February 6Feb 6 29 minutes ago, Foraker said: 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. It feels like the Musk administration will set your timeline back even further. They appear to be targeting cities "aka Democrat strongholds" for many forms of funding.
February 7Feb 7 22 hours ago, Cleburger said: It feels like the Musk administration will set your timeline back even further. They appear to be targeting cities "aka Democrat strongholds" for many forms of funding. Musk sells cars. 'Nuff said.
February 8Feb 8 Scoop: Amtrak, MDOT eye Michigan Central for new train, bus station Amtrak officials and local and Canadian transportation officials toured Michigan Central Station late last year to discuss the possibility of a new multimodal station on the revitalized train depot's campus, Axios Detroit has learned. Why it matters: A new Michigan Central station would fit with a proposed Chicago-Detroit-Toronto corridor, Amtrak spokesperson Marc Magliari tells us. More below: https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/02/07/scoop-amtrak-mdot-michigan-central-train-bus-station "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
February 8Feb 8 Author MBTA announces March 24 start date for South Coast Rail https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/mbta-announces-march-24-start-date-for-south-coast-rail/ "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
February 11Feb 11 ^ that is awesome reactivation news — it sez its been 65yrs — it gives ya hope — The MBTA’s South Coast Rail project — represented by the dotted lines on the map — is slated to begin operation on March 24. Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority
February 11Feb 11 the hoboken path train station is closed all month for a major upgrade — looks like they are hard at work (at least when the boss is around 😂) — Hermann at PATH Hoboken, one of four stations where she oversees station infrastructure work for PATH. February 07, 2025 Rapid Transit Dad’s Blueprints Formed Foundation of Work Ethos Behind PATH Hoboken Repairs Written by Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Staff https://www.railwayage.com/passenger/rapid-transit/dads-blueprints-formed-foundation-of-work-ethos-behind-path-hoboken-repairs/?RAchannel=news Edited February 11Feb 11 by mrnyc
February 15Feb 15 Great High Speed Rail Alliance webinar with Dreamstar lines, the startup service looking to connect overnight trains between Los Angeles and San Francisco When is the last time I-71 turned a profit?
February 17Feb 17 Author Amtrak Expands Service to Ronkonkoma, Enhancing Long Island’s Connectivity https://www.railway.supply/en/amtrak-expands-service-to-ronkonkoma-enhancing-long-islands-connectivity/ "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
February 20Feb 20 On 2/16/2025 at 11:38 PM, KJP said: Amtrak Expands Service to Ronkonkoma, Enhancing Long Island’s Connectivity https://www.railway.supply/en/amtrak-expands-service-to-ronkonkoma-enhancing-long-islands-connectivity/ Through service to Jamaica will be very useful for me. 😀 Remember: It's the Year of the Snake
February 20Feb 20 Author 48 minutes ago, Dougal said: Through service to Jamaica will be very useful for me. 😀 Unfortunately it is dependent on delivery of the new Airo trains which won't be for a few more years. The new trains will have a dual mode electric and diesel capability. They will operate under the wires from Washington DC to Sunnyside Yard and then under diesel power to Ronkonkoma. Their electrical contact will be by overhead wires/pantograph rather than a third-rail shoe. I'm surprised only three daily round trips are proposed. Five or six would be more convenient. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
February 21Feb 21 16 hours ago, KJP said: Unfortunately it is dependent on delivery of the new Airo trains which won't be for a few more years. The new trains will have a dual mode electric and diesel capability. They will operate under the wires from Washington DC to Sunnyside Yard and then under diesel power to Ronkonkoma. Their electrical contact will be by overhead wires/pantograph rather than a third-rail shoe. I'm surprised only three daily round trips are proposed. Five or six would be more convenient. Maybe that's all LI RR will allow?
