Amtrak allocates $130M for NE corridor upgrades
Amtrak is set to invest around $130M for rail improvement projects between Washington DC and New York. More than $55M of these works will be carried out this summer. The passenger railroad service has recruited 500 new employees for the completion of these projects, with more to be added. Upon completion, the projects are expected to cut lengthy train delays and enhance ride quality for customers. Under the works, Amtrak will replace 40 track switches and upgrade up to 25 miles of track along the Northeast Corridor. [railway-technology.com]
Stabilization plan for Del Mar Bluffs rail line is OK’d
The California Coastal Commission has approved the San Diego Association of Governments’ stabilization plans for the Del Mar Bluffs, despite objections to parts of the project from the North County Transit District as well as residents. This week, the commission unanimously approved the three-year, $68 million plan for a seawall, concrete-and-steel piles, and concrete drains to protect the rail line — used by Amtrak, NCTD Coaster commuter trains, and BNSF freight traffic — that sits atop the bluffs. The City of Del Mar objected to the plan. [trains.com]
Brightline aims for service to Orlando by Christmas
Private rail operator Brightline aims to be carrying passengers on its trains to Orlando by Christmas, as the railroad races to complete work of the line from Miami. The railroad has previously said the extension to Orlando from Miami would open in early 2023. When the extension opens, it will be the first modern passenger rail line to connect the two population centers of Florida — Miami and Orlando. Brightline estimates that a trip between Miami and Orlando will take a little over three hours; the same trip by car takes more than 3 hours and 20 minutes. [skift.com]
Fort Lauderdale advances ‘Las Olas Loop’ study
Almost a year after receiving an unsolicited proposal for an underground transportation system connecting Fort Lauderdale to Fort Lauderdale Beach, the Fort Lauderdale City Commission has approved the next actions in making this idea a reality. On Tuesday, the commission sanctioned The Boring Company to proceed with feasibility studies. The company, owned by Elon Musk, submitted the proposal for the plan in June of 2021 which details what a “loop” system is and how it differs from traditional underground transit. [nbcmiami.com]
Colorado Gov signs off on Front Range rail funding
Colorado Governor Jared Polis has signed a bill into law that provides nearly $9 million in funding for Front Range Passenger Rail planning and development. The plan calls for a rail system along the Interstate 25 corridor from Trinidad to Fort Collins that would connect with Amtrak’s Southwest Chief cross-country rail line. It may, in the future, be extended into Wyoming and New Mexico.[denvergazette.com]
Caltrain approves Bay Area commuter rail budget
The board of San Francisco to San Jose commuter rail operator Caltrain has approved the operating and capital budgets for the 2023 financial year starting on July 1 2022. The $179.2M operating budget includes $46.5M in farebox revenues, and for the second year in a row Caltrain assumes it will receive no contributions from the San Mateo County Transit District, the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority and the City & County of San Francisco. The capital budget covers long-term infrastructure improvement and maintenance projects, as well as rolling stock. [ailwaygazette.com]
