traffic into the Union Station rail corridor.

For more on this story, visit:

http://www.railwayage.com/breaking-news/go-metrolinx-taps-aecom-for-key-grade-separation-design.html

 

 

LA Metro receives federal support for 30/10, Subway Extension

 

Los Angeles Metro Chairman Ara Najarian said the federal government is looking favorably on accelerating the extension of the city's subway line, and also has "pledged to consider the 30/10 initiative in the next transportation reauthorization bill." The 30/10 plan would leverage local transportation dollars with advanced federal funding.

For more on this story, visit:

http://www.rtands.com/newsflash/la-metro-receivers-federal-support-for-30-10-subway-extension.html

Cool video of the plans for the St. Paul Union Depot in Minnesota.  I like how they've turned the front of the building into a pedestrian plaza with Light Rail (acting as streetcars) and have move the auto traffic to an alternative street with a separate and respectably inviting pedestrian pick up and drop off.  That seems like a really wise decision. 

 

The double-standard exists in every state.....

 

Now THAT’S a Boondoggle

Jun 7th, 2010 | Posted by Robert Cruickshank

 

There is a longstanding double standard in California infrastructure planning. Freeway widening projects are simply accepted, even though their costs are enormous, even though they usually fail to improve travel conditions, and even though they have significant impacts on communities. I’ve argued before that in the case I’m most familiar with, the widening of Interstate 5 in Orange County in the late 1980s/early 1990s, caused impacts the community found it could live with. But the eminent domain was much more significant than anything contemplated under HSR on the Peninsula, for example.

 

Few Californians bat an eye at the multibillion dollar costs of these freeway projects But when it comes to high speed rail, every dollar is scrutinzed, every projected rider is closely examined, any uncertainty, any problem, any discrepancy is seen as a sign the project is a horrible wasteful boondoggle that will render the Peninsula uninhabitable and destroy California’s budget and economy.

 

The hypocrisy stems not from any hard numbers or facts, but from a basic bias. Many Californians are trained to see freeways as necessary – so vital that we don’t even need to ask any basic questions about their value.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://www.cahsrblog.com/2010/06/now-thats-a-boondoggle/

Intresting editorial, since it comes from a newspaper in yet another city without passenger rail service.

 

Editorial: Railroad renaissance a plus for Tennessee

Staff Reports

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

 

Railroads hold a unique position in the American psyche, blending the symbolism of uniting the country and the romanticism of a bygone era.

 

Trains never went away, of course, but automobiles and airplanes all but killed passenger service in the United States. Railroads, however, seem poised for a much-welcomed renaissance. Recent developments point to a renewed emphasis on rail travel that we hope will benefit the region.

 

Most welcome was the announcement by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood that “America is going to get in the high-speed intercity rail business … and I hope that includes, for my money, from Atlanta Hartsfield (airport) to Chicago through Chattanooga, Nashville and beyond.”

 

Full editorial at: http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2010/jun/09/editorial-railroad-renaissance-plus-tennessee/

Re-posted for Unusualfire from the Cincinnati Streetcar thread:

 

Don't let the Enquirer pick this up.

 

http://clackamas.katu.com/content/sheriff-blames-crime-increase-max-line

LRT extension through Mesa, Ariz., advances   

Wednesday, June 09, 2010 

 

Phoenix suburb Mesa, Ariz., continues to prepare for a three-mile extension of Phoenix Valley Metro, expected to open in 2016 with four new stations. Mesa City Council now has approved the sites and street layouts of the stations, following a meeting earlier this week.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://www.railwayage.com/breaking-news/lrt-extension-through-mesa-ariz.-advances.html

This was a long, long battle......

 

Canada commits C$600 million to build Ottawa's light rail plan

Wednesday, June 09, 2010 

 

The Canadian federal government will contribute C$600 million to transform Ottawa's transit system, making a switch from buses to light rail with a downtown tunnel through the city's core and 12.5 kilometers (7.75 miles) of light rail between Blair Road and Tunney's Pasture, local media report. Transport Minister John Baird made the long-awaited announcement June 8, matching the funding already promised by the Ontario government.

 

"We're now putting all our eggs in one basket, but now these are the only eggs left," Baird said, noting there won't be any more federal money for the project. The minister said he expects the city to use the funding to put towards a "practical and affordable" plan for the City of Ottawa.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://www.rtands.com/newsflash/canada-commits-c-600-million-to-build-ottawas-light-rail-plan.html

i missed these articles, but it looks like they are moving to buy up manhattan properties as the $9B hudson river ARC commuter rail tunnel project moves ahead.