February 21Feb 21 MAGA coming for CA high speed rail Quote According to an article in the San Francisco Chronicle by Rachel Swan, “The review would ‘help determine’ whether the money should ‘remain committed’ to the railway’s first segment between Merced and Bakersfield in the Central Valley, spokespeople for the U.S. Department of Transportation said in a news release, casting the future of the project in jeopardy.” In a press release announcing the audit, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy called the project “massively over-budget and delayed.” https://www.planetizen.com/news/2025/02/134357-federal-funding-california-high-speed-rail-under-review
February 25Feb 25 a first — Battery- and electric-powered commuter trains to debut on Metro-North Railroad By Catalina Gonella Published Feb 25, 2025 The Metro-North Railroad is set to operate the first battery- and electric-powered passenger trains in the nation, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Monday. The MTA Board is expected to approve the purchase of 13 battery-and-electric powered locomotives on Wednesday, according to Hochul’s announcement. If approved, the trains will run on the New Haven Line providing access to Penn Station, according to officials. Four new stations will also be added in the Bronx. They’re scheduled to be delivered beginning in January 2029 through July 2030, according to an MTA spokesperson. The new locomotives are estimated to cost between $20.3 and $23.4 million, officials said. Metro-North locomotives are not currently configured to serve Penn Station. But the agency said the newly purchased locomotives will be delivered Penn Station-ready. more: https://gothamist.com/news/battery-and-electric-powered-commuter-trains-to-debut-on-metro-north-railroad
February 25Feb 25 Author 1 hour ago, mrnyc said: The new locomotives are estimated to cost between $20.3 and $23.4 million, officials said. That's obscene. Twenty years ago, a new electric locomotive could be had for 1/4th or less of that amount. I remember pricing out entire five-car trainsets (with diesel locomotives) for $15 million. With electrics the entire set would still be less than $20 million. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
February 25Feb 25 3 hours ago, KJP said: That's obscene. Twenty years ago, a new electric locomotive could be had for 1/4th or less of that amount. I remember pricing out entire five-car trainsets (with diesel locomotives) for $15 million. With electrics the entire set would still be less than $20 million. Inflation is real -- "Twenty years ago, a new electric locomotive could be had for 1/4th or less of that amount ($20.3 and $23.4 million)" = (1/4 x $23million ~ $5.75mllion). $5.75 million 20 years ago (2004) is equivalent to $10 million today. https://www.usinflationcalculator.com/ Plus there is a price premium for electric vs. gas cars -- currently 42% https://www.edmunds.com/car-buying/average-price-electric-car-vs-gas-car.html That same difference applied to electric locomotives vs. diesel would get you to back to $20 to $23 million. 🙂 But all joking aside, the article actually seems to suggest that that cost is for multiple engines -- Quote The MTA Board is expected to approve the purchase of 13 battery-and-electric powered locomotives on Wednesday . . . . The new locomotives are estimated to cost between $20.3 and $23.4 million, officials said. So if we're dividing that $23million by 13, that's only $1.8 million per locomotive. (Yes, the article could have been clearer. Journalists, eh?) That seems to be reasonable. https://www.trainconductorhq.com/how-much-do-locomotives-cost/
February 26Feb 26 wait until the ridiculous trumpian trade wars warm up — those prices will look like a bargain. 🙀
February 26Feb 26 Author Big time bummer MnDOT, Met Council announce likely end to Northstar Commuter Rail https://www.progressiverailroading.com/passenger_rail/news/MnDOT-Met-Council-announce-likely-end-to-Northstar-Commuter-Rail--73971 "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
March 3Mar 3 Why was the Chicago O’Hare multi modal transit center / rental car facility built backwards? It is a LONG walk from the terminal transit station (red) to the Metra station (blue). Terminal transit and bus bays should have been on the east side to enable shorter walks to Metra. Stupid design. This thing is brand new - build it around the rail station! When is the last time I-71 turned a profit?
March 3Mar 3 Author Chicago planners said that the parking garage is what's putting the butts in the seats of the people mover, not the train station. My reaction was, you could've actually designed it for both. "How?" Rick Harnish created a design for it. He called it O'Hare Terminal 7 (see below). "Nope, too expensive. Not worth it." The current situation is not even better than it was (for rail travelers), which involved taking a shuttle bus from the north end of the parking lot that preceded the garage. The shuttle bus stop was convenient to both the parking lot and the Metra station. On the downside, the shuttle bus only took you to the nearest people mover station, not to the any of the airport terminals. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
March 3Mar 3 1 hour ago, Boomerang_Brian said: Why was the Chicago O’Hare multi modal transit center / rental car facility built backwards? It is a LONG walk from the terminal transit station (red) to the Metra station (blue). Terminal transit and bus bays should have been on the east side to enable shorter walks to Metra. Stupid design. This thing is brand new - build it around the rail station! An autocentric idiot move. Way to go!
March 3Mar 3 The state of Utah has looked at potentially starting regular rail service to Moab. I don't know if it's gotten anywhere besides some politicians talking about it but either way, here's a fun fanfic on what that service could look like.
March 21Mar 21 Great video from our friends at All Aboard Erie and the Lakeshore Rail Alliance calling for more local passenger rail service in Erie PA. When is the last time I-71 turned a profit?
