Morocco inaugurates Africa’s fastest train
Morocco’s state-owned railway, ONCF, has inaugurated Africa’s high-speed train which will halve traveling time between the commercial and industrial hubs of Casablanca and Tangier. [reuters.com]
USA: Florida’s Brightline to become Virgin Trains USA
Brightline will be renamed Virgin Trains USA as part of a new partnership with Richard Branson’s Virgin Group, the railroad has announced. [usatoday.com]
USA: Amtrak touts performance, financial records
Amtrak has announced preliminary “record revenue and earnings” for its fiscal year ended Sept. 30, 2018. [railwayage.com]
UK: London’s New Elizabeth Line Aims To Help Millions Traverse The City Faster
Delayed until Fall 2019, London’s Crossrail project will connect all of the British capital’s major areas with one new line. [wbur.org]
Europe: EU Parliament adopts rail passenger rights recast
Legislation amending EU rules on rail passenger rights was approved by MEPs at a plenary session of the European Parliament on November 15. [railjournal.com]
USA Transportation Secretary Chao announces availability of $272 million for ‘State of Good Repair’ rail projects
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Federal-State Partnership for State of Good Repair Program (Partnership Program). [ajot.com]
Canada: Private funding needed under C$6bn VIA Rail investment plan
National passenger operator VIA Rail says that private-sector backing will be needed to support an investment programme worth more than C$6bn over the next decade. [railwaygazette.com]
USA: Feds green light Metro Transit’s Southwest light-rail extension
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) yesterday issued a letter of no prejudice for Metro Transit’s $2 billion Green Line light-rail extension in Minneapolis and its southwestern suburbs. [progressiverailroading.com]
