In a blow to the bullet train, California might shift billions to L.A. and Bay Area projects
Key California lawmakers have devised a plan to shift billions of dollars from the Central Valley bullet train to rail projects in Southern California and the Bay Area, a strategy that could crush the dreams of high-speed rail purists. [latimes.com]
So Long, Swiping. New York’s ‘Tap-and-Go’ Subway Is Here.
While cities like London and Chicago have embraced tap cards and smartphone payments, New Yorkers continue to stand at turnstiles trying to swipe their MetroCards. Now New York is finally getting a modern “tap-and-go” fare system that will make other cities jealous. [nytimes.com]
Europe: A Dutch startup has made Europe’s first functioning Hyperloop system
Tech startup Hardt has built a full-function hyperloop test facility in Delft, Netherlands. Once fully implemented, the test site will facilitate passenger module testing, vacuum generation, magnetic levitation, and full-speed lane switching. In the long term, Hardt is planning an extensive hyperloop network in Europe. [businessinsider.com]
SunRail’s Osceola stations boost ridership as major challenge for commuter train looms
Central Florida’s SunRail commuter train ridership has exceeded first-year projections for its newest Osceola County extension. Meanwhile, local governments are bracing for the scheduled takeover in two years of SunRail from the Florida Department of Transportation. [orlandosentinel.com]