 

there will be five main entrances, including the odd/iconic "sunglass hut corner" of macys in herald square and this little 80yr old garment district citibank building, which among other items has a cinci-hamilton mosler safe seal that will be preserved:

 

 

 

Citibank Branch Property Is in Tunnel Planners’ Sights

 

 

“We’d like to purchase it this year and allow Citibank to stay until it’s needed for construction,” Mr. Marsico said.

 

The planners said they could save more than $28 million by tearing the building down, a process that they estimated would cost about $10 million, not counting what they would pay for the property.

 

To mitigate its loss, the tunnel’s planners have proposed saving a few features of the building, including the bank’s seal carved above the doorway on 34th Street and a brass seal on the night deposit box, which was made by the Mosler Safe Company in Ohio. They said they would try to incorporate the salvaged elements into the underground station, which is scheduled to be completed in 2017.

 

more:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/25/nyregion/25tunnel.html

 

 

here's a similar, more recent article:

 

Standing in a Tunnel’s Path, and Forced to Leave

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/04/nyregion/04tunnel.html?ref=nyregion

 

 

Capitol Corridor ridership rises in May despite government furlough days

 

California’s Capitol Corridor reported a 1.4 percent increase in ridership in May from the same period last year. In addition, revenue for May rose 2.9 percent, Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority officials said in a prepared statement.

 

Ridership increased even though three Friday furlough days for state employees still are in effect, Capitol Corridor officials noted.

 

More at: http://www.progressiverailroading.com/news/article.asp?id=23577

N.Y. high-speed rail gets a boost

 

Steve Orr • Staff writer • June 14, 2010

 

New York state and the CSX railroad have set aside

differences so that planning can go forward for a

high-speed rail line across upstate New York. The

parties have signed a pair of agreements to facilitate

planning for the passenger-train track that New

York intends to build.

 

"Everyone agrees that high-speed rail is very

important to New York state. These two agreements

give us the way to move forward. We're very happy

about that," said Deborah Sturm Rausch, a

spokeswoman for the state Transportation

Department.

 

State officials have begun a two-year, $4.5 million

planning effort that they hope will yield details of

the new line, on which Amtrak passenger trains

would travel up to 110 mph from Albany to Buffalo.

Trains crossing upstate now are limited to 79 mph

on tracks they share with CSX freights.

 

Full story at: http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20100614/NEWS01/6140326/1002/NEWS

MTA Service cuts.  I can't wait to ride the "new" M train and see it go thru the old K train cut

http://images.nycsubway.org/trackmap/detail-chrystie.png

 

http://www.mta.info/nyct/service/ServiceReduction/part1.htm

Interesting news from my home state....

 

Housatonic Railroad to start own study of reopening passenger line

 

BY GEORGE KRIMSKY | REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN

 

CANAAN — The only time "All Aboard" and "Tickets, please" have been heard in this part of the world since 1971 is when special summer train excursions are organized by railroad museums.

 

The Housatonic Railroad Co. now says it wants to bring back passenger service permanently on its line between Danbury and Pittsfield, Mass.

 

"We're going ahead with our own study to determine whether passenger service is viable," John Hanlon, company president, said Friday. "We believe that the potential exists for a successful service, but we need sound ridership and market data to see if that's true."

 

Full story at: http://www.rep-am.com/news/local/488858.txt

Here's a couple of articles....

 

US DOT Chief LaHood Likes Iowa's Push for Passenger Rail

http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/index.php/2010/06/15/us-dot-chief-lahood-likes-iowas-push-for-passenger-rail/

 

 

New York Explores Ways to Fund High-Speed Rail

http://www.bizjournals.com/buffalo/stories/2010/06/14/daily16.html

 

 

Greenbrier owner says $15M tourism train in works

Associated Press, 06.16.10, 05:49 PM EDT 

 

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. -- The owner of The Greenbrier says the resort is investing $15 million in a luxury train that should be operating in 12 to 14 months.

 

Jim Justice says the Greenbrier Express will feature the last steam engine ever made in the U.S. and may someday travel to Keeneland, a prestigious Kentucky race track and horse-auction house.

 

The two properties announced plans for a strategic alliance and cross-promotions Wednesday.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2010/06/16/business-financial-impact-wv-greenbrier-keeneland-train_7695731.html?boxes=Homepagebusinessnews

OK, lots going on elsewhere. So rather than bury you all with numerous posts with several paragraphs from each article, here's the headline, a sentence and a link. The rest is up to you...

