Amtrak’s “plan” for expanded service is making the rounds and much attention is being given to the map, which is conveniently the only detail released. A closer look at the map reveals it is more like a compendium of existing advocacy efforts and preliminary conversations with states. To be sure, it is very welcome to […]
Does Delayed New Orleans-Mobile Service Suggest Problems With Passenger Trains After CSX Takes Over Pan-Am?
After 5 years of discussions, Amtrak asked the Surface Transportation Board to Intervene with CSX and Norfolk Southern to force revived New Orleans – Mobile service to proceed. A 2017 letter to the Federal Railroad Administration from the Southern Rail Commission says that the actions of CSX “demonstrate what can only be understood as an […]
Final Work Expected Finished In a Year
09.December, Montpelier VT – Vermont Agency of Transportation Rail & Aviation Director Dan Delabruere updated the Vermont Rail Council on the extension of Amtrak’s Ethan Allen route to Burlington. The project remains on schedule and the train is expected to begin early in 2022. “We had some CoVid delays, contractor issues, but not that bad. […]
09.December, Montpelier VT – At a meeting with the Vermont Rail Council, Vermont Transportation Secretary Joe Flynn emphasized the state’s commitment to Amtrak service, despite the current CoVid suspension. Flynn reflected on the seriousness of the virus and the rapidity of its spread as justification for the suspension and as an indication that the train […]
BIPARTISAN PROPOSED $900 BILLION COVID RELIEF PACKAGE FLOATING IN SENATE; INCLUDES $1 BILLION FOR AMTRAK AND $15 BILLION FOR TRANSIT
The bill is far from a done deal, but does represent forward movement after many weeks of deadlock. The eight senators that are championing the compromise made clear that the bill was a short-term fix to provide emergency funding between now and March 31, 2021 and Democrats are talking of further covid relief measures once […]
WASHINGTON, D.C. – 30 November 2020 – Amtrak CEO Bill Flynn announced that Stephen Gardner has been appointed President, effective 1 December 2020. Gardner’s appointment is part of a broader set of actions taken under Flynn’s leadership, working with the Board of Directors, to ensure that Amtrak is well positioned for success in fiscal year […]
Funds for major Norwalk River and Connecticut River projects on Metro-North and Amtrak
27, October-Washington DC–Two major bridge replacements in Connecticut will get USDOT ‘State of Good Repair’ grants, announced Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, replacing the Norwalk (“walk”) bridge on Metro-North and the Connecticut River bridge on Amtrak between Old Saybrook and Old Lyme. Both movable bridges are long-time priorities, prone to malfunction and their replacement will mean […]
Beginning in July 2020, the South Carolina-based company, Rotor Blade LLC, began a 190-mile project along the New England Central Railroad (NECR) mainline at East Northfield, MA, that will reduce the number of overhanging trees on the railroad right-of-way. Amtrak has spent $1.2 million for the work that includes the aerial cutting by Rotor Blade […]
On Friday, 18.September, four years of planning and site preparation came to fruition as a 10-week construction blitz allowed the reopening of VTR’s new 360-foot Middlebury Rail Tunnel. The new prefab tunnel not only improves rail service by increasing clearances on the main route from Rutland to Burlington. The project was also designed to improve […]
Maine Downeaster Ridership Recovers Enough to Increase Train Count. Passengers Applaud Sanitary and Distance-Compliant Coaches; Crews Practicing New Protocols.
28.July, Boston MA – Amtrak’s Boston to Maine Downeaster service has resumed marketing programs to encourage ridership on the safe and social distance-compliant trains to Vacationland. Ridership has increased to approximately 200 passengers per day, doubling since the phased resumption of service in June. Service resumed on 15.June after a total shutdown initiates 13.April. Service reopened […]