Kansas City Streetcar ridership, satisfaction on the rise
After more than three years of service, passengers are still riding the Kansas City Streetcar in record numbers. In 2019, total KC Streetcar ridership was 2,228,942 – a 5.5% yearly increase. A September 2019 survey showed 95% or greater customer satisfaction with streetcar reliability, ease of use, safety, and cleanliness. [railwayage.com]
Stabilization project launched to protect crumbling LA-San Diego rail corridor
Following a series of collapses, regional government and transportation agencies have launched a $10 million project to stabilize the Del Mar bluffs underpinning Southern California’s most vital rail corridor. The agencies have told the state that another $100 million will be needed over the next four years to ensure the safety of bluffs. Acceleration of a costlier plan to move the tracks inland is also being called for. [sandiegouniontribune.com]
Maryland MARC trains could be carrying passengers into Virginia in a few years
A new bill introduced in the Maryland General Assembly directs the state to begin laying the groundwork that would allow MARC trains to travel past Union Station in Washington D.C. and into Northern Virginia, with the goal of having the Maryland commuter rail service operating across the Potomac River within a few years.[washingtonpost.com]
Flight shaming is working, but will Europe’s railways buckle under the strain?
While most Europeans agree that the public’s addiction to flying has to be tackled — after all, air travel is the most individually polluting form of transportation — many are loathe to acknowledge that Europe’s rail systems are ill-prepared to welcome an onslaught of new passengers. [dw.com]
MTA Studies Adding passenger service to rail line linking Brooklyn and Queens
New York City’s MTA has commissioned a study to explore the possibility of adding passenger transit service along what’s currently a freight-only rail line between Brooklyn and Queens. The study will look at the potential of adding “subway, commuter rail, light rail or bus service” along the 16 mi Bay Ridge Branch corridor that runs from Astoria, Queens to Bay Bridge, Brooklyn. [citylimits.org]
