Las Vegas bullet train back on track as US reviews LA extension
Brightline could begin construction of its high-speed train from Las Vegas by early 2023 as the US DOT’s Federal Rail Administration starts reviewing an extension that would connect it to a Los Angeles suburb. The review focuses on a 49-mile section in California’s Cajon Pass which, starting in Rancho Cucamonga, would run at speeds of up to 180 mph and connect to a previously approved 216-mile portion from California’s Victor Valley to Las Vegas. The assessment could be completed by this November, allowing Brightline to begin construction of the project. [forbes.com]
Amtrak plans train station upgrades if Gulf Coast route OK’d
Amtrak is taking steps to prepare train stations for eventual passenger service along the Mississippi Gulf Coast if the route is eventually approved. Passenger rail service on the Gulf Coast route is in a holding pattern for now. A February hearing with the Surface Transportation Board will determine whether the plans to launch passenger train service from New Orleans to Mobile can move forward. While awaiting that ruling, Amtrak is preparing to take bids for contractors to build the train platforms that will be needed before passenger service can begin. [apnews.com]
Mesa receives $920K for 5-mile streetcar route development
Mesa has received a $920,000 federal grant to manage the planning of 11 stations along a 5-mile streetcar route that would connect four activity centers, according to East Valley city officials. Funding, which comes from the FTA’s Transit-Oriented Development Planning grant pilot program, will be used to conduct extensive planning efforts, determine design guidelines, and establish economic strategies. When completed, the route would connect Riverview Marketplace, Asian District, Fiesta District, and downtown. [ktar.com]
Recovering Hartford Line chasing pre-pandemic business levels
CTrail’s Hartford Line — commuter rail from Springfield to New Haven, Connecticut — gained nearly 80,000 riders from 2020 to 2021, but ridership is still about half what it was in the pre-pandemic year of 2019. The Hartford Line carried 357,000 passengers in all of 2021, according to the Connecticut Commuter Rail Council. That’s up from 279,600 in 2020, when travel was restricted and many offices were shut down. In 2019, the rail line carried 730,589 passengers. The 357,00 riders from 2021 represent 48.9% of the 2019 ridership. [masstransitmag.com]
