Maricopa City Council nixes daytime Amtrak service

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.

The changes being proposed by Amtrak would have the trains make daily stops at essentially 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

News Article Details.

Filed under: Amtrak, Passenger Rail Transportatio Policy, Regional USA Passenger Rail

ARTBA comments on National Rail Plan

ARTBA comments on National Rail Plan.

Filed under: Passenger Rail Transportatio Policy, United States High Speed Rail

High-speed rail projects suddenly on fast track | Crain’s Chicago Business

Federally funded high-speed rail projects in Illinois and others parts of the country could get under way in as little as two weeks, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said Thursday.

Recent concerns raised by the nation’s freight railroads, which are getting the bulk of $8 billion in stimulus funding to accommodate faster passenger trains, had threatened to sidetrack President Barack Obama’s signature transportation project before it even got started.

High-speed rail projects suddenly on fast track | Crain’s Chicago Business.

Filed under: Passenger Rail Politics, Regional USA Passenger Rail, United States High Speed Rail

Practical Traveler – Air Travel’s Costly Future – NYTimes.com

There is a HSR section in this article.

Practical Traveler – Air Travel’s Costly Future – NYTimes.com.

Filed under: Passenger Rail Transportatio Policy, United States High Speed Rail

Christie could save a lot of money on Hudson River tunnel | courierpostonline.com | Courier-Post

Christie could save a lot of money on Hudson River tunnel | courierpostonline.com | Courier-Post.

Filed under: Amtrak, Regional USA Passenger Rail

Chattanooga, Atlanta Mag Lev High Speed Rail Project Attracts Obama Administration Attention | WDEF News 12 | News, Weather and Sports for Chattanooga and the Tennessee Valley

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood wants to jump start Mag-Lev development in this country, and says and Atlanta to Chattanooga link makes sense.

LaHood tested a high speed rail system in Japan last month.  He compares the Obama administration’s push for high-speed rail to the creation of the the Interstate system.

Chattanooga, Atlanta Mag Lev High Speed Rail Project Attracts Obama Administration Attention | WDEF News 12 | News, Weather and Sports for Chattanooga and the Tennessee Valley.

Filed under: Regional USA Passenger Rail, United States High Speed Rail