Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority’s Post

Annddd another one! The Federal Railroad Administration announced that the CTrail Hartford Line was included in the Corridor Identification Program. Although an existing route with great service and ridership, this selection allows the Connecticut Department of Transportation to pursue federal funding to invest in operations and expand service in the future. The corridor would provide improvements to the existing Amtrak Northeast Regional, Springfield Shuttles, Valley Flyer, and CTrail Hartford Line service as well as the Vermonter and future Inland Route corridors between New Haven, CT, and Springfield, MA, inclusive of Hartford, CT, by restoring and constructing new rail infrastructure including track, stations, signal upgrades, and safety enhancements, for the purpose of increasing regional intercity passenger rail service through additional frequencies and improved reliability. https://lnkd.in/g9tw3HJe

We agree with the HSRA: We are encouraged by talk of growing the national passenger rail network's long distance routes; however, the trains must be faster, more frequent (2-3 trains/day), and more reliable. We also need a better federal rail program: https://lnkd.in/gxf6k-BE

This will be a game changer for the entire region. Especially when combined with resurgent urban cores in the cities along the route; increased tourism/travel interest; and the reality that we can never widden I-71 enough to eliminate traffic. Truly a win-win for the entire state.

What’s next for high-speed rail in America? Amtrak's latest video explores what the railroad is doing next, what characteristics are needed for a successful high-speed rail route, and what the future expansion of high-speed rail will look like for Amtrak: https://lnkd.in/e4eJzcXf

What’s next for high-speed rail in America? Amtrak's latest video explores what the railroad is doing next, what characteristics are needed for a successful high-speed rail route, and what the future expansion of high-speed rail will look like for Amtrak: https://lnkd.in/ey-NABTR

Please Share! South Carolina is at a pivotal moment, and your voice matters! We have an incredible opportunity to influence the expansion of passenger rail services in our state, and they need YOUR input to make it happen. Imagine a South Carolina where: 🌐 Our communities are more connected. 🚄 We enjoy faster, more efficient transportation across the state. 💼 Economic growth is spurred by improved accessibility and mobility. The South Carolina Passenger Rail Study is now open for public input, and we need every voice to be heard. Whether you’re a daily commuter, a business traveler, or someone who values enhanced travel options, this is your chance to make a difference. 📢 Take Action Today: - Fill out the survey - Share this post - Spread the word: Talk to friends, family, and colleagues about the importance of this initiative. Together, we can advocate for a future where passenger rail is a viable and vibrant part of our transportation system in South Carolina. Let’s make our voices heard and shape a better tomorrow! #SouthCarolina #PassengerRail #Transportation #Sustainability #Community #PublicInput #MakeADifference

The CSX Southwest Railroad Corridor Assessment Study is now available. This study was initiated to explore the possibility of establishing passenger rail service in the region. The primary study corridor runs southwestward from the Miami Intermodal Center (MIC), near the Miami International Airport (MIA), to the City of Homestead. Based on the insights gained from previous studies, TPO developed three alternatives to evaluate for joint passenger and freight rail service that could aid Miami-Dade County with resiliency, congestion, goods movement and offer additional mobility options for residents and visitors. The study recommends the CSX Southwest Railroad Corridor be amended into the Miami-Dade 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), as a Priority IV unfunded project, for potential future use as a shared freight/passenger rail corridor. Read the Final Report at https://lnkd.in/gtsw8tGn and the Executive Summary at https://lnkd.in/g4uZVSzD. #MiamiDadeTPO

The The White House’s $1.305 billion request for the National Network is already $293 million below what Amtrak says is necessary for “base needs” in 2025. None of the $823 million in modernization projects could be funded in 2025, including the $250 million for #Chicago #Union #Station, a natural priority of #Transportation-HUD Appropriations Subcommittee ranking minority member Mike Quigley. If properly executed, the projects included in the $250 Million could set the stage for: 1. Critical #safety improvements at Union Station 2. New crosstown #rail service linking McCormick Place, Hyde Park, Beverly and other communities to #O’Hare 3. #Faster and more #reliable #trains, with more daily departures on several Amtrak routes.

Submit your comments on the Federal Railroad Administration's long-distance study here: https://lnkd.in/gDQBkVvn A few things to think about: The timeline of 2040-2060 is unacceptably long. Also, all current and new LD routes need to be faster, more frequent, and more reliable than what we have now. #amtraklongdistancestudy

More Amtrak routes proposed by the Federal Railroad Administration, which could connect Columbus to NYC, Dallas, New Orleans, Detroit and much more: https://lnkd.in/gJVvGPCh #amtrak #transportation