Public outcry returns 3-car trains to Denver tracks
Light-rail trains on four Denver RTD lines have resume running with three-car sets on weekdays after riders protested a week-old decision to shorten them to two cars. The decision to run smaller train sets on the D, E, W and H lines was based on average ridership well below the longer trains’ capacity. But riders complaints, citing health and other concerns, forced RTD to reverse the decision, after running shorter trains for only one week. [denverpost.com]
California high-speed construction update released
The California High-Speed Rail Authority’s Spring 2022 Construction Update highlights the progress being made on the nation’s first high-speed rail project. With continued winter construction progress, highlights include last month’s completion of the South Avenue Grade Separation in Fresno County, updates on the Cedar Viaduct’s dual span of arches and installation of pre-cast concrete girders at the Conejo Viaduct. [rtands.com]
Montana rail advocates briefed on BNSF-Amtrak tie
BNSF officials have met with the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority in Montana to discuss their $3.5 billion capital plan for 2022, and the potential benefits of the recently passed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Burlington Northern Santa Fe stated it maintains a good working relationship with Amtrak and is poised to invest millions of dollars in new infrastructure. BNSF owns and operates most of the track in Montana, including the Empire Builder route. It also owns the old North Coast Hiawatha route, which rail advocates are looking to restore. [missoulacurrent.com]
Japan’s Nozomi bullet marks 30 years of fast-tracking
The Nozomi Shinkansen bullet train has marked its 30th anniversary. The Tokaido Shinkansen line train made its debut in 1992, eclipsing the then super-express Hikari service by 19 minutes. The Nozomi was initially introduced to compete with airline services. The latest Nozomi train, the N700S, took to the tracks in 2020. With a top speed of 285 kph (177 mph), it connects Tokyo and Shin-Osaka in 2 hours and 21 minutes, with 12 departures possible each hour. [the-japan-news.com]
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