USA: LACMTA to begin Blue Line overhaul in January 2019
Los Angeles County Transportation Authority (LACMTA) will begin work on a $350-million comprehensive modernization of its oldest rail line in January 2019. [rtands.com]
USA: How Elon Musk’s O’Hare Express Got The Fast Track In Chicago
Musk’s plan, known as the O’Hare Express, is to build a speedy pod that will shoot through an underground tunnel to get riders between Downtown and O’Hare International Airport in just 12 minutes. [wbez.org]
Europe: Rail travel has shrunk French people’s mental map of their country
Each year, thanks to a network of fast links that can connect Paris to Marseille on the Mediterranean coast 800km away in just over three hours, as well as discounted family tickets, a massive 110m passengers take TGVs within France. [economist.com]
USA: Brightline scouts possible train station locations in Tampa
The Florida rail company is scouting possible station locations in anticipation of winning the state’s approval to run a passenger train service between Orlando and Tampa [therealdeal.com]
USA: Members of Congress ask Amtrak to reconsider Toys for Tots train
Three upstate New York members of Congress are asking Amtrak to reconsider a policy change that prompted the company’s decision to stop operating the annual Toys for Tots train. [timesunion.com]
USA: It’s Way Too Hot on the New York City Subway
Temperatures on New York City transit platforms are reaching past 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Many cars aren’t much better. How did we get here? [citylab.com]
Why is progress on California’s high-speed rail moving so slow?
Congressional leaders have questioned why the state isn’t giving the high-speed rail the same streamlined environmental reviews that it has allowed for football stadiums and basketball arenas. [kcra.com]
UK seeks to revolutionise rail travel
Better use of data could also allow rail companies to plan more effectively and predict and fix issues before they arise, creating a more reliable railway. [smartcitiesworld.net]
Asia: Bullet train to link Beijing and Hong Kong in nine hours
In nine hours and at a fare of about 1,000 yuan ($146), passengers will be able to travel from Beijing to Hong Kong via the much-awaited Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong High Speed Rail when the Hong Kong section is put into use next month. [ecns.cn]
USA: Salesforce Transit Center puzzle: When will the trains get to the station?
Beneath the art-bedecked terrazzo floor of San Francisco’s Salesforce Transit Center is an enormous concrete box waiting to be filled. [sfchronicle.com]
