USA: America’s trains are a drag. The Green New Deal wants to fix that.
High-speed trains already compete with planes in many parts of the world. They also have far lower carbon emissions. [vox.com]
USA: Denver’s G Line could soon see passenger service after reaching major milestone
The completed 11-mile stretch of commuter rail between Union Station and Wheat Ridge may soon see passenger service after receiving two key approvals from federal regulators. [thedenverchannel.com]
Asia: Japan unveils test track for new bullet set to travel at 360 kph (220 mph)
East Japan Railway Co. has unveiled the test bed of the next-generation “shinkansen” bullet train, in Kudamatsu, Yamaguchi Prefecture. [kyodonews.net]
UK: Pay-as-you-go Train Travel Could Expand Nationwide
The Department for Transport (DfT) will look to expand the smart ticketing (PAYG) model nationally. The fare payment system, which uses contactless bank cards or smartcards, is currently used in London and Yorkshire. [independent.co.uk]
Europe: Danish rail operator to offer cheaper tickets as passengers make hop to bus travel
Denmark’s national rail operator DSB is to offer new discounted fares as it feels the pinch from competition provided by intercity coach companies. [thelocal.dk]
Canada: Ottawa station is now VIA Rail’s most accessible station
Recent renovations, including the installation of elevators and heated boarding platforms with ramps, have upgraded the station to meet international accessibility standards. [progressiverailroading.com]
Europe: Passenger rail market growing, says EU report
Passenger traffic in the European Union (EU) continued to grow by 1.7% per year between 2009 and 2011, the European Commission (EC) report on the state of the EU rail market shows. [railjournal.com]
Canada: 13 capital region mayors urge B.C. to act on commuter rail for E&N line
Immediate action is needed to get passenger trains running on the E&N Rail line between Langford and Victoria, the region’s 13 mayors say in an appeal for funding in the upcoming provincial budget. [timescolonist.com]
Europe: Netherlands extends plans for high-frequency operations
A new plan calls for trains to connect nine major Dutch cities every 10 minutes by 2040. [railjournal.com]
