Tuesday’s Headlines Are Coming ‘Round the Bend

Amtrak wants to bring passenger rail to 160 new cities in the next 15 years — if state governments are willing to play ball.

By Blake Aued

12:01 AM EDT on July 18, 2023

Photo: Johannes Krupinski, CC

Amtrak's 15-year, $75 billion expansion plan — most of which is already funded by the federal infrastructure bill — calls for creating 39 new lines and improving service on 25 others, the largest expansion in its 52-year history. But states will have to cooperate for the plan to reach its full potential. (City Lab)
On the other hand, a Republican-led House subcommittee wants to cut $2.3 billion from the Federal Transit Administration and $1.6 billion from Amtrak. (Progressive Railroading; Streetsblog)
The Federal Highway Administration has resolved most of a $3.5 billion accounting discrepancy. (Eno Center for Transportation)
A new Utah express bus will be fare-free for the next three years. (Salt Lake Tribune)
Utah is testing a system to tax drivers based on their driving habits rather than how much gas they consume. (Streetsblog USA)
Maryland's Purple Line has been delayed again, this time until 2027. (DCist)
A Tacoma bus rapid transit line is five years behind schedule and $37 million over budget. (News Tribune)
A North Philadelphia intersection and transit hub is getting a $7 million makeover, including bike lanes, bus-only lanes and new bus shelters. (WHYY)
San Antonio is seeking input on a new bike network plan. (KENS)
Denver residents are calling on mayor-elect Mike Johnston to get serious about Vision Zero (Colorado Politics) in a year where traffic deaths are projected to continue rising (Gazette).
The Democrat-Gazette urges Northeast Arkansas residents and leaders to embrace Vision Zero.
Crews are still repairing the Kansas City streetcar after the tracks buckled from the heat. (Star)
Austin is asking for more staffers to help apply for federal light rail grants. (Monitor)
New signs in Honolulu aim to shame drivers into stopping for pedestrians at crosswalks. (KITV)
Right-wing candidates in Spain are running against bike lanes and low-emission zones where cars are restricted. (Reuters)