Your weekly source of fresh takes on news affecting America's passengers. See also the NARP Blog.
March 7, 2014
By Sean Jeans-Gail On Tuesday, the Obama Administration released details about a $302 billion transportation package that includes $19 billion over four years for passenger trains. The proposal also includes $72 billion for transit over four years—a 70% increase over current levels—that will fund commuter rail systems, streetcars, and light rail lines across the U.S. The President’s transp...
February 28, 2014
By Sean Jeans-Gail In a visit to St. Paul’s restored Union Depot, President Barack Obama outlined an ambitious $302 billion, 4-year investment plan for America’s roads, bridges, railways, and transit. $19 billion of that will go towards rail, with another $72 billion directed to transit. The $302 billion surface transportation plan relies on a one-time infusion of $150 billion in revenue...
February 21, 2014
By Sean Jeans-Gail New Mexico’s State Legislature adjourned yesterday without identifying a solution for the continuation of the Southwest Chief over its current route, although legislators have vowed to fight on until the necessary funding is secured. As we’ve reported previously, the Southwest Chief’s existing route is endangered because BNSF has announced that declining demand for freig...
February 14, 2014
By Sean Jeans-Gail A massive storm blanketed the U.S. on Wednesday night, snarling transportation systems across the eastern seaboard as far south as Georgia. Amtrak operated at half of its normally scheduled frequencies on Thursday, and heavy ice accumulation forced the company to cancel operations in much of the Southeast. Amtrak was forced to cancel a number of trains in the Southeast, Mid-At...
February 7, 2014
By Sean Jeans-Gail Image courtesy the White House A new chapter began on the Northeast Corridor today when Amtrak Northeast Regional #171 departed Boston this morning with the first of 70 new advanced Siemens electric locomotives to enter service on America’s busiest rail corridor. Vice President Joe Biden joined Amtrak yesterday at Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station to welcome the new lo...