USA: Buses to replace long-distance Amtrak trains under Trump budget proposal
The Trump Administration’s initial budget proposal for the 2020 financial year eliminates Amtrak long-distance trains with existing routes being partly replaced by ‘robust inter-city bus services.’ [railwaygazette.com]
Canada: Government funding confirmed for 2 Edmonton LRT expansions
A federal investment of $1 billion CDN to help fund the Alberta capital’s Valley Line West LRT and Metro Line Northwest LRT line expansions has been confirmed. Construction is expected to start as early as next year. [globalnews.ca]
Europe: Connecting Istanbul’s east and west, Marmaray suburban rail fully opens
Seen as the backbone connection that will join the transportation systems of Turkey’s most populous city, the new 63 km link in the 76.6-kilometer Gebze-Halkalı railway adds a vital cross-Bosporus tunnel connection. [dailysabah.com]
Europe: Rail Baltica passenger and freight service plan unveiled
Rail Baltica promoter RB Rail has unveiled an operational plan for the future 870 km service from the Polish border to Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. The plan calls for high-speed links between Tallinn, Vilnius, Kaunas and Warsaw. [railwaygazette.com]
Asia: Japan to fund LRT system in Sri Lankan capital
Japan’s overseas development agency has agreed to lend funds for a new $1.5bn USD light rail transit system in Colombo. The LRT system will be served by 16 stations along a 15.7 km (9.8 mi) elevated track. [dailynews.lk]