 

Coalition touts new Detroit River tunnel

 

Canadian Pacific has joined the Windsor Port Authority and Borealis Infrastructure, a division of the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System, in forming the Continental Rail Gateway coalition (CRG) to promote the development, funding, and construction of a replacement rail tunnel under the Detroit River.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://www.railwayage.com/breaking-news/rail-gateway-coalition-to-promote-new-detroit-river-tunnel.html

 

 

Nomad Digital lands Talgo contract

 

Nomad Digital Ltd. Thursday said it has been awarded a contract with Talgo Inc. to “deliver and operate a high quality wireless broadband and live passenger information system on all Talgo’s train sets servicing its cross-border route from Vancouver, [british Columbia], Canada through Seattle, [and] Portland and Eugene, Oregon.”

 

READ MORE AT:

http://www.railwayage.com/breaking-news/nomad-digital-lands-talgo-contract.html

 

 

Ontario, Quebec push for high-speed rail

 

The Canadian federal government should get on board with a high-speed rail line linking Ontario and Quebec or risk being left in the dust by the Obama administration in the United States, the premiers of both provinces said Wednesday, according to the Toronto Star.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://www.rtands.com/newsflash/ontario-quebec-push-for-high-speed-rail.html

 

 

Amtrak studying need for second Hudson rail tunnel

 

Two rail tunnels under the Hudson River - one dug by NJ Transit and another by Amtrak - could be built within 20 years to handle the growing passenger load between New Jersey and Manhattan, transportation officials said, The Record reports.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://www.rtands.com/newsflash/amtrak-studying-need-for-second-hudson-rail-tunnel.html

 

 

Connecticut DOT considering extending rail service to Brookfield

 

Representatives from the Connecticut Department of Transportation and URS engineering consultants are studying the extension of passenger service to Brookfield and New Milford, Conn., connecting with Metro-North Railroad's existing Danbury Branch service. Any extension would require reconstructing the tracks all the way down to Danbury, where the branch joins Metro-North's New Haven Line (part of the Northeast Corridor).

 

READ MORE AT:

http://www.rtands.com/newsflash/connecticut-dot-considering-extending-rail-service-to-brookfield.html

 

 

Vancouver, Wash., incentive: LRT station/parking garage

 

Vancouver, Wash. has resisted being included in any light rail transit plans for decades, but in seeking a road/rail compromise plan, it may accept a new downtown park-and-ride structure across the street from the Vancouver Convention Center, which could double as a light rail station.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://www.railwayage.com/breaking-news/incentive-for-vancouver-wash.-lrt-station-parking-garage.html

Just recieved the new MTA Subway map.  Sucks.  No information for passengers and this will create a lot of confusion.

Greenbrier owner says $15M tourism train in works

 

The Lexington Herald-Leader had more on this, but the site is so slow. So here is the Kentucky Enquirer:

http://nky.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20100617/NEWS0103/306170047

 

"The train, featuring the last steam engine ever made in the U.S., could be operational in 12-14 months..."

What's MTA? Isn't Clevelands RTA or something?

What's MTA? Isn't Clevelands RTA or something?

MTA is new york. He has a really long commute.

What's MTA? Isn't Clevelands RTA or something?

MTA is new york. He has a really long commute.

 

Well I do commute from house to house all on public transporation

M60 to LGA

Airplane to CLE

RTA Red line to Blue/Green Line

 

 

 

Sounds like the outcome of the upcoming planning for Phoenix-Tucson service might negate the Maricopa stop anyway! Maricopa is on Union Pacific's Phoenix bypass, passing some 30 miles south of Phoenix. If the tracks through Phoenix are restored, so will Amtrak service to Phoenix and thereby rank Columbus as North America's most populous city without any passenger rail service...

 

Council nixes daytime Amtrak service

June 17, 2010 | Michael K. Rich

 

Posted on Thursday, June 17, 2010 1:45:06 PM by Willie Green

 

Due to a potential conflict with local traffic flows, the Maricopa City Council stopped a resolution supporting daytime Amtrak service dead in its tracks this past Tuesday.

 

"Until we can get Amtrak to move their station west of the tracks or get a commitment to a grade separation, I cannot support this resolution," said Councilman Carl Diedrich.

 

Currently, the Maricopa Amtrak Station sits just east of John Wayne Parkway, and supports stops three days a week at 11:47 p.m. and 12:57 a.m. causing 20-minute plus traffic delays.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2536688/posts

What's MTA? Isn't Clevelands RTA or something?

MTA is new york. He has a really long commute.

 

Well I do commute from house to house all on public transporation

M60 to LGA

Airplane to CLE

RTA Red line to Blue/Green Line

 

Stopping at Shaker Stripmall to grab some Pert Plus before he heads home.

