Amtrak Wolverine to run at 110 mph along Michigan stretch
Amtrak will increase the maximum speed of its trains along a 45-mile stretch between Kalamazoo and Albion this summer. The federal government granted approval to Amtrak and the Michigan Department of Transportation to increase maximum speeds of Amtrak Midwest trains to 110 miles per hour between the two cities making it the first state-owned rail corridor with passenger trains traveling up to 110 mph. Amtrak will also add an additional Pontiac/Detroit-Chicago Wolverine Service round trip after operating only one daily round trip since March 2020 due to the pandemic. [detroitnews.com]
Amtrak, central Ohio leaders discuss proposed rail expansion
Central Ohio business and government leaders have met virtually with Amtrak executives to discuss a proposed plan for passenger-rail service connecting Columbus, Cleveland, Dayton and Cincinnati by 2035. The proposed “3C+D” corridor would turn Cincinnati and Cleveland into new Amtrak hubs. In addition to existing long-distance services, Amtrak wants to add four daily roundtrips between Cincinnati and Chicago; three daily roundtrips between Cleveland and Detroit; and two daily roundtrips between Cleveland and New York City. [progressiverailroading.com]
German Greens want more rail travel, fewer domestic flights
Germany’s environmentalist Greens party wants to boost rail travel at the expense of domestic flights to help the country achieve its goal of sharply reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Greens’ candidate for chancellorship in this year’s national election, Annalena Baerbock, says her party would reduce government subsidies for air travel to create a level playing field for rail companies. Baerbock says public money should no longer support rock-bottom airline ticket prices and train travel could be encouraged by increasing the frequency of long-distance rail connections and expanding night train services. [apnews.com]
Eurostar to increase services and complete Thalys merger
Cross-Channel high speed train operator Eurostar has announced a £250M ($350M USD) refinancing agreement enabling it to continue operating while meeting financial obligations. Travel restrictions imposed due to the coronavirus forced a 95% decline in ridership resulting in service cuts and staff furloughs. Eurostar plans to now focus on restoring demand, maintaining cost controls, and completion of the planned merger with Thalys to create ‘one unified European high speed rail company.’ [railwaygazette.com]