April 1Apr 1 hoboken terminal to get a rehab — https://www.instagram.com/p/DHrJHh2yJBp/?img_index=3&igsh=MXd6a2k0bG93Y2J2aw==
April 16Apr 16 Updates are starting to come out for various states finalizing Step 1 of the CID program and authorizing spending for their local match necessary for Step 2: Wisconsin (Hiawatha Service Extension): Quote "The project is moving forward to get the train from Milwaukee up to Green Bay," says Larry Rueff, an advocate with NEW Rails and a municipal and legislative liaison for the Wisconsin Association of Railroad Passengers. "What we found out specifically was that by the end of June, the consultants hired by WISDOT are to file an initial report. And from there, then we enter step 2." In a meeting with the Wisconsin DOT, Rueff learned that despite a new federal administration and funding cuts, the projects are still a go. ... Step two, an estimated three-year process, will then create a service development plan for rail service from Milwaukee to Fond du Lac, Oshkosh, Appleton and Green Bay. ... Governor Tony Evers proposed that funding be included in his biennial budget, and 8 local municipalities, including Green Bay, penned a letter to budget lawmakers encouraging them to pass it. Kansas (Heartland Flyer Extension): Quote Senate Bill 125 was signed into law by Governor Laura Kelly on April 10, 2025, marking a major step forward in funding the Heartland Flyer extension...$5 million will be transferred from the State Highway Fund to the Passenger Rail Service Revolving Fund on or after July 1, 2025, giving KDOT immediate resources to begin supporting upcoming passenger rail initiatives, such as Corridor ID planning requirements, or future operational support.
April 28Apr 28 The Illinois High-Speed Railway Commission has launched a short survey to gauge interest in the feasibility study they have started. They are looking at creating a new dedicated 220-mph line from Chicago to St. Louis. IIRC they will be looking at converting existing rail RoW, using existing Interstate RoW, and greenfield. They will also be looking at different ways to connect Springfield to Chicago, through either Peoria, Bloomington, Champaign and/or Decatur. This is not funded by the Corridor ID program. The High Speed Rail Alliance made a good write up about the project back in September.
April 28Apr 28 5 hours ago, Dev said:The Illinois High-Speed Railway Commission has launched a short survey to gauge interest in the feasibility study they have started. They are looking at creating a new dedicated 220-mph line from Chicago to St. Louis. IIRC they will be looking at converting existing rail RoW, using existing Interstate RoW, and greenfield. They will also be looking at different ways to connect Springfield to Chicago, through either Peoria, Bloomington, Champaign and/or Decatur. This is not funded by the Corridor ID program. The High Speed Rail Alliance made a good write up about the project back in September.Lucid Stew also did a take on Illinois Chi-STL HSR: When is the last time I-71 turned a profit?
May 5May 5 This video was probably already posted but if not, it's worth a watch. If it has been posted multiple times then please delete my post.Video discusses all or most of the proposals from "Attract Connects US" it covers the entire country and what they are looking to do in terms of new lines and increased frequency as well as some lines going up to 110mpg. There is also a part of the video that talks about the 3C+D.https://www.thetravel.com/usa-amtrak-stations-upgrades/
June 4Jun 4 Illinois High-Speed Rail Project Progresses With 'Major Step'Story by Theo BurmanPlans for a high-speed rail route between Chicago and East St. Louis have moved forward after Illinois officials issued an update to a feasibility study into the project.In a May update, the Illinois High-Speed Rail Commission said it was on track to publish the report by 2026—which includes a survey of over 6,000 residents in the state.https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/illinois-high-speed-rail-project-progresses-with-major-step/ar-AA1FZn4OAmtraks California Zephyr passenger train departs Chicago Union Station in Chicago, Illinois, on March 2, 2022.© Getty Images
June 4Jun 4 interesting —JetBlue teams up with Brightline in new air-and-rail partnershipStory by Sean Cudahy• 8hJust days removed from announcing a major new partnership with United Airlines, JetBlue is teaming up with another transportation partner — this time, on the rails.The New York-based airline on Tuesday announced a new partnership with Brightline, the nation's first private, intercity rail operator. As part of the tie-up, JetBlue customers will be able to book itineraries that feature both a flight and a train trip.Bookings were expected to go live right away on the airline's website.more:https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/jetblue-teams-up-with-brightline-in-new-air-and-rail-partnership/ar-AA1G24ui
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