What's MTA? Isn't Clevelands RTA or something?

MTA is new york. He has a really long commute.

 

Well I do commute from house to house all on public transporation

M60 to LGA

Airplane to CLE

RTA Red line to Blue/Green Line

 

Stopping at Shaker Stripmall to grab some Pert Plus before he heads home.

 

when you least expect it, expect it!

NOTE: Just like Pittsburgh, Baltimore, another Cleveland-similar city, has rejected BRT and is moving forward toward construction of a critical LRT with downtown and neighborhood subway components.  When completed, the Red Line will bind Balto's disjointed rail network, into a powerhouse, connecting currently missed dense trip generators like the Inner Harbor (2 stops), historic/trendy Fells Point and Canton...

... here in Cleveland, LRT expansion is frowned upon and "subway" is a curse word, despite the fact Cleveland has a Rapid system with subway portals and a full subway under the Det-Sup Br. from downtown... Maybe by the time Pittsburgh and Balto have completed their subways, Cleveland's RTA will have totally replaced the Rapid the Joe C's BRT... how out of step with reality is Cleveland????

 

MTA Announces Improvements to Red Line 

Tunnel Enhancements, Other Improvements Included in Request for Federal Funding

 

The Maryland Transit Administration’s (MTA) request for funding for the Red Line will include $121 million in key enhancements to the project announced last summer, including a two track tunnel under Cooks Lane in western Baltimore City. The Red Line is a 14.5-mile light rail line that will serve communities between Woodlawn and the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center and enhance the regional transit network with connections to the Metro Subway, Light Rail and MARC Train. In announcing his selection of the route in 2009, Governor O’Malley recognized the potential for efficient, dependable transportation to provide access to job opportunities for corridor residents.

 

http://www.baltimoreredline.com/home/122-mta-announces-improvements-to-red-line

 

How has Pittsburgh rejected BRT? They have many more miles of BRT than does Cleveland, including the new West Busway and the latest extension of the East Busway from East Liberty to Swissvale. They also have a new LRT extension to nowhere, with the NorthShore line. I fear Pittsburgh has repeated Cleveland's mistake in building a limited-use version of the Waterfront Line with no immediate plans for further extensions. Only recently have Pittsburghers begun to seek federal money for such planning, which puts any new LRT extensions at least 10 years away.

^Last I recall was Pittsburgh officials were , not only to extend the river tunnel extension (approx) 18 miles to Pitts. Intl. Airport, but also to extend eastward up the 5th Ave/Forbes corridor to Oakland - a so-called "spine line" similar to our dual-hub (now HL) corridor.

Two key officials, Allegheny County Executive Dan Oronato and Congressman Mike Doyle are interested, but no planning has begun nor has any funding been awarded to start the planning for an airport-Oakland LRT via the new tunnel and downtown subway. They are seeking the funding, but even if the planning started today, we're looking at 10 years before a wheel turns.

^ Yes!  Maybe it won't happen tomorrow.  But at least 2 of Pittsburgh's key pols are pushing for expansion (and the Airport expansion concept continues to be posted on PAT's website as an offshoot of the a- building under-river tunnel). ... and PAT's transit GM is not fighting it (hmmm)... Rapid transit expansion is a huge undertaking -- often the largest public works project of a particular city.  And as I am a local rare bird who actually likes RTA's WFL for its potential positive impact on Cleveland's development, Pittsburgh's Allegheny River tunnel is a much more significant undertaking that is poised to open up a whole territory that is totally unserved to date (including bringing an airport connection).

 

In Cleveland, we've not had our pols really get on board with rail expansion (aside from the push for the 3-C's Amtrak line, which is a step forward, indeed).  In Cleveland, we had Dennis Kucinich squelch the West Corridor commuter plan because of the N-S train reduction deal, which should never have been allowed to cover short, much quieter commuter trains... at least the West Shore is slowly moving forward (I see the alternative analysis Fed funding has now been granted which is great), but the Dennis deal has probably set the project back over a decade...

 

At least in Pittsburgh, it appears public officials are all singing from the same sheet of music ... just as they did in Baltimore to get the all-important MTA Red Line to the high planning point they are now... All I'm saying is, it would be nice to see some of that pro-rail cooperation interest on the Shores of Lake Erie... if we did, we would probably find the possibilities would be limitless.

gittin paid!

 

 

Second Ave. work proves profitable

 

John Jurado is thrilled the MTA is kicking him out of his apartment — it’s paying him about $6,000 per month, plus his rent.

 

The MTA gives tenants a choice:

 

Stay at the Marmara Hotel or find their own housing.

