USA: Amtrak’s next-generation Acela cars taking shape
Even as Congress eyes renewed debates over the future of passenger rail, the first shells of a $2 billion fleet of 28 new Acela train sets are starting to take shape — the new generation of U.S. high-speed trains is expected to start service in 2021. [marketwatch.com]
USA: Los Angeles’s Metro’s downtown subway project may not open until mid-2022
Already plagued by budget increases and delays and grappling with labor shortages, the twin tunnel Regional Connector seen as the linchpin in L.A. County’s ambitious rail expansion plans now faces new delays, pushing completion back to mid-March 2022. [latimes.com]
Asia: China’s high-speed rail carries world record 10 billion passengers
China’s high-speed railway transported over 10 billion passengers during 2019’s first quarter, according to China Railway. China had almost 18,600 mi (30,000 km) of high-speed track in 2018, twice the total of the rest of the world combined. [globaltimes.cn]
USA: All aboard! NJ Transit resumes Philadelphia-Atlantic City rail service
Service had been suspended last September to allow the transit agency to finish installation of the Positive Train Control safety system. The line is popular with tourists to the Jersey Shore’s gaming city as well as with everyday commuters. [philly.com]
Europe: Slovakia – Ukraine passenger service to launch in June
Slovakian national operator ZSSK and its Ukrainian counterpart UZ have agreed to launch a through passenger service on June 9th on the 146 km route between Košice and Mukachevo via the Čierna nad Tisou/Chop border crossing. [railwaygazette.com]
