Texas high-speed train may begin construction before the end of 2020
Texas Central has told Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce members that construction of its high-speed line may before year’s end. Required economic impact statement and safety rules are expected to be completed this summer. High-speed trains, traveling at 200 mph, will complete the 240-mile journey between Houston and Dallas in 90-minutes. Texas Central has confirmed that Japan Rail’s newest Shinkansen N700S bullet trains will be operated on the line. [chron.com]
Boston building a better T
This year will see substantial investment flow into Boston’s subway, light rail and commuter rail networks, with the acceleration of essential improvements under an $8 billion programme branded ‘Building a Better T’. Launched on July 1 2018, ‘Building a Better T’ includes extensive track replacement, infrastructure renewals and station improvements on all parts of the system, from the transformation of the Red and Green subway lines to the introduction of Positive Train Control on the commuter rail network. [railwaygazette.com]
Plans to add Amtrak trips between Milwaukee and Chicago get a boost
Plans to add more Amtrak trips between Milwaukee and Chicago are getting a boost thanks to a new $26.6 million federal grant to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation which will be used to make improvements at Muskego Yard. Those improvements will create a route for Canadian Pacific’s freight trains to bypass the railroad’s mainline tracks that run through the Milwaukee Intermodal Station, which also serves Amtrak passenger trains. [jsonline.com]
Denver RTD’s new low-income rider program casts a wide net, but many have slipped through
A new Denver program meant to make discounted fares directly accessible to low-income riders has become a new barrier for some of RTD’s neediest passengers. Previously, homeless service providers could purchase tickets at a 50 percent discount and hand them out to needy clients. Now, clients must complete an online form and carry a LIVE card to receive assistance. For many homeless, applying on line and keeping track of important documents are difficult tasks. [cpr.org]
