Atlanta gets $2.8M to connect downtown streetcar to Beltline
Atlanta has received $2.8M in federal funds to expand the Atlanta Streetcar system, connecting light rail to the Georgia State campus, the Atlanta University Center and the Atlanta Westside Beltline. The Atlanta Streetcar Downtown Crosstown Extension project is a partnership with MARTA, which owns the streetcar, and the Atlanta Beltline. [ajc.com]
Florida wants to upgrade rail crossings in the next two years.
The Florida Department of Transportation will spend $60M on safety improvements to over 4,000 rail crossings during the next two years. Improvements will include warning stripes on pavement and new signage and crossing gates. Florida has experienced a recent increase in grade crossing related deaths. [ocala.com]
St Louis Loop Trolley to shut down
The financially strapped St Louis Loop Trolley will close on December 29, but trolley backers hope that the 2.2-mile line can reopen sometime next year under new management. The Bi-State Development Agency, which operates MetroLink and the Metro bus system, is the only option under serious consideration now. [stltoday.com]
What It’s like to switch from car travel to a daily train commute
Leaving behind the stress of crowded highways and unexpected delays, one recent convert to daily commuting by rail extolls the virtues of taking the train to work. Beyond the benefits to mental and physical health, the former road warrior has seen commuting costs drop by almost two thirds. [nepr.net]
Is US Passenger Rail A Thing Of The Past—Or The Future?
Can America’s long-neglected railroads provide a viable alternative for passenger travel, as congestion and climate concerns increasingly affect ground and air transportation? Amtrak’s recent near-breakeven quarter may be reason for optimism, as may public enthusiasm for a nostalgic train exhibition tour undertaken by Union Pacific. [forbes.com]
Macau’s Taipa to Cotai light rail open for service Dec 10
Passenger service along the first segment of the Macau Light Rapid Transit (LRT) system will debut Tuesday (December 10). The new 9.3 km (5.8 mi) Taipa-Cortai LRT features 11 stops and serves Cotai casino resorts and Macau International Airport. [ggrasia.com]
