USA: Minneapolis begins construction of $2B Southwest light rail line
The line, which will extend 14.5 mi (23 km) connect downtown Minneapolis with Eden Prairie, will include 16 new stations and connect to other lines. [apnews.com]
USA: Phoenix opens Mesa light rail extension
After nearly three years of construction, a 1.9 mi (3 km) Mesa light rail extension and intermodal transit center have opened, completing Valley Metro’s eastern leg. [azcentral.com]
Study shows potential introduction of hydrogen-powered trains in Europe
The study shows that hydrogen technology provides a flexible, zero-emission and potentially cost-competitive solution underpinning clear business cases to replace diesel trains. [globalrailwayreview.com]
Europe: Could Cologne’s central station move underground?
A debate about Cologne’s future has been sparked after a proposal was lodged to move the Hauptbahnhof underground. But with Germany’s questionable track record on public infrastructure projects, is this viable? [thelocal.de]
Latin America: Santiago to expand commuter rail network
Environmental approval was granted in mid-May for a $1.56B project to introduce a second commuter rail service in the Chilean capital running 25km from Santiago to Malloco on the line to Melipilla. [railjournal.com]
