Today’s Headlines

USDOT to Congress: We Need a ‘Gargantuan Large’ Investment in Transportation (WaPo)
More States Crack Down on Driving While Texting (USAToday)
Critics of Seattle’s Car Tab Fee Want to Use Funds for Bridge Repairs, New Bus Lines (Seattle Times)
Chicago Set to Speed Up Transit and Freight Trains With New Track (Transport Politic)
Michigan Amtrak Trains Hit Record Ridership, State Plans for HSR (Detroit Free Press)
As Federal Funds Dry Up, California Forced to Rewrite HSR Business Model (WSJ)
Atlanta’s Regional Transit Plans Diluted By Politics Before Referendum (AJC)
Fort Collins Proactive in Reducing Bike-Car Collisions, Mounts Bike Racks on Ambulances (Coloradan)
Durbin: House Transportation Bill Would Cut Amtrak By 60%, ‘Seriously Hurt Illinois’ (Sun Times)
Calgary, Canada Hits Commuter Transit Goal 13 Years Ahead of Goal (CalgaryHerald)
Yglesias: War, Healthcare, Low Taxes Explain Underinvestment in Transportation (ThinkProgress)
Business Warns America Must Invest in Infrastructure To Remain Competitive (Politico)
Chinese Man Rides Bicycle He Made Out of Popsicle Sticks (Cyclicious)

ALSO ON STREETSBLOG

Amtrak Allows Bikes on More Trains Throughout New England

By Christian MilNeil | Sep 16, 2020

Amtrak has added new in-car luggage racks to accommodate bicycles for more passengers on its Northeast Regional, Hartford Line, Valley Flyer and Downeaster routes. Several of these routes had previously not allowed bikes on their trains at all; the Downeaster had allowed bikes on its trains, but only if passengers were both boarding and disembarking […]

STREETSBLOG SF

Commentary: Computer-Driven Trains Can’t Get COVID

By Roger Rudick | Oct 28, 2021

Even as Europeans extend the scope of automated trains, Bay Area leaves riders stranded because it won't exploit this revolutionary transit tool

If the Candidates Were Trains…

By Brad Aaron | Oct 8, 2008

Image via Caroline McCarthy

Why Buy More Trains If You Can’t Afford to Run Them?

By Elana Schor | May 27, 2009

Down in balmy South Florida, D-Day is approaching for riders of the the popular Tri-Rail transit system. A looming $18 million shortfall has forced the Tri-Rail board to approve a budget that slices daily service and stops all trains by 2011 — although ridership has doubled since 2005. Tri-Rail trains like these could stop running […]

Amtrak Bill Clears the Way for Bike-Friendly Trains

By Ben Fried | Oct 7, 2008

The five-year Amtrak authorization that Congress passed last week includes a nice inter-modal touch. It states in no uncertain terms that funding can be spent on making trains accessible for bikes: NONMOTORIZED TRANSPORTATION ACCESS AND STORAGE. — Grants under this chapter may be used to provide access to rolling stock for nonmotorized transportation, including bicycles, […]

STREETSBLOG NYC

Opinion: Amtrak Must Restore Adirondack Service Now!

By Steve Strauss | Sep 26, 2022

Amtrak cut service during the pandemic, but restoring it has been difficult owing to labor shortages exacerbated by layoffs, retirements and Covid outbreaks among staff. As the city, state, and nation emerge from the pandemic, Amtrak must restore popular routes that remain suspended.