 

Those who choose the hotel don’t get a check from MTA, which covers the room bills directly.

 

Those who find a place on their own are compensated. Richly.

 

Studio dwellers get $167 per day.

 

One-bedroom tenants get $200 per day.

 

Two-bedroom tenants get $300 per day.

John Jurado pays $995 a month for his studio apartment at 1873 Second Ave. And when he’s forced to leave it for thirty days in August, the MTA will pay his rent and give him $167 a day, plus expenses.

 

“No wonder the MTA is broke!” said Jurado, 38, manager of the Ship of Fools bar, who plans to crash with friends.

 

http://www.metro.us/us/article/2010/06/22/06/5945-82/index.xml

 

Seattle’s North Link Light Rail, Originally Considered for Highway-Running, May Be Partially Tunneled

 

Underground route may actually save money — but it raises possibility of altering the alignment.

 

Seattle’s light rail expansion program may be one of the most ambitious in the nation: Not only did the region open a 14-mile first segment last year, but it has a northern extension currently under construction and three further routes mostly funded and in advanced planning. Unlike most new light rail systems, Seattle’s is also being built to light metro standards, with capacity for four (long) cars at every station.

 

[...]

 

Yet clear thinking about moving transit away from the highway right-of-way is only possible when it becomes obvious that the cost of inserting trains in tunnels is lower than other options. In Seattle, there is little chance that a wholehearted change in route is possible. But next time, either here or elsewhere, an underground route should not be dismissed as the “expensive,” and therefore infeasible, option.

 

(emphasis added)

I forgot to post this , but we got our New Faster ALP 46A's , top speed 125mph and faster Acceleration.  There testing them on the none Amtrak lines , so in case it breaks down theres no problem.  The propusion on them is sick.  & The New M8's started testing.

 

New Jersey Transit EXCLUSIVE: Recut of ALP-46A 4629 Acceleration With ALP-46 4601 in Background

 

TTMG Exclusive! NJT Bombardier ALP-46A #4629 on M&E Line on Train 649 departing South Orange

 

M8

 

 

 

 

 

Pelosi on Union Depot: 'This is the

future'

 

By ERIC ROPER, Star Tribune (Minneapolis)

Last update: June 27, 2010 - 12:19 AM

 

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi traveled to St.

Paul's Lowertown area on Saturday to survey t

he empty halls of the historic Union Depot,

which lawmakers hope to transform into a

transportation hub, with the financial

backing of the federal government.

 

Once the center of railroad activity in St. Paul,

the mostly dormant building is expected to

be on one end of a high-speed rail line that

would link Chicago and the Twin Cities. It will

also be home to the planned light-rail line

between Minneapolis and St. Paul. The $237

million renovation project is slated to begin

this fall and be completed in late 2012.

 

Full story at: http://www.startribune.com/politics/local/97231029.html?elr=KArksc8P:Pc:UthPacyPE7iUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU

Gotta love the political cartoon that comes with this. Now if we could just replace the names on those buttons with "Kasich" and "Husted"....

 

Hands on Wisconsin: High-speed rail bull catcher

By Phil Hands | Posted: Saturday, June 26, 2010

 

The two Republican candidates for governor seem serious about their threats to kill Wisconsin's high-speed rail line.  Both say that if elected they will stop project and return the $800 million or so dollars allocated for construction to the Federal Government.

 

This might be good politics that plays well with conservatives across the state, but it is bad policy. As a nation we need to move away from using planes and automobiles as our primary forms of transportation.  Both are expensive and inefficient ways of travelling medium range distances of several hundred miles.  Planes use way too much fuel and the roads that cars need to travel on cost billions of dollars to build and maintain.

 

The rest of the world has realized that rail uses less fuel than planes and is easier to maintain than roads.  Still many Americans oppose rail projects as some sort of boondoggle.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/opinion/column/phil_hands/article_804eaeea-8144-11df-b9e7-001cc4c002e0.html

 

Pennsylvania unable to match share for high-speed rail funds

By Matthew Santoni

PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

 

 

Federal officials are making available $2.3 billion for high-speed rail projects, but officials said Pennsylvania might not be able to afford to chip in its share.

 

The money granted from the 2010 transportation bill is meant to pay for new tracks, signal upgrades or other improvements to passenger rail service, said Federal Railroad Administration spokesman Rob Kulat. For a project to be eligible, the state, county, municipality or another group must cover at least 20 percent of the cost.

 

"We're reviewing any options we have, but it's going to be very difficult to come up with our 20 percent match," said PennDOT spokeswoman Erin Waters.

 

Full story at: http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/pittsburgh/s_688233.html#