Amtrak launches NYC service to Burlington Vermont
With Amtrak’s arrival, Burlington, Vermont is celebrating the return of regularly scheduled intercity passenger rail service after a 69-year hiatus. The launch brought Amtrak’s Ethan Allen Express train 67 miles north of its previous northern terminus, Rutland. Daily trains cover the 308 miles between New York City’s Penn Station and Burlington’s Union Station in just over 7.5 hours. Southbound trains depart at 10:10 am with northbound return trips arriving in Burlington at 9:55 pm. [vermontbiz.com]
Amtrak says Gulf return won’t impair freight service
In its quest to relaunch Gulf Coast.passenger-rail service between New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama, Amtrak has filed a supplemental brief and evidence with the Surface Transportation Board (STB). Track owners CSX and Norfolk Southern Railway oppose Amtrak’s proposal unless it makes significant infrastructure investments while Alabama Port Authority officials say it would negatively impact Port of Mobile operations. Amtrak says that its additional evidence confirms that the proposed service would not “unreasonably impair” freight transportation. [progressiverailroading.com]
Mexico train proj pegged at $20B – 70% over budget
Mexico President Lopez Obrador’s flagship Maya Train project is running wildly over budget amid setbacks and soaring inflation. The president’s newly announced $15B to $20B price tag is as much as 70% higher than the $11.8B estimate previously announced. The rail line’s projected cost ballooned in part because of surging costs for shipping and raw materials. The original route has also undergone several changes and court suspensions amid concerns over environmental impact. Lopez Obrador has insisted it be inaugurated by the end of 2023, adding pressure for builders to finish at all costs. [bloomberg.com]
NYC MTA plans universal subway wireless connectivity
New York City’s MTA plans a public-private partnership with Transit Wireless to provide cell coverage throughout all 418 track miles of subway tunnels, along with an expansion of Wi-Fi service to all 191 above-ground subway and 21 Staten Island Railway stations. Transit Wireless currently partners with the MTA to provide cellular and Wi-Fi service at all 281 underground subway stations. Work on the project would begin immediately and be completed in 10 years. Riders will be able to use the new services as each section is completed. [masstransitmag.com]
