Amtrak adding second Missouri cross-state train
After an eight-month hiatus, a second cross-state train is returning to Amtrak’s Missouri River Runner service. The service between St. Louis and Kansas City makes stops in Kirkwood, Washington, Hermann, Jefferson City, Sedalia, Warrensburg, Lee’s Summit and Independence. Missouri lawmakers underfunded Amtrak last year, resulting in the second train being discontinued in January. The state’s new budget, which took effect July 1, boosted the funding to $13.25 million, up from $10.8 million in the previous fiscal year. [stltoday.com]
Tentative agreement averts VIA Rail Canada
A strike that threatened to suspend passenger rail services across Canada was averted early Tuesday after Unifor and VIA Rail reached a tentative agreement, according to the union and rail operator. Unifor, which represents 2,400 VIA Rail employees, said the tentative agreement was reached just hours before members were prepared to strike. Instead, both the union and Via said service will operate normally, pending ratification of the agreement. [cbc.ca]
Texas Central moving ahead after favorable ruling
In response to a recent court ruling in its favor, Texas Central has stated that, having made significant strides over the last several years, it is moving forward on a path intended to ensure the project’s successful development. The railroad had been the subject of a legal battle concerning its authority to acquire property under eminent domain. Reversing a lower court decision, the supreme court ruled that it had authority to acquire land under eminent domain because they qualify as an interurban electric railway companies. [masstransitmag.com]
Is it time to expand NJ Transit rail service to PA
A petition is asking state and federal officials to return NJ Transit’s Raritan Valley Line service to its historical roots by restoring commuter train service to Phillipsburg and across the Delaware River to Allentown, Pennsylvania. The Change.org petition asks NJ Transit, the U.S. Department of Transportation, Gov. Phil Murphy and the state senate to consider the idea, saying it is “unacceptable” that Phillipsburg, Easton, Allentown and Bethlehem are without passenger rail service. [nj.com]
Tempe’s streetcar sees 24,000 rides in first month
People rode the Tempe Streetcar almost 24,000 times in its first month after opening in May. It’s the first modern streetcar line in metro Phoenix and travels on Mill and Ash avenues from Rio Salado Parkway and Marina Heights to Dorsey Lane and Apache Boulevard. The Tempe Streetcar, which was supposed to open last year but was delayed because of the pandemic and supply chain issues, is the newest public transit option in the Valley. [axios.com]
