Phoenix light rail project now about 50% complete
The South Central Extension/Downtown Hub light rail project in Phoenix has reached the halfway mark. Work started two years ago, and underground work is about 90% finished, leaving surface work to complete. The 5 mi (8 km) line will connect south Phoenix to the regional light rail system that runs from downtown to Baseline Road. The route will serve eight stations and a downtown hub. The project is expected to be complete in 2024, expanding the Valley Metro Light Rail System from one line to two. [rtands.com]
Advocates push Montreal-to-Boston passenger rail
Rail advocates are dusting off a proposal for passenger train service between Montreal and Boston. If obstacles can be overcome, hundreds of travelers would ride a privately operated, overnight train each day, according to a ridership study. Promoters envision a relaxed ride with a meal and sleep before arriving bright-eyed at the destination. The 14-hour ride would travel through Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and Quebec. [apnews.com]
NYC subway ridership hits post-pandemic high
New York City’s subways set a ridership record on Thursday, September 8th, carrying more than 3.6 million people in the highest traffic day since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020. The influx of riders, which is about a 35% increase from the same day a year ago, coincided with the reopening of public schools, as parents and students rode the biggest mass transit system in the US to get back into the classrooms and offices. [bloomberg.com]
KCS Holiday Express Train and fundraiser return
The Kansas City Southern (KSC) Holiday Express train will be returning to the rails for the first time since the start of the pandemic in 2020 and will continue its tradition of charitable giving to The Salvation Army. The festive six-car holiday train, which, according to the railroad, has raised more than $2.6 million throughout its 21-year run, will feature intricate displays inside and out and bring Santa Claus and his elves to visit children and families in 20 communities in eight states, beginning Nov. 23. [railwayage.com]
