Your daily source of fresh takes on news affecting America's passengers. See also the weekly NARP Hotline.
May 13, 2014
Written By Jenna Jablonski National Train Day on Saturday brought out the train-hugger in everyone: from diehard fans to those stepping on a train for the first time. Event participants enjoyed every kind of train-related activity, from boarding excursion trains and equipment displays to meeting their favorite talking train, Chuggington. Thanks to everyone who came out to celebrate, and especial...
May 8, 2014
Written By Sean Jeans Gail Then-Congressman James Oberstar at the NARP Capitol Hill Reception in 2008. James Oberstar, former U.S. congressman from Minnesota and a legendary figure in passenger train advocacy, passed away earlier this week. He died May 3 at the age of 79. NARP honored Oberstar with our Golden Spike Award in 2005, for his staunch defense of Amtrak and the national network. He...
May 7, 2014
Written By Colin Leach The North River Tunnels (en.wikipedia.org) Since their opening in 1910, Amtrak’s Hudson River Tunnels have played a critical role in the Northeast’s transportation network. The tunnels, which connect New York City to the rest of the Northeast Corridor, carry thousands of passengers travelling on Amtrak trains each and every day. Additionally, the tunnels also host pa...
May 6, 2014
Written By Sean Jeans Gail The House Appropriations Committee released the fiscal year 2015 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development funding bill today that further tightens the budgetary screws on the national passenger rail network, precluding any chance to improve service and grow the system. In the subcommittee draft, rail is funded at $1.4 billion, representing a reduction of $193 mi...
April 23, 2014
Written By Colin Leach Loyola Avenue Streetcar (Photo by New Orleans City Business) Washington’s current dysfunction has left many transit advocates disheartened about prospects for funding today’s needs and doubtful of any long-term commitment. Budget battles present stark contrasts between grand visions of massively increased federal investment and a huge scaling back of the same, leavin...