USA: Senate orders Amtrak to keep supporting Southwest Chief line
Amtrak will have to provide $3 million in rail-repair money to help continue the Southwest Chief passenger service, according to an amendment that senators have added to a national transportation bill. [chieftain.com]
Asia: The length of high-speed railway lines in China increased from zero 10 years ago to 25,000 km by 2017: 66 percent of world total
The length of high-speed railway lines in China increased from zero 10 years ago to 25,000 km by 2017, accounting for 66 percent of the world’s total. [xinhuanet.com]
Latin America: Trains collide near Machu Picchu in Peru; 15 hurt
A train crash near Machu Picchu, an Inca citadel and popular tourist site in Peru, injured more than a dozen tourists Tuesday. [upi.com]
USA: Senate Agrees to One-Year Ban on Transit Rail Car and Bus Procurements from Chinese-Owned Companies
The U.S. Senate has agreed to a one-year ban on any new procurements of mass transit rail cars or buses from companies owned or subsidized by the government of the People’s Republic of China. [enotrans.org]
UK: Liverpool Lime Street station reopens after upgrade works
Liverpool Lime Street station in the UK has reopened following an eight-week long upgrade work as part of the Great North Rail Project. [railway-technology.com]
Asia: Manila underground metro construction to begin this year
The secretary of the Philippines Department of Transportation (DOTr) has confirmed that major construction will begin on the first underground metro line in Manila by the end of this year, earlier than previously scheduled. [railjournal.com]
USA: Trying to Find the Truth in the Latest LA Times, NY Times California High-Speed Rail Pieces
Earlier this week, both the New York Times and the L.A. Times published articles on California high-speed rail (see Train News – July 31, 2018). [streetsblog.org]
USA: Berkshires rail improvements could benefit Albany, New York Region
Two Massachusetts initiatives to improve rail service to the Berkshires could end up benefitting the Capital Region, as well, rail advocates say. [timesunion.com]
