Asia: World’s Fastest Bullet Train Starts High-Speed Tests
Japan is pushing the limits of rail travel as it begins testing the fastest-ever shinkansen bullet train, capable of speeds of as much as 400 kilometers (249 miles) per hour. [bloomberg.com]
Canada: VIA Rail reports growth for fourth consecutive year
Canada’s national passenger rail operator, Via Rail, reports an increase in ridership and revenue in 2018, marking the fourth consecutive year in which growth in traffic and turnover has been achieved. [railjournal.com]
USA: Golden Spike event celebrates the Transcontinental Railroad’s 150th anniversary
Dot, Dot, Dot. Done!” That message, telegraphed 150 years ago, set off celebrations as the driving of the Golden Spike completed the Transcontinental Railroad. On Friday, at the Golden Spike National Historical Park at Promontory Summit, Utah, a reenactor keyed the same message. [latimes.com]
USA: CTA brings downtown subway stations under wireless coverage
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) in the US has made free Wi-Fi network service available at 18 downtown Red and Blue Line station platforms. [railway-technology.com]
Asia: Nepal to operate its first broad gauge passenger railway in five months
Once the Janakpur-Jaynagar railway comes into operation, it will be the first time that Nepal will have an operating passenger railway system since the narrow gauge service was halted six years ago. [globaltimes.cn]
