Gov asks Ohio DOT to explore Amtrak expansion
For the first time since Amtrak proposed a major expansion of passenger rail service in Ohio more than a year ago, Gov. Mike DeWine has expressed interest in learning more about the plan. According to a statement released by the governor’s office, DeWine has asked the Ohio Rail Development Commission, which is part of the state DOT, to work with Amtrak “to determine the feasibility and cost” of several proposed routes. Included in that expansion plan: a new route linking Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton and Cincinnati, the so-called 3C+D line. [cleveland.com]
Program to fast-track US passenger rail projects
USDOT’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has established the new Corridor Identification and Development (ID) Program. The Corridor ID Program is the first step in a process to transform America’s passenger rail network. It will establish a pipeline of projects ready for funding – allowing them to be implemented faster and with greater coordination than before. The program will assist in directing federal investments and technical assistance toward new and improved intercity passenger rail services across the nation. [rtands.com]
Toronto’s Finch West LRT track now 35% installed
Key track sections have been installed for Toronto’s Finch West Light Rail Transit (LRT) project according to agency, Metrolinx. The line will run along Finch Avenue West from Keele Street to Highway 27, connecting with Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), York Region, and Peel Region transit services. Mosaic Transit Group has currently laid approximately 35% of the line’s required track including mainline and service facilities. Track installation will continue into 2023. [rtands.com]
Amtrak delays Cascades to Vancouver BC till December
Amtrak will postpone restoring its Cascades passenger-train service between Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia, until a target date of December because the national railway lacks enough personnel. The service gap occurred despite the Biden administration’s much-hyped $66 billion allotted in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to catch up on maintenance and spread Amtrak service to new cities. Transportation officials in Washington state hoped the trains would roll again by summer or even late spring. [seattletimes.com]
VIA Rail Canada reports jump in ridership for 2021
VIA Rail Canada saw its ridership increase 31.9% in 2021 over 2020’s ridership, with passenger revenue climbing 54.3% year over year. The passenger railroad stayed on budget and also marked a 3.2% dip in operating expenses. VIA Rail has been adjusting its gradual service resumption plan as the pandemic and health and safety guidelines evolve. The railroad will continue to advance service recovery initiatives in 2022. It is also in the midst of building a new fleet for the Quebec City-Windsor corridor, the first trainset of which was unveiled in November 2021. [progressiverailroading.com